Best Resume Paper for 2023

By Reid - January 4, 2022

Best Resume Paper

In the digital-oriented world, it can be easy to forget that not all resumes are simple PDFs you can send through email. Many jobs still require physical resumes to be handed in or mailed off traditionally.

So, that begs the question, “What kind of paper do you use for a resume?”.

This is a lot more important than you may think, and trust us, a resume really shouldn’t be this complicated, but you have to play ball if you want to land your dream job. So, let’s dive into it.

Is Resume Paper Necessary?

If you're a practical, function-over-form type of person, the idea of having a special paper for your resume sounds incredibly pointless. Your potential employer won't see it that way, though.

Unfortunately, the paper you use goes a long way in showing your professionalism, how much you care about the job opportunity, and how much you’re willing to put into getting the job.

So, printing your resume on whatever standard white printer paper you found at the office supply store might not be the best idea.

Instead, it’s best to choose one of the fancier resume papers that adds a professional sense of elegance to the presentation of your resume.

There are several acceptable options, and unless you’re turning in your resume 400 times a day, they won’t set you back any meaningful amount.

Best Paper for Your Resume

There are two things to look at when choosing a resume paper: Material and color. To start, your material options are typically the following:

Linen
Watermarked
Cotton
Parchment
Bamboo

All of the above choices will make an impression. Watermarked paper is usually the least expensive, and it’s a little more common than your other choices. So, it’s a great all-around option that can be used for various jobs.

The other options are extremely fancy and only necessary if you're going for a top-tier job. Applying at your local grocery store does not require printing your resume on the finest linen paper.

For color, there’s a bit more flexibility. As a general rule of thumb, the following colors are preferred for their readability and elegant appearance:

Off-white
Ivory
Granite
Blue/gray

Any of those colors will make your resume look professional, and the more tinted options will make your resume stand out from a pile of boring white ones.

However, it would be best to be careful only to use fairly neutral options. A bit of a tint will help yours stand out, but if it's too wild, it can come off as tacky or difficult to read.

Can I use cardstock instead of resume paper?

Yes, you can use cardstock as an alternative to resume paper. Cardstock is a thicker, heavier paper often used for business cards, invitations, and other documents that need a professional look and feel.

Remember that cardstock may be more expensive than resume paper and may not be as easy to print on. It's a good idea to test a small sample of your resume on cardstock before printing out a large quantity to ensure that it looks and feels how you want it to.

Related:

Wrapping Up | What Kind of Paper Do You Use for a Resume?

A standard piece of printer paper is typically more than enough for a basic, entry-level job fresh out of high school. Even in the higher tiers of the workforce, employers typically care more about how impressive your resume's contents are rather than how much you spent printing it off.

These are options for standing out in a cutthroat environment, and while not always necessary, they can give you the edge you need among high-qualified co-applicants.

Best of luck with your resume!

Title: What Kind of Paper Do You Use for a Resume?

Category: Resume

Tags: resume paper, paper for resume, is resume paper necessary, what is resume paper, best resume paper, what kind of paper should i use for my resume, professional resume paper

Co-Author: Reid is a contributor for theJub. He's an employment and marketing enthusiast who studied business before taking on various recruiting, management, and marketing roles. More from the author. | Author Profile