What’s the Actual Standard of Resume Paper

When creating a resume, people often focus more on the content and less on the resume paper on which the content is printed.

Presentation is key to producing a powerful and appealing resume, so choosing the right paper for a resume is just as important a consideration as the font, format, and style. Even in today’s digital age, when a large percentage of resumes are sent via email, one’s choice of paper still matters. Based on our extensive experience in a resume writing service, we know for a fact that many recruiters and hiring managers still prefer to read physical resumes over scrolling through a screen.

Needless to say, aside from sending your resume through email, you also have to print it out on paper and send it out to the appropriate person. But you shouldn’t just use any type of paper for your resume—you need to use resume paper.

What is a resume paper?

As the name suggests, resume paper refers to a type of paper used for resume writing. It is thicker, weightier, and more opaque than regular 20-lbs copy paper that people use for printing office documents. Resume paper can come in different materials, colors, and textures as well.

Although you can always use any type of paper for your resume, the rule of thumb dictates that you must use quality paper that prints better, is made of high-grade material, and looks professional. Resume paper checks all these boxes. It goes without saying that if you want your resume to be taken seriously by recruiters and hiring managers who read it, then you absolutely need to use resume paper.

Of course, there’s more than one type of resume paper that you can use. Below are some of the considerations and options you have when choosing the right resume paper for your needs.

Why do you need a special resume paper?

Can’t you just opt for the regular type of paper you use at your office? It’s not just about making your resume look good, although that’s one reason for it. When sending a job application, you care about creating an impression that communicates professionalism and attention to detail. Here’s why the type of paper matters in that aspect:

• First impressions are important

Recruiters sift through dozens, if not hundreds, of resumes for a single open position. The tactile feel of quality resume paper immediately sets you apart from the stack. It shows that you’ve put extra thought and effort into every aspect of your application. 

• Special resume paper is durable and long-lasting

Here’s the thing with standard office paper: it easily creases, tears, and smudges. Although those appear as minor issues, they may undermine the professional appeal of your resume. Special paper is designed to withstand handling. It gives you a better chance for your document to remain pristine, no matter whether it’s handed over in person or sorted through a pile.

• A well-looking resume reflects your professionalism

In the job application process, the resume represents who you are. The hiring manager doesn’t know you, so they form an impression through the documents you send. Using high-quality paper signals that you pay attention to detail and value presenting yourself in the best possible light. 

• Good paper results in better print

Resume paper is designed for sharp printing. Your text, fonts, and design elements will stand out. High-quality paper improves the readability of your resume and gives a polished, professional appearance.  

• You have to meet industry expectations

Industries with traditional hiring practices (such as law, finance, or academia) expect physical resumes on professional paper. Each applicant has to meet those expectations, so they will show they understand the norms of the industry. Every detail of your application shows how serious you are about the role. 

Paper type

The material you choose for your resume is crucial, as it immediately conveys whether the paper is of high quality or not. Some of the best options for resume paper material include cotton, linen, and granite. Here’s a closer look at each type and why it might be suitable for you:

• Cotton is the more widely accepted material, as its crisp and clean appearance instantly makes it a great professional-looking paper choice. Cotton is also an environmentally sustainable material, making it the best paper for a resume for many. This material’s fibers create a stronger, long-lasting paper, which ensures that your resume will hold up well during handling. It works best for formal industries like law, finance, and academia. It gives you that “timeless professionalism” vibe that hiring managers value.

• Linen, on the other hand, adds a nice texture while retaining an all-important professional appearance. It has a subtly textured surface, which adds depth and sophistication to your resume. The finish is elegant but not overwhelming at all. Since this is textured paper, it has a tactile advantage over commonly used resume paper. It’s best for creative industries, executive roles, or applications that welcome a hint of flair.   

• Granite comes with dark speckles, which lend a unique quality to a resume without sacrificing a formal tone. The speckles add subtle detail, which makes the resume visually engaging without being overly stylized. Granite paper is ideal for applicants who want to demonstrate creativity and individuality without straying from professional standards. It’s a great choice for marketing, design, and other roles where it matters to stand out visually.

Weight

The choice for resume paper weight often falls between 24 lbs. or 32 lbs. Many consider the standard 20-lbs. paper unacceptable for resume writing, as it is far too bland and common, and makes a resume look cheap and sloppy. Why should you avoid it? It’s used for everyday office printing. It’s ordinary and unimpressive for a professional resume. Standard paper is also thin and prone to creasing. It doesn’t hold up well to frequent handling, so your resume will be left vulnerable to wear and tear. 

24 lbs. paper is the most common choice, as it can adequately handle frequent handling and prints. Most of the formal papers sold in the market come in 24 lbs. weight. That’s light enough to avoid being bulky while still being a nice upgrade from standard paper. 24 lbs. paper offers a professional look and feel, but it’s not much more expensive than standard paper. 

However, many believe that 32 lbs. paper gives a resume better ‘gravitas,’ which helps make the paper feel more important. Proponents of the use of 32 lbs. paper for resume writing cite the official appearance of diplomas and certifications—which use weightier paper—as good reasons. The heavier weight gives a sense of importance and prestige to your resume. The thickness provides a luxurious feel to the touch, so your resume will stand out both visually and physically. With a weightier paper, your resume will be more resilient to creases and wear. 

Now you must be confused: how do you choose between 24 lbs. and 32 lbs. paper?

• Consider the industry norms. For traditional and conservative fields, like law or finance, heavy paper (32 lbs) will convey the expected level of professionalism. 

• What’s the application method? If you plan to mail or hand-deliver your resume, 32 lbs. paper will make a strong impression. But if a stack of resumes is going to be submitted in person, 24 lbs. paper is a more practical choice.

• Then there are the budget considerations. 32 lbs. paper certainly looks luxurious, but it’s also expensive. If you’re on a budget but still want quality, 24 lbs. paper is a good compromise.

Color

You might think that white is your best resume paper color choice, and you’d be wrong. Though white works for most occasions, you’ll want to consider the industry you want to work in, and if some artistic merit is warranted. Subtle shades of blue, brown, green, or yellow can work for more creative positions, such as web designers or graphic illustrators. Likewise, an off-white or ivory paper will still appear formal while giving your resume a distinguishing factor that helps you stand out from the rest of the candidates.

In general, these are your options:

• White is a classic choice. Although it’s commonly used, it’s still clean and professional-looking. It works well for most industries. It pairs seamlessly with any font or layout. You don’t have to worry about readability and compatibility here. White paper works for formal industries, such as law, accounting, and healthcare. In those niches, hiring managers prioritize simplicity and clarity. 

• Off-white or ivory paper is a step above the standard. These shades are slightly distinct from white, so they still maintain a professional look. They also give a sense of vintage elegance. The softer tone is easier on the eyes compared to bright white, especially under artificial lighting. Off-white paper is perfect for corporate, academic CV writing, or executive roles where you want to stand out without being too bold.

• Light blue conveys calmness and reliability. It’s great for roles like graphic design or marketing. 

• Pale yellow gives a sense of energy and optimism. That works for artistic positions. 

• Soft green suggests growth and balance. It aligns well with roles in environmental design or sustainable industries. 

• Light brown or beige are bold colors for a resume. They reflect stability and give a sense of grounded aesthetic. These colors work well for creative roles, but should still remain subtle and muted. You don’t want to overwhelm the reader with the background color, which would distract them from the content. 

How can you choose the right color for your resume from all these options?

• Research your industry to see what hiring managers expect from applicants. You need to know if they prefer a traditional or creative approach.

• Consider the way you’ll submit your application. If it’s a formal submission, then a more conservative color choice would be appropriate. But if you intend to hand out resumes during a creative job fair, a pop of personality will be much appreciated.

• The color must enhance the text and layout when printed. If you notice that it makes the resume difficult to read, change it to a more conservative choice. 

Size

Although you have many choices in terms of material, weight, and color, you only have one resume paper size option: 8.5 x 11 inches. Go smaller or larger, and you risk your resume getting looked at unfavorably. Leave the best impression by sticking to the tried-and-true 8.5 x 11-inch resume paper size.

Keep in mind that the 8.5 x 11-inch size is standard in the U.S. and Canada. If you apply internationally, you should know that A4 size (210 x 297 mm) is the preferred choice in many other countries, including those in Europe. 

Here’s why sticking to the standards matters:

• Employers expect resumes to conform to standard letter size. If you deviate from that norm, your application will appear unprofessional. They will assume you didn’t get yourself informed about resume standards. 

• Larger sizes seem pretentious. Smaller ones, on the other hand, give out the impression of cutting corners. A hiring manager will assume you wanted to invest in high-quality paper, but you still wanted to save money, so you sacrificed the size for that sake. 

• Standard-sized resumes fit into filing systems, folders, and briefcases. An unconventional size will be inconvenient for hiring managers to handle. 

• Most printers, scanners, and photocopiers are designed for standard-size paper. A resume printed in a larger format will cause technical issues, such as cropping or scaling during processing. 

• Unusual sizes make your resume stand out, but not in a good way. The size could be a distraction from your qualifications. Smaller sizes will cramp your layout and compromise readability. Larger sizes will make your resume seem like an advertisement. 

Here’s an extra formatting tip: make sure your margins and spacing complement the standard size. You should leave enough white space for a clean and polished look. 

Texture

Professional paper comes in two general textures: coated and uncoated. Examples of coated paper include matte, dull, satin, and glass, while uncoated paper types include wove and laid. Although any of these will work for your resume, you don’t want your paper’s texture to be too distracting. Regardless of the texture of the paper you decide to use, make sure to check the final printed product before sending it out. If the texture takes the focus off your resume’s content, replace it with something subtler.

Let’s talk about the different types of textures, so you’ll know what to choose:

• Coated paper enhances the vibrancy of printed text. It works well for resumes in creative industries, where design and presentation play an important role. It’s also perfect for resumes with visual elements, such as infographics. Whether it’s matte, dull, satin, or glossy, coated paper will make your resume look sharp and polished. However, overly shiny finishes can be distracting and make the content difficult to read under certain lighting conditions. That’s why coated paper, satin, and matte finishes would be better options. They have a subtle sheen without affecting the readability. 

• Uncoated paper, which can be with wove and laid finishes, gives your resume a natural, understated look. That may be your preference if you want the content to take center stage. Uncoated paper is easy to write on, so it works if recruiters need to jot down notes. The wove texture is smooth and consistent. It’s often the preferred choice because it gives a clean, polished feel suitable for any industry. Laid texture, on the other hand, has a subtle ribbed or lined pattern. It looks sophisticated, so it’s great for corporate roles where you want the resume to give out a vibe of professionalism. 

With all these different textures, it’s important to know what to avoid. If the paper feels too rough or irregular, don’t use it. It will distract the reader from the content since it will give uneven printing results. 

Before making a final decision, it’s best to print your resume on a sample of the paper, so you’ll make sure the text is easy to read. Don’t forget to check it under different lighting conditions, so you’ll make sure the texture doesn’t give an unwanted glare. 

Printing considerations

Your choice of high-quality resume paper will be for nothing if you don’t print your resume using an equally high-quality printer. Without superb printing quality, even the highest-quality paper won’t make a good impression. 

If you plan on printing your resume at home, make sure to use an inkjet photo printer or a laser printer for best results. Older printers might produce uneven ink distribution or streaks. Do consult your printer’s manual to see if it supports the thickness of your preferred paper for a resume and if there are any special steps you must take to ensure your resume prints correctly. For example, you might be able to adjust the quality print setting to make sure you’re getting the best result. In the printer’s settings menu, choose the appropriate paper, so you’ll make sure the ink is properly used.  

If your home printer is not up to standards, you can visit an office supply store, printing service store, or your local public library to have your resume printed. Professional services use commercial-grade printers, which give crisp results. Don’t forget to bring with you your flash drive containing your resume. Save your resume in different file formats, including *.doc, *.docx, and *.pdf, if you’re not sure which ones the printing service will accept. Ask for a test print on the chosen paper to see if the alignment, font sharpness, and print quality will work. Double-check the margins, spacing, and formatting to confirm that nothing moved during the printing process. 

Here are a few extra tips for this final step of preparing your resume:

• When printing at home, make sure your ink cartridges are full and fresh. You don’t want any faded or uneven text on that expensive paper. 

• Make sure the text is properly aligned on the page. The margins and spacing must be consistent. 

• Avoid double-sided printing. One-sided resumes are easier to read and present a cleaner appearance. 

• Print a few copies, so you’ll have backups ready for interviews, meetings, or networking events.  

How to store your printed resume

From the moment you print the resume to the time it’s in a hiring manager’s hands, your resume must stay impeccable. Proper storage and handling will prevent unnecessary wear and tear, smudging, or creasing. 

• To avoid folding or creasing, you can use a portfolio or resume folder. Even a simple document sleeve will do the trick. These accessories also project an air of professionalism when you pull out your resume during a meeting. 

• Avoid using standard envelopes for mailing purposes. They will require folding your resume and won’t offer enough protection. Instead, opt for large flat envelopes designed for professional documents. They will prevent creases that could distract from its polished appearance. 

• Placing a plain sheet of paper or a lightweight protective divider between each resume copy will prevent ink smudging or text transfer. Don’t forget to do that when stacking multiple copies together. 

• Keep your printed resumes in a clean, dry place. You can have a dedicated drawer, folder, or briefcase. You don’t want any moisture or dust to damage the paper. Avoid storing them near windows or areas with direct sunlight, which could cause fading and discoloration over time.  

Don’t compromise on quality

Your resume represents you, and that’s why your choice of resume paper has a major impact on how recruiters and hiring managers view you. High-quality resume paper serves as the proper background for a well-written, well-structured resume. Keep the considerations above in mind when choosing the right resume paper for your needs.

Let Resumeble work on your resume’s content

Match your high-quality resume paper with resume content that not only catches the attention of recruiters but also sustains it. Resumeble’s professional resume writing service comes with a 60-day interview guarantee after finalizing your resume. Give yourself a better chance of getting your foot in the door. Looking to have your resume professionally done? Have us write your resume today.