The modern job application process is primarily digital, yet a polished physical resume remains a reality for many candidates. While most applications are submitted online, a tangible copy is frequently required for in-person interviews, networking events, and career fairs. When a hiring manager receives a printed document, its presentation is a subtle, non-verbal indicator of professionalism and is important for making a strong first impression.
The Standard Rule for Resume Printing
The definitive answer to whether a resume should be printed double-sided is clear: the professional standard requires all resumes to be printed single-sided. This practice is universally accepted across industries and sets an expectation of adherence to established business norms. Printing a resume on one side ensures the document is handled and reviewed in the manner hiring teams expect, simplifying the review process for recruiters managing dozens of applications simultaneously.
Why Single-Sided Printing is Essential
The single-sided rule exists primarily for the convenience of the reviewer and to maintain the integrity of the information. Hiring managers frequently stack, spread out, or quickly flip through documents during evaluation. If a resume is printed double-sided, the content on the back of the page will likely be missed entirely during a rapid review. This means achievements, skills, or contact information could be overlooked simply due to an unconventional printing choice.
Internal processes often require printed documents to be scanned or photocopied for distribution or archiving. Double-sided printing creates complications for many standard office scanners and copiers, which are typically defaulted for single-page feeding. Capturing the reverse side requires extra steps, slowing down the administrative process and potentially introducing errors or poor quality scans. Maintaining a single-sided format respects the efficiency of the hiring team’s workflow and guarantees that every piece of information is readily accessible.
Best Practices for Multi-Page Resumes
If a resume legitimately requires a second page, specific presentation guidelines must be followed. The two pages should be kept together, secured with a single, standard paper clip placed at the top center or corner. Avoid stapling the pages, as this prevents reviewers from easily separating the document for side-by-side comparison or quick reference.
The second page must include a header that repeats the candidate’s full name and contact information. This ensures that if the pages become separated during handling or filing, the second sheet can still be immediately identified and matched to the correct applicant. Additionally, never allow a two-page resume to end with only a few lines of text on the second page. Content should be managed so a substantial portion of the information appears on the final sheet.
Physical Presentation Matters
Beyond the number of printed sides, the physical quality of the paper stock creates a significant impression. Using a high-quality paper weight, such as 24 lb or 32 lb, provides a noticeable tactile difference compared to standard 20 lb copy paper. This heavier stock gives the document a substantial feel and prevents ink from showing through the back of the page.
The paper color should be limited to bright white or soft ivory, as these are the only recognized professional standards. Bright white offers a crisp contrast to the ink, while soft ivory suggests a traditional aesthetic. Before printing, confirm the toner cartridge is full and the document is free of streaks or smudges. Margins and formatting must be checked to ensure no text is cut off and that the document prints exactly as it appears on the screen.
The Digital Resume Reality
The vast majority of initial applications are now submitted digitally, usually in a Portable Document Format (PDF). Professional printing rules apply primarily to the final stages of the hiring process, such as the interview stage or when attending a job fair. While the frequency of needing a printed copy has decreased, the importance of its quality remains undiminished.
When a physical document is requested, it serves as a tangible representation of the candidate’s professionalism. The care taken in selecting the paper, ink, and presentation method communicates respect for the process and the interviewer. The standards for that final, tangible artifact must be impeccable.