The question of whether to print a resume double-sided is common for those preparing for in-person interviews or career events. While most initial applications are digital, a physical copy remains relevant for late-stage meetings and networking opportunities. The professional consensus is clear: candidates should avoid printing their resume on both sides of a single sheet of paper. This practice aligns with standards designed for efficient review by hiring personnel.
The Standard Rule: Single-Sided Printing
The universally accepted norm for presenting a physical resume is to print only on one side of the sheet. This expectation extends across nearly all industries, from traditional fields like law and finance to contemporary sectors such as technology and creative roles. Adhering to this standard signals a candidate’s understanding of professional presentation norms and attention to detail.
This practice must be coupled with the selection of appropriate printing materials. The standard requires using dedicated, high-quality bond paper, often referred to as resume stock, to provide a professional tactile experience. This thicker stock prevents the text from showing through the paper, which can occur even when printing single-sided on standard copy paper. The combination of single-sided printing and substantial paper stock conveys respect for the reviewer’s time and the seriousness of the application.
Why Recruiters Prefer Single-Sided
Recruiters and hiring managers favor single-sided documents for practical reasons related to workflow efficiency. The primary reason involves annotation; reviewers often write notes, scores, or initial impressions directly onto the paper. Printing on the reverse side eliminates the blank space needed for these comments, forcing the reviewer to find separate paper or risk damaging the content.
This preference also simplifies the physical handling and organization of multiple documents. A stack of single-sided resumes is easier to shuffle, sort, and distribute to team members without the risk of overlooking information printed on the back.
Furthermore, many organizations maintain internal processes that involve digitizing physical copies. Automated document scanners and Applicant Tracking Systems process one side of a sheet at a time. Double-sided printing complicates this automated ingestion, often requiring manual intervention to flip and rescan pages, adding friction and delay.
Managing Multi-Page Resumes
The only justification for considering double-sided printing is when a candidate’s experience necessitates a two-page document. Even then, the rule against printing on the back holds firm: a two-page resume must be printed as two separate, single-sided sheets.
To keep these pages together, candidates should use a simple paperclip, especially if the reviewer will be making notes. Using a staple is also acceptable, provided the pages are securely fastened in the top corner.
A two-page format is generally reserved for highly experienced professionals, such as those with fifteen or more years in a specific field, or for academic curricula vitae. For most candidates, the content should be rigorously edited to fit the first page, keeping the single-sided presentation clean and direct.
Essential Physical Presentation Best Practices
Beyond the single-sided rule, the material quality of the document impacts the first impression. Professionals should select paper stock with a substantial weight, ideally 24 lb or 32 lb, which provides a premium feel and prevents ink bleed-through.
The color choice should remain conservative, typically a bright standard white or a professional off-white. Laser printing is preferred over inkjet printing because it fuses toner to the paper, resulting in sharper text, cleaner lines, and resistance to smudging. These elements create a professional, durable document that reflects positively on the candidate’s attention to detail.
The Shift to Digital Submissions
The discussion surrounding physical printing is increasingly confined to specific, late-stage interactions, such as final interviews or networking events. Today, the vast majority of initial applications are submitted electronically, typically as a Portable Document Format file (PDF). This digital submission process negates any concern about double-sided printing, as the file is viewed sequentially on a screen. Therefore, the preparation of a physical resume is a specialized consideration, reserved for occasions when a tangible document is required to make a lasting, in-person impression.