In this digital age sometimes people forget the importance of paper. Emails have replaced note writing, blogs are utilized instead of newsletters and pictures are displayed on Facebook walls instead of in frames. More communications are sent electronically than ever before and a majority of the resumes executives receive are submitted electronically.
Because of this trend people tend to pick paper based purely on price. For everyday use that’s probably fine but not when it comes to resumes and cover letters. All job candidates are not created equal and neither is the paper they print on. Make sure you’re in the premium stack by keeping the following suggestions in mind the next time you’re in the stationary isle:
Printing – Selecting paper first depends on the printer that you are using. Inkjet and Laser printers will print on more options than simply stuffing your resume through a copy machine. Most papers are labeled Economy, Copy, Ink Jet, Laser or All Purpose. Select the one that matches the printing process you intend to use.
Friendliness – Show that you are socially conscious by selecting recycled paper on which to print your resume. Recycled paper is produced in a variety of different weights and textures. Technology today can create high-quality, high-performance recycled paper that is just as bright as it was when it was brand new. The process involved is complicated however which can lead to a higher cost initially but in the long run it will impress employers and help the environment. Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified paper meets very high standards set to ensure environmentally responsible, socially beneficial, ethical and economical forestry guidelines are met when producing paper.
Brightness – Brighter paper reads better. The letters are crisper and images appear clearer. Show how sharp you are by choosing a paper at the top of the scale. Two gauges of paper most commonly used are US (Tappi) Scale and European (ISO) Scale.
Bond – Laid, Wove or Bond paper refers to watermarked or textured paper. This type of papers offers an advantage over electronic communication by appealing to the sense of touch as well as sight. Feeling the texture of the sheet allows an employer to form a kinetic memory. Later the recall of what they read will be stronger than if they had scrolled over the information on a screen.
Don’t devalue the impact paper can have on people. Double your chances by sending electronic and paper copies of your resume to the places you would most like to work. It may be a little more costly initially but when you land the job in the end it will all pay off. In the meantime keep your receipts. Resume paper and printing are tax deductible.
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