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• How to Choose the Best Resume...

How to Choose the Best Resume Paper

10 min read · Updated on January 15, 2024

Is resume paper important, considering the digital age of job applications? Yes! Yes, it is!

You've been applying to jobs non-stop for a while now and have been invited to attend a career fair or job interview. That means you'll need a printed copy of your resume. If printing out your resume has never occurred to you, now is the time. You definitely don't want to print it out on regular old printer paper. That will do nothing to help you stand out from the crowd. Using plain paper also bears witness to the idea that you don't pay attention to details. 

Those negative connotations are easily avoided by choosing the right resume paper. 

How do you choose the best resume paper? 

Is color, texture, and weight important?

Should you use cardstock to print your resume? Spoiler alert: No.

Where do you buy resume paper?

Is the brand of resume paper important?

There's a maze of options that needs to be explored, especially since handing over your printed resume to a recruiter or hiring manager is a moment that demands attention so you can leave the best first impression. 

What is resume paper?

Aside from the glaringly obvious answer of '"t's paper that you print your resume on,"  resume paper is a subtle part of the job application process that backs up the praises contained in your professional narrative. 

Picture this: You walk into an interview room and see that the hiring manager has a copy of your resume printed out on plain white paper. Then, you hand them a copy of your resume on resume paper. Their eyes light up, because you've just signaled that your professionalism extends beyond what is written on that piece of paper. 

This specialized type of paper is designed specifically for printing resumes and goes beyond mere utility. When you use resume paper, you provide the hiring manager with a visual and tactile sense of your professionalism because this type of paper is thicker, has different colors, and feels different – softer – than standard paper. The texture and color elevate the reading experience and provide a tangible quality that engages more of the hiring manager's senses. 

How do you know if the resume paper you're buying is good?

So far, you've learned that having your resume printed on resume paper will make you appear more professional. Now, let's talk about what to look for in the resume paper you choose. There are several key attributes to consider:

The good news is that all of the information about the paper you choose will be printed right on the box of paper. 

Resume paper weight

The weight of resume paper is measured in pounds (lbs) per square meter and is heavier than regular printing paper. The weight typically ranges from 24 lbs to 32 lbs and helps your printed resume to have a sense of substance. It also makes your resume more durable. 

Choose 24 lbs if you're trying to make a cost-effective decision that still conveys professionalism.

When you're applying for an upper-level or executive position , the decision to buy 32 lbs will probably be more appealing as it's a more luxurious paper that provides greater formality. Basically, the heavier weight makes a bolder statement.

Fortunately, no matter which weight you choose, it'll be something even the most common printers can handle. 

Brightness and color

The two most popular color choices are white and ivory. Many people feel like those are boring, but just like using the regular old reverse-chronological format for your resume, it's what hiring managers expect. 

Both white and ivory exude a clean and professional feel; the best part is that the neutrality of these two colors falls into the it's-a-safe-bet category. Of course, resume paper comes in different colors, like gray or beige, if you want a contemporary touch. However, those colors should be leveraged only when you're applying for a creative role or are in an industry that values modern or unconventional approaches – think graphic design , marketing , or creative writing.

In fact, your color decision should be based on the type of role you seek. For example,

White and ivory are perfect for most professional settings and traditional industries like finance, law , healthcare, and administrative positions

Blues and darker grays can be used when you apply for roles where confidence and boldness are critical, like sales and project management

Pastels should really be avoided unless you have a rapport with the company you're interviewing with and want to have fun

In addition to the decision you make about the color of your resume paper, you have to consider the brightness. Resume paper brightness is measured from 1 to 100 – the higher the number, the brighter the paper. Consider the design of your resume.

Do you have any contrasting text on your resume?

Have you built header sections that are highlighted with a dark color?

Are you using colored text for things like company names or position titles?

All of these factors will be affected by the brightness of your paper. The brightness of your resume paper can enhance the contrasting text and shaded sections, or it can mute those design elements. 

The texture of your resume paper

When we talk about adding a tactile response to your job application, we're referring to the texture of your resume paper – and there are quite a few to choose from, including:

Smooth and linen finishes are great for formal and traditional industries that embrace conservative approaches. Cotton is often chosen by executives, because it has a more luxurious feel, and parchment is suitable for creative fields that value uniqueness. When you want to venture into a job interview or attend a career fair and leave a lasting impression of warmth with a hint of flair, then you should opt for a felt finish on your resume. It should be noted that felt texture is probably not going to go through your printer very well.

At the end of the day, the texture of your resume paper should be something that is distinctly you. There should be a hole in the box where you can feel the paper before you buy it. 

Does it give you the heebie-jeebies when you touch it? 

Is the texture memorable? That is, after all, what you're going for when you apply for a new job.

Does the texture align with the expectations of your industry?

It may seem weird to associate emotion with paper, but since your resume is an extension of you, the choice should resonate with your professional identity.

Texture comes from the material of your resume paper

Unlike regular printer paper that's made from wood pulp, resume paper can be made from a variety of materials, like:

Cotton or a cotton blend

Linen blend

Recycled paper

Premium bond paper

Well, what's the difference?

Most of the difference has to do with durability and texture. For example, the cotton, cotton blend, and linen varieties are durable and offer a premium presentation, while premium bond paper is known for having a high-quality finish and offers a more polished presentation. Pick the material of your resume paper based on the type of first impression you want to make. 

How do you choose the right resume paper? 

While a lot of what goes into picking your resume paper will depend on your personal preferences, you have to consider things like industry norms and how the paper will mesh with the design elements of the text that will be printed on the page. 

Oftentimes, you'll see advice that indicates 32 lb linen is the best resume paper. However, if you're applying for a role or are in an industry where distractions should be minimized, you would opt for 32 lb white cotton resume paper. 

Don't worry if you're on a budget, though. You can wow a hiring manager with 24 lb cotton paper that falls on the cheaper side of the resume paper spectrum. The main idea is that you choose something that isn't plain white printer paper. 

Expert tip: If you're on a budget, you can sometimes get free resume paper at your local library or the career services office at college (if you're a student). 

Resume paper frequently asked questions

Great, so you have to buy resume paper to match your personality, the design of your resume, and the norms of your industry. What else should you know about resume paper? Let's address some FAQs:

Where can I buy resume paper?

You can buy resume paper pretty much anywhere, including big box retailers like Target and Walmart, office supply stores like Office Depot, and even Amazon. Feel free to comparison shop, too, to find the best price, because Amazon's resume paper is no different than the resume paper at Office Depot.

What are the best resume paper brands?

There are basically four major brands of resume paper – Southworth, Neenah, Wausau, and Hammermill. Southworth stands out as the industry standard for high-quality resume paper, while Hammermill comes in as a more affordable option.

Should I print my resume double-sided?

This is a common question for people who want to save money, but it's just not a good idea. Printing your resume on the front and back of the paper compromises the readability and minimizes the professional appearance. It's best to print your resume on two separate pages. 

Should I staple the pages of my resume together?

Stapling your resume is another thing to avoid, because the hiring manager is going to pull it apart anyway. Most of them want to be able to put your pages next to each other as a way to be able to quickly reference the content when they're asking you interview questions . 

Should I print my resume on cardstock?

The answer to this question was spoiled at the beginning of the article. The first thing to consider is that cardstock will probably not feed through your printer very well. Additionally, because of how thick it is, a hiring manager or recruiter may not be able to stack it well with the other resumes they have to go through, leading them to be frustrated – not an impression you want to leave. Also, cardstock is more expensive than resume paper. 

Does all resume paper have a watermark?

Generally, only the premium resume paper options have a subtle watermark. It's a way for the manufacturer to display the authenticity of the paper. Most resume papers do not have watermarks. Either way, it should say right on the box whether there's a watermark or not. 

Will resume paper feed through my printer?

The short answer is, "Yes." Of course, you'll want to check the specifications of your printer, but resume paper is designed to be printer-friendly. You'll probably even see that it'll say “printer-friendly” on the package of resume paper. 

Why does all of this matter?

Is it really worth the effort to pay more than double for a small box of printer paper than you would if you were buying a 500-page ream of printer paper? 

When you consider that everything you put into a job search is an investment in your future, the decision is clear – you should spend the extra money on resume paper, because you never get a second chance to make an outstanding first impression. 

It's obvious that there will be times when you must have a printed version of your resume. Using the right resume paper is the best way to make a tangible and positive impression. Not only does the right resume paper signal that you're keen on details, but it's a subtle way to build a personal brand that showcases your value to hiring managers. 

Before you print your resume, we'll check to make sure that it has the right keywords and layout to impress hiring managers – and we'll check it for free. Upload it here .

Recommended reading:

The Truth About Resume Writing

The Best Times of the Year to Look for a Job

Resume Examples & Samples for Every Career

Related Articles:

Do Hiring Managers Actually Read Cover Letters?

How to Create a Resume With No Education

Why You Lose When You Lie on Your Resume: Learning From Mina Chang

See how your resume stacks up.

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What type of paper should you use for your resume?

Though job boards and applications have mostly moved online, there are still reasons to print your resume on an actual piece of paper. Job interviews, job fairs, networking events, and mail applications are all situations where a paper resume is important.

Just like when you apply for a job with a PDF, it’s important to make sure that your paper resume stands out from the rest. This requires not only great resume content with an attractive layout , but paper that shows professionalism and style. In this article we will discuss the different types of paper you can use to print your resume.

Recommended links:

• Our collection of 500+ professional resume examples .
• Our gallery of 20+ downloadable resume templates .
• Our cover letter examples
• What is resume paper?

Resume paper is a heavy, high-quality, and often off-white paper used for resumes and other important documents. It tends to be sturdier and longer-lasting than regular printer paper. Resume paper gives your resume a professional feel, and evokes a high standard of quality that employers appreciate.

You could, of course, print your resume on whatever standard paper you already have sitting in your printer. Many job seekers do this. But to stand out, better quality paper goes a long way.

• What paper should you print your resume on?

There are many factors to consider when choosing a paper type. The weight, colour, material, and texture will all affect the appearance of your resume.

Paper weight

Paper weight is a measurement of a ream, or 500 pages, of that paper before it is cut down to size. Paper weight tells you the thickness of the paper. The heavier it is, the thicker it is.

Typical printer paper is 20lb. For a resume it is better to use a heavier paper stock, such as 24lb or 32lb. The heft and thickness of these weights gives the paper a feeling of importance and professionalism. Where regular 20lb paper is flimsy and tears easily, 32lb paper feels sturdy and important. With a heavier paper weight, your resume will feel like something made to last.

Paper colour

Many job-seekers wouldn’t think to use a colour other than white to print something. When it comes to printing a resume, however, plain white isn’t the only option. The two main colours used for printing resumes are white and ivory.

White is the colour of typical printer paper. It will work well for any resume design, as the white background won’t interfere with the colours of the resume.

Ivory is a warm, off-white colour that can give your resume a classic feel. It works best with traditional resume designs, like VisualCV’s Monte template . A classic, professional resume template paired with high-quality ivory paper makes for an impressive resume.

However, if your resume has large coloured sections, like VisualCV’s Avant template , the off-white colouring of ivory paper may interfere with the colours. Simple designs and dark colours will look best on ivory paper. Make sure to test different papers before sending your resume along to an employer so you know your resume layout still looks as good as it can.

Other colours

Paper is, of course, available in many different colours. For the purposes of resume paper, however, it is safest to stick with white or off-white. More colourful paper may be difficult to read, or stand out for the wrong reasons. Employers won’t be interested in reading a bright red resume.

If you are in a particularly artistic field like graphic design or illustration, you may prefer to use coloured paper to demonstrate your creativity and really stand out. If this is the case, make sure the colour is subtle, like light blue or a gentle yellow. The colour should be mild enough that it complements the resume design, and the resume should still be easy to read.

Paper material

The ingredients that make up your paper affect how the paper feels. The right materials can make a big difference. As you research paper materials for your resume, the important thing to look for is cotton content.

Cotton paper is a strong, durable type of paper that is commonly used for important documents like resumes. It is soft to the touch, making it pleasant to handle, and it lasts longer than typical printer paper. Printing your resume on 100% cotton paper will ensure that it is sturdy and impressive.

Typical printer paper is made using wood pulp. As long as it is thick and high-quality enough to print well without the printer ink bleeding through, the paper in your printer can handle a resume if necessary. When it comes to printing a document this important, however, higher quality cotton paper will improve the appearance and durability.

Paper texture

Many producers offer different paper textures, called finishes. Parchment paper, woven paper, linen paper, and velvet paper all have slightly different textures and appearances. A popular choice for resumes is linen, which is a pleasant woven texture meant to feel like the fabric it is named after.

Adding unusual textures to your resume can be risky, however. The added ridges may make your resume more difficult to print, and some employers may find the texture to be a distraction rather than a refined touch. If you particularly like the look of linen paper—and your printer can handle it—then it is an acceptable choice, but for most job-seekers a resume without a finish is ideal.

Your resume should be the standard paper size for your region. In The US and Canada, this is Letter size paper, or 8 ½” x 11”. In Europe and much of the rest of the world, use an A4 paper, or 210mm x 297mm. There shouldn’t be any need to do research here, as the paper already in your printer—or at your local print shop—will likely already be in the regular size.

• What Color Resume Paper is the Best?

Ivory or White colored resume paper is generally the best for most resumes. They both support most font colors very well and reduce the risk of your resume’s text becoming too hard to read.

• How thick should the resume paper be?

We recommend that your resume paper should be between 37 gsm to 47.36 gms. To find this resume paper, look for 25lb and 32lb text paper respectively.

• Is Blue resume paper OK?

Blue resume paper is okay as long as the text is readable to the hiring manager. We commonly see blue being used and accepted in the case of creative job applications.

• Should I use White or Ivory resume paper?

While using a resume paper, Ivory colored resume paper leaves a much higher impact when it is used for a traditional job application. A white resume paper on the other hand is a great fit for the majority of the job applications.

• Can you put resume paper in a normal printer?

Yes, you can place a resume paper in a normal printer. If your resume paper is watermarked, you need to print a sample to see if the output is as you expected. Once you are sure, you can go ahead and print your resume on the watermarked resume paper using your normal printer.

• What is the difference between resume paper and regular paper?

A resume paper is much stronger and more durable than a regular paper. A regular paper feels weaker when handed over to a hiring manager, whereas a resume paper would leave a higher impact.

• Should resume paper have a watermark?

Watermarked resume paper displays that an applicant cares enough about the job application that they end up picking a higher quality paper.

• What is the weight of the resume paper?

A resume paper typically has a weight between 25 lb to 32 lb.

• The Bottom Line

That’s a lot of information for something so everyday as paper! At the end of the day, what type of paper should you use for your resume?

When it’s time to print your resume, 32lb, 100% cotton, ivory paper is likely your best bet.

If your resume is colourful, you may not want to use ivory, and if you can’t afford 100% cotton paper, a lower percentage will do. Even 24lb or 28lb paper is sufficient if you can’t find 32lb paper. The important thing is that your paper is slightly heavier and higher quality than typical paper. When every other candidate submits plain, 20lb printer paper, your thicker, finer paper is sure to stand out.

Community Success Manager & CV Writing Expert

Ben is a writer, customer success manager and CV writing expert with over 5 years of experience helping job-seekers create their best careers. He believes in the importance of a great resume summary and the power of coffee.

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Resume Paper: Why You Still Need It and How to Pick the Best

• Klara Cervenanska , 
• Updated November 10, 2023 9 min read

Resume paper is a special type of paper to print a physical copy of your resume on. 

Do resume papers still matter in our digitalised world? Short answer, yes. They are not completely retired yet, and you are better off using one. Sure, it is very niche — but why not increase your chances of standing out and being hired?

Why can't I simply print my resume and go about my day, you ask? Because everything that you do or don't do during a job interview, says something about you. Yes, even the resume paper you are turning in. In other words, first impressions matter — a good resume paper is only going to help you.

Wait, so there are multiple types of resume paper? Well, yes. But don't panic. You will find everything you need to know, useful tips, recommendations and quick links here. We know time is money so let's get to it.

It's not just a piece of paper.

Express your personality with a standout resume.

• When will you need a hard copy of your resume?

Today, most job applications only require a PDF version of your resume, which means that a hard copy isn’t always necessary. Still, there are scenarios when a physical copy (or copies) of your resume can come handy.

It is especially in those situations when you come into personal contact with recruiters or hiring managers:

• Career and networking fairs. Your resume is the most important item you should bring with you. Make sure to print at least 20-40 copies (depending on the size of the event and the number of companies that you’d like to meet with).
• Job interviews.  It isn’t always expected. And yes, they've already read your resume. But it’s good to remind them of your credentials by giving them a copy to have in front of them throughout your conversation. Moreover, it makes you look prepared for anything. Ideally, you should bring about 3 copies of your resume.

They may also ask you to  mail a physical copy  of your resume before you’re invited for  your interview . 

If you want to make a great first impression in all the situations above, using professional resume paper is a way to go.

Table of Contents

Click on a section to skip

Best resume paper - our choice

Color, weight, material, size, texture — often depends on the job, where to buy resume paper, where to print your resume.

As you can learn in the following paragraphs, there are many types of resume paper — some of them will suit a certain type of job better than other. This is why it is ultimately up to you to choose from.

In any case, we did the research so that you don't have to.  This is our winner:

Best resume paper: Kickresume’s choice

• Color: ivory
• Weight: 32lb
• Size: US letter — 8.5 × 11 inches (US, Canada, SA), A4 — 8.3 × 11.7 inches (everywhere else)
• Material: 100% cotton
• Texture: plain

And why do we think it's the best?

Color: Ivory — immediately stands out in a pile of white resumes

Weight : 32 lb — firm, durable, will not crease, not see-through

Size: 8.5 by 11 inches in the US, Canada, South America (A4 everywhere else)

Material: 100% cotton — does not reflect light, great color pay-off

Texture: Plain — professional, safe and classy

You can buy it on Amazon .

There are a few parameters which you should consider before choosing your resume paper: color, weight, material, size, texture.

Even though choosing the best resume paper is subjective to your own personal preference, some jobs requires a specific type of resume paper.

Resume paper color

Generally, you should stick to neutrals . Especially different shades of white. White is logically the most used paper color —  text is easily readable, colorful infographics stick out and it's easy to get a hold of.

But since it's the standard color, it may seem a bit boring — everyone naturally goes with white paper.

Remember, the whole resume paper "science" is about you making an impression and standing out. This is why going for a slightly different shade can help.

We recommend off-white and ivory as go-to colors. Using these instead of white will make your resume immediately stand out in a pile of basic white paper sheets.

If you used colored elements in your resume, bear in mind that colors show best on white. Because of that, try to go with the most subtle shade — this will keep it elegant and ensure good color pay-off.

Other colors such as grey, pastel blue or pink may seem even better at catching the eye. Nevertheless, there is a thin line between standing out and seeming unprofessional.

Colored resume paper can, however, work for people who need to show their creativity (such as designers or people in the arts).

Resume paper weight

We mean thickness but it's called weight because it refers to how much 500 sheets of paper weigh.

With weight it is pretty straight forward. A very thin resume paper is going to seem flimsy. Try going for 32 lb paper, which is slightly thicker than your usual paper.

It will not crease in the pile of resumes, it is durable and it is not see-through. In the hands of your potential employer it will feel professional and firm.

A slightly thinner option is 24 lb. This is still heavier and firmer than your regular printing paper. This is a pretty decent, more affordable option.

Resume paper material

Cotton with the content of 75% or higher . The advantages of high cotton paper include: overall durability, extreme smoothness while having a subtle texture, it does not reflect light. Most importantly colors look great on these!

Some rather unconventional choices are linen and parchment. One word — overkill. I mean c'mon... Imagine someone walking in with a parchment resume.

An interesting choice for someone working in Sustainable Development or Environmental and Conservation Sector is recycled resume paper. This eco-friendly choice is never a mistake.

Resume paper size

If you're applying for a job in the North and South America, use a  US Letter-sized paper (8.5 by 11 inches) .

However, if you're applying for a job anywhere else —   A4 is the standard and we recommend using it. Yes, yes standing out from the crowd and all... But having a different size than A4 will probably just make everybody's lives more difficult.

Do not experiment with paper sizes, unless your potential employer explicitly requires a different size resume paper.

Resume paper texture

Here we have several acceptable choices. However, in our opinion only one of them is safe (yet classy).  Go with plain cotton resume paper texture.

Here's why: it's a conventional safe choice and it won't feel weird to any potential employer, plus there's zero risk of faulty printing.

Other options are somewhat unconventional, but that does not mean that they can't work for some people.

Linen paper bears resemblance to woven fabric. The quality of linen paper ranges from a very subtle finish to a more pronounced one. This type of texture could work for someone who wants to be really extra and is looking for an extra job. Other than that it's just unnecessary.

Laid paper can look quite elegant thanks to the symmetrical horizontal chain line pattern. However, it's prone to ink smudging and bleeding. We do not recommend taking the risk of ruining your resume.

Granite paper is usually made of recycled material and is, therefore, an attractive and environmentally sound choice. Again, if you work in Sustainable Development this is going to make a very good first impression.

Usually you should be able to find resume paper at any office supply or stationary retailers such as Office Depot, Costco and Target, or Staples and Ryman (if you shop in the UK).

However, shopping online saves a lot of time and often you have a wider choice of products:

Southworth is a very high quality resume paper brand recognised by the National Resume Writers Association . But keep in mind that most of their papers are watermarked. On the other hand, some people may take that as an opportunity to show off a little.

Southworth offers a variety of different resume papers — cotton, linen, granite, laid and even ... parchment. All in either white or ivory, and either 24lb or 32lb version (go with 32).

Shop for Southworth resume papers on Amazon or Walmart

• 100% Cotton, Ivory, 32 lb, Plain paper —  Amazon link
• 100% Cotton, Ivory, 24 lb, Plain paper (a cheaper option) —  Amazon link , Walmart link
• Recycled, Granite, 24 lb resume paper (an environmetally conscious choice) —  Walmart link , Amazon link

The most convenient and affordable option for printing on your own resume paper is probably your own printer.

However, be mindful about printing on different textures! Laid and linen textures can make your printer ink bleed — and you don't want your resume ruined.

If you don't own a printer — try one in your university campus or your local library . Bear in mind that it can be tricky to print on your own paper on public printers.

Other options include:

• FedEx Office
• Staples Cloud Printing
• OfficeDepot

If you want to support local businesses — try finding a Copy and Print shop near you by typing: "copy print shop [zip code]"

Christy's word of advice

There are times when a printed resume is needed or at least strongly recommended. It’s a good idea to take a copy with you to an interview, in case you need to refer to a specific point, or the recruiter doesn’t have a copy. Or if a company asks you to drop off your resume in person or by post. In these cases, clean white A4 paper will always come across as professional. On the other hand, if you’re in a creative field where visual design skills are important, feel free to channel your inner Warhol and go with something that matches your professional personality (at a company I used to work at, a graphic designer presented theirs in an A6 pack-of-cards format. Brilliant, original, and still memorable many years later!).

Christy Morgan, Resident HR Expert

Key takeaways

It may seem like a waste of time and money to speculate about resume paper nowadays.

But the truth is, we live in a very competitive environment. Even if you're extremely competent, there's probably someone just as competent as you.

This is why you should increase your chances of being hired in any way possible. A high quality resume paper can help you stand out and make a good impression — it shows that you put in the little extra work.

Anyway, just to summarize, our recommendation is stick to neutral colors (ivory, off-white) or go for a more unconventional color if you work in a creative field. Try a heavier 32 lb paper for a firm grip, or go for slightly thinner and more affordable 24 lb version.

When it comes to textures and material — moderation is key. The 100% cotton material and plain texture ensures high quality printing. You can also try recycled paper if it's relevant to the job you're applying for.

Concluding thought — all things covered in this article are irrelevant if the actual content of your CV isn't as exciting as the resume paper.

We have got you covered. Check out these related articles to help you amp up your resume game:

• A Step-by-Step Guide: How to Write a Professional Resume in 2020
• Resume Format: How to Pick the Best and Get Hired in 2020
• How to Prepare Your Resume for Job Search During the Coronavirus Outbreak
• 7 Quick Tips to Prepare Your Resume for World with Coronavirus [Infographic]
• 7 Quick Tips on How to Find a Job After College in Under 30 Days

Ivory, white, textured?

No matter which you choose, your resume will always stand out.

Gear up to make a digital impact! Convert your LinkedIn profile into a standout resume using our user-friendly tool and be ready for any application process, paper or digital.

Klara graduated from the University of St Andrews in Scotland. After having written resumes for many of her fellow students, she began writing full-time for Kickresume. Klara is our go-to person for all things related to student or 'no experience resumes'. At the same time, she has written some of the most popular resume advice articles on this blog. Her pieces were featured in multiple CNBC articles. When she's not writing, you'll probably find her chasing dogs or people-watching while sipping on a cup of coffee.

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What’s the Best Resume Font, Size, and Format [For 2024]

When you’re working on your resume the font might be the last thing on your mind.

But details matter.

And something that might seem insignificant at first, like your resume font, can have a huge impact on whether you get the job or not.

Why’s that?

Consider the resume readability.

You may have the best resume in the world, but if the font is assaulting the HR manager’s eyes, well , chances are, they’re not going to give you a call back any time soon.

Similarly, if you go with the most boring font that’s almost camouflaging with the background, they just might forget about your resume by the end of the day.

Most HR managers don’t spend a whole lot of time on actually analyzing your resume. The very first they look at is the resume layout and only then do they go through the contents.

If the layout is good (e.g. 1 page, looks good, easy-to-scan, etc.) and the font looks readable - only then will they decide if it’s worth a read or not.

And remember, this is only done in a matter of seconds.

So, imagine someone glances at your resume. What first impression is your font giving off?

Do you want your resume to stand out and go in the right box?

If so, read on to find out: 

• What's the Best Resume Font & Size

How to Format Your Resume

How to make your resume (the easy way), what’s the best resume font & size.

When it comes to font and font size, we generally recommend going with something that stands out, but not too much.

The font you go with has a direct impact on the readability, and so, it needs to look good on PDF as well as paper.

Before we dive into the best resume fonts though, let’s take a look at one font you shouldn’t ever use :

Comic Sans.

Yes, you’ll stand out. No, not in the good way.

Jokes (and bashing comic sans) aside, the most common font people tend to use is Times New Roman, 12pt.

Now, there’s nothing necessarily wrong with that, but you should know that it’s going to be the default font for most people.

Do you want your resume to stand out among all the Times New Roman resumes?

If so, consider using:

• Ubuntu - Ubuntu is a modern, humanist-style, typeface developed in 2010. It looks great everywhere, maximizes readability, and does not belong to any specific industry. You can use it for all job applications and your resume is guaranteed to stand out.
• Roboto - Looks familiar? You might recognize this font because Google developed it for its Android operating system in 2011. But don’t worry, it’s free for commercial use. It has a tech look to it, but feel free to use it in any industry - tech or otherwise.
• Overpass - Relatively newer font, developed in 2015, Overpass is a digital typeface font inspired by Highway Gothic. It looks very formal and classy, making it ideal for more conservative industries. But you can’t go wrong with using it in other industries as well because of its sleek design.

Once you’ve picked your font, you move on to:

Resume Font Size

In a resume builder , such as ours, the font sizes are pre-defined in order to create a font hierarchy across the document that will result in increased readability of your resume.

When faced with a situation where you are not relying on a resume builder and have to choose the font size yourself, as a rule of thumb, we recommend going with 10-12pt for normal text and 14-16pt for section titles and headers.

This approach should save you some space and also won’t make the HR manager have to squint to read the text.

It’s important to note that once you decide on a font and font size, they should be consistent throughout the whole resume.

Basic Layout Info

When it comes to the resume layout, here’s what you need to know:

• Line spacing - Go for 1.0 or 1.15 line spacing between text and double lines after subheadings. Feel free to adjust this accordingly based on the space of your resume
• Bullet points - You can use bullet points in your resume experience section to make it easier to skim through. Just make sure you don’t overuse them, limit them up to 6 points within each section.
• Resume length - Stick to one page, unless you have 5+ years of experience (2/3 pages at most, in that case).

So, once you’ve got the basic layout and the feel of your resume down, you can now move onto actually writing the main sections within your resume. Here’s how you do that:

You probably already have a general idea of what you should include in your resume.

Sounds simple, right? 

Simply list your qualifications and call it a day.

Well, not quite.

The sections you list on your resume have to be relevant to the HR manager and the job you’re applying for. 

No one wants to hear your whole life and backstory.

Instead, here’s what to include and how .

Contact Information

Let’s start with the basics.

Your name, professional title, email address, contact information . These are all things that go on any resume ever. 

After all, they need a way to contact you, right?

Make sure the spelling is correct, and everything is up to date.

Thinking of including your social media handles?

As long as they’re relevant - go for it.

Your LinkedIn profile is important for most HR managers.

But your Behance link might be relevant only if you work in design. Likewise, you might want to include Github only if you’re in IT.

Resume Summary or Objective?

Do you have more than 2 years of work experience?

Include a resume summary that sums up your previous jobs and qualifications in 50 words or less. Don’t just repeat what’s on the resume below. Instead, offer insight that might compel the HR manager to learn more about you.

Now, if that’s not the case, feel free to include a resume objective that mentions your motivations and why you’re the perfect candidate for your job. If you don’t have a lot of experience, feel free to lean on what inspires you instead.

Work Experience

This is the section most HR managers jump to in your resume.

If you want to convince them that you’re the right fit, make sure you list work experience that’s relevant to the position and offers actionable insight.

If possible, quantify the impact you made when working for each role and be very specific about your contributions.

• Improved revenue by 20% by optimizing Facebook ads.
• Created Facebook ads.

At the end of the day, the HR manager wants to hear about your accomplishments, not responsibilities.

Most job ads typically list the type of skills they’re looking for straight away. This is your chance to stand out and prove to the HR manager that you’ve actually read the job ad.

To perfect your skills section, get a good mix of hard and soft skills .

What’s the difference?

Well, your hard skills include specific knowledge and expertise that comes from training. For example, if you’re applying for a tech job, your hard skills should include specific knowledge needed for the job.

For example:

Your soft skills , meanwhile, are self-developed and come from experience. I.e. skills you’ve learned from life, such as communicating with people, working in a startup, and so on.

• Communication
• Self-Driven

When thinking about some of the skills to put on your resume , read the job ad carefully. You want to mention the skills that are relevant for the job - no one cares about your Expert knowledge of Underwater Basket Weaving.

This is fairly straightforward, yet, many people make the mistake of filling this section with unnecessary information.

When writing your education section, only include the important things, such as:

• University name
• Years attended
• (Optional) GPA - Is it more than 3.5? Then you might want to include it. 
• (Optional) Honors - Were you top of the class? Go for it.
• (Optional) Minor program - Relevant to the job? Feel free to include.

Keep it simple, no need to waste space with the background of your university or what motivated you to choose your major.

Optional Sections

Want to stand out from the crowd AND leave a good impression? Some of these optional sections might help…

• Hobbies and interests
• Volunteering Experience
• Certifications and Awards
• Publications

There’s a lot more to making a good resume than what we’ve covered so far. Want to learn more? We have a super-comprehensive guide for that. Give it a read, and you’ll be an expert in no time!

Now that you know what goes in a resume, you might be wondering - “what’s the best way to make one?”

Yes, you can do the whole thing manually and hand-craft your own resume with Microsoft Word

But think about it - do you really want to go through all the hassle?

If you’re going to be hand-crafting your resume from scratch, you need to get everything right. 

You need to format it right, get the layout right, make sure it’s ATS-friendly (CV screening software HR uses), and really dive into the details.

This is extremely time-consuming.

Instead of manually knitting up a resume, you could be making better use of your time.

Work smarter, not harder, right?

If you want to make your life easier, try Novorésumé’s resume builder . It’s free (with premium options) and really simplifies the process of creating a resume.

Our templates were developed with recruiters and employers in mind, so you can rest assured that you’re always sending in your best work.

Whether you’re a college student or a senior executive - Novoresume templates have your back when it comes to best resume formatting practices.

Key Takeaways

Ready to get back into the job search with the best resume font practices that will have the HR manager grabbing your resume from a full-stack?

Make sure your resume font reflects that and that it’ll have your resume radiating with the font choice the next time you send it in.

Here’s a quick recap of what we’ve learned so far:

• Best resume fonts are: Ubuntu , Robot , Overpass . The worst one? Comic Sans
• Best resume font sizes are: 11-12pt for normal text, 14-16pt for section titles and headers.
• The most-used resume formatting order is: Contact information , work experience , skills , and education .

With that said, if you don’t want to worry about the specific resume formatting and getting the details right - you can always use a resume builder to make your life much easier.

There is no reason as to why you should be pouring your sweat, blood, and tears into the painstaking hours of perfecting your resume, down to the margins and fonts manually, when you can just use a resume builder (which is free) to do it for you.

If you want to learn other ways to save time and stay up to date with the latest career advice, be sure to check out our career blog .

Suggested reading:

• How to Pick the Best Resume Format [+Examples]
• What to Put On a Resume (To Get The Job You’ll Love)
• 100+ Achievements to Write in Your Resume [Examples for 2024]

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Mastering Bond Paper: Sizes, Uses, and History Explained

In the world of paper, one of the most commonly used types is bond paper. From office printouts to important documents, bond paper finds a variety of uses due to its adaptability and durability. Let’s dive into the fascinating world of bond paper and explore its different sizes, uses, and origins.

Understanding the Sizes of Bond Paper

Short bond paper size.

Short bond paper, often used for a variety of purposes including academic tasks and office documents, typically measures 8.5 inches by 11 inches, or 215.9 mm x 279.4 mm.

Long Bond Paper Size

Long bond paper, on the other hand, is slightly longer and measures 8.5 inches by 13 inches, or 215.9 mm x 330.2 mm. It should not be confused with legal-size paper, which is 8.5 inches by 14 inches.

Comparing Bond Paper Sizes

Setting paper size in word and google docs, microsoft word.

Whether you are drafting an essay or creating a report, setting up your document to the correct paper size is crucial. In Microsoft Word , to set up a long bond paper size, you can click on the “Page Layout” tab, then the “Size” button, and choose the 8.5″ x 13″ size from the list.

Google Docs

In Google Docs , you can adjust the paper size by clicking on “File” and then “Page setup” in a new or existing document. In the “Page Setup” dialog, you can select the appropriate paper size.

Uses of Bond Paper

Bond paper is a versatile material that finds widespread use in various sectors. Here are some of its most common uses:

• Printing : Bond paper’s smooth texture and durability make it ideal for everyday printing tasks.
• Letterheads and Official Documents : Owing to its high-quality appearance and feel, bond paper is often used for letterheads and official documents.
• Drawing : Uncoated bond paper is perfect for everyday drawing, as its lack of coating provides a less porous surface for the inks, leading to sharper text and images.

Origins of Bond Paper

The history of bond paper is as interesting as its uses. The name “bond paper” comes from its original use for creating government bonds , hence the term “bond”.

Interestingly, the standard size of bond paper is 17 by 22 inches, and it is often sold in a 20-pound weight. This refers to the weight of a 500-sheet ream of this size. However, before the paper is sold to consumers, it’s cut to the standard letter size of 8.5 by 11 inches.

It’s also worth noting that there’s a variety of bond paper known as “ rag paper ,” which is more durable and cloth-like, distinguishing it from the regular wood-pulp variety.

Whether it’s for printing your next report or crafting a stunning piece of art, bond paper is a versatile and reliable choice. Understanding its different sizes, uses, and the history behind it can help you appreciate this essential everyday material even more.

• Newspaper Parts Explained: Dissecting Key Sections & Terms
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How to choose the type of paper for a cover letter.

When applying for a new job, you need to research the company, make sure the job is a right fit for your experience and skills, create your resume, write your cover letter and send in all your application materials. One step that you may forget about is choosing the paper to print your cover letter on. You want to make sure all your application materials, including your cover letter, are presentable when you send them out.

Use the paper you chose for your resume as a guide. Most resumes are printed on standard 8.5-inch by 11-inch paper. This is the size you should use for your resume and cover letter.

Think about the impression you want to make on the employer when choosing the type of paper to print your cover letter on. You can use standard computer paper, but professional resume paper looks and feels more professional. It's thicker and usually made from 100 percent cotton.

Decide whether or not you want to use standard white paper or a tinted paper. The cotton resume paper comes in a variety of colors, including a light tan, pink, gray and blue. Choosing paper that has a slight tint in color can help your cover letter stand out from the crowd.

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J. Johnson has been completing freelance writing work since September 2009. Her work includes writing website content and small client projects. Johnson holds a degree in English from North Carolina State University.

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Recommended Size of Bond Paper for Resume - Philippines

Why Bond Paper Size Matters

1. professional appearance, 2. ample space for content, 3. compatibility, frequently asked questions (faqs), 1. can i use other bond paper sizes for my resume in the philippines, 2. what is the standard font size for a resume on long size bond paper, 3. should i include a photograph on my resume, 4. how many pages should my resume be on long size bond paper, post a comment.

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