The question of whether to print a resume double-sided is common for job seekers trying to save paper or condense materials. The physical presentation of your application is important, and printing on both sides is a departure from established professional norms. This choice creates friction during the document handling stage, which is easily avoided by adhering to established standards.
The Definitive Rule: Always Print Single-Sided
The accepted standard in professional document submission dictates that a physical resume must be printed on only one side of the paper. This practice streamlines the document handling process for recruiters and hiring managers. If your content spans more than one page, the second page must be a separate sheet. Adhering to this single-sided format ensures your application conforms to corporate document etiquette.
Why Double-Sided Printing is Problematic
Recruiters and administrative staff engage in rapid document processing, which involves stacking, sorting, and making quick annotations. Printing on the back side of a page immediately disrupts this workflow. It eliminates the blank space typically used for notes, interview feedback, or scheduling details, forcing the reader to handle the document differently.
Double-sided printing also creates obstacles when physical documents need to be digitized for record-keeping. When a scanner processes a double-sided page, the content on the back can bleed through or become blurry, resulting in poor-quality images for the Applicant Tracking System (ATS). Staff must then manually separate and scan each side independently, which adds administrative labor and increases the risk of content being overlooked or misfiled.
Reading effectiveness is compromised because the double-sided format forces the hiring manager to physically flip the sheet to continue reading. Since the average resume review lasts only seconds, any interruption to the rapid skimming process can cause a break in momentum. Maintaining content on only one side allows the reviewer to access the next sheet immediately without an awkward pause.
How to Handle a Two-Page Resume
Candidates often consider double-sided printing due to concern over content length. For most job seekers, especially those who are entry-level or have fewer than ten years of experience, the one-page resume remains the standard. Prioritizing brevity demonstrates strong communication skills and the ability to synthesize relevant career information effectively.
Extending your resume to two pages is justified only when the volume of relevant experience makes a single page impossible without sacrificing important details. This usually applies to senior executives, academics with extensive publication lists, or highly specialized professionals. The decision to use a second page should be strategic, ensuring the additional content provides genuine value that cannot be condensed further.
When the two-page length is necessary, the content must be managed carefully to ensure the pages stay paired and in order. The first page should be filled as completely as possible to justify the transition, avoiding starting the second sheet with only a few lines of text. To prevent the papers from being separated and lost, the second page requires proper identification. Repeating your full name at the top of the second sheet is a simple safeguard against misfiling. Immediately below your name, include a clear pagination marker such as “Page 2 of 2” to signal the document’s intended length and sequence.
Physical Presentation Best Practices
Optimizing the physical quality of the resume can enhance its impact and perceived professionalism. The choice of paper stock is a significant factor, as standard copy paper often appears flimsy next to competitors’ documents. Using a heavier paper weight, such as 24 lb. or 32 lb. stock, provides a noticeable tactile difference that conveys quality and durability.
Selecting a neutral paper color, typically bright white or a subtle ivory shade, maintains a classic appearance. High-quality printing is necessary to ensure text is sharp and does not smudge. A laser printer is preferred over an inkjet model because it uses toner that fuses to the paper, resulting in cleaner lines and resistance to moisture.
If submitting a multi-page resume, avoid stapling the sheets together, as this interferes with scanning and organization. Instead, use a single, small binder clip or a high-quality paper clip to keep the pages paired neatly. This practice respects the recruiter’s need to easily separate the pages for copying or annotation while ensuring your documents remain a cohesive unit.
The Digital Reality: When Printing Doesn’t Matter
The modern job search relies heavily on digital submission, meaning most applications are initially sent as a Portable Document Format (PDF) file uploaded to a company website. This digital reality makes the debate over double-sided printing irrelevant for the initial application stage. However, the need for a physically perfect document is revived at later stages of the hiring process. The single-sided rule becomes non-negotiable for in-person interactions, such as interviews or career fairs, where you hand a tangible representation of your qualifications directly to a contact.