How to print a professional resume effectively?
Choose the right paper and a reliable printer; use 10-12 point fonts, 1" margins, black ink, and print a test copy to catch errors. Use home printing for convenience or a professional service for higher quality options.
Are you finding it challenging to receive callbacks from potential employers, even though you have a remarkable resume?
If so, it may be time to consider the significance of printing a professional resume. Although printing your resume may seem outdated in today's digital age, it can make a significant difference in your job application.
Not only does a well-printed resume look good on paper, but it also ensures readability and visual appeal to potential employers.
Going ahead, we will guide job seekers in the United States on how to print a professional resume effectively.
Our tips and advice will cover everything from selecting the right paper and printer to best practices for formatting and avoiding common printing mistakes.
Whether you are printing at home or using a professional printing service, our tips and advice will help your resume stand out from the competition.
So, let's dive in and take your job search to the next level!
- What paper is used for printing resumes?
- What printer is best for printing resumes?
- What are the 5 guidelines for printing a resume?
- How do I print my resume professionally?
Choosing the Right Paper for Your Resume
The type of paper you use can have a significant impact on the overall look and feel of your resume. While it may seem like a small detail, it can make a big difference.
Using glossy paper can make your resume look sleek and professional, but it can also be prone to smudging and fingerprints.
On the other hand, matte paper is more durable and doesn't smudge easily, but it may not give your resume the same visual appeal.
There are also different weights and colors to consider, each with its benefits and drawbacks.
So our advice will be to consider the industry you are applying to and the overall tone you want to convey when choosing the best paper for your resume.
For example, if you are applying for a creative job, you might want to use a more colorful and visually striking paper. However, if you are applying for a more traditional job, a neutral-colored, high-quality paper might be more appropriate.
Also read: How to choose the best resume paper?
Selecting the Appropriate Printer for Your Resume
The choice of printer for your resume is as important as the paper you select. Different types of printers have advantages and disadvantages, and knowing about them can help you make an informed decision.
Here are some crucial factors to keep in mind when picking the appropriate printer for your resume:
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Inkjet Printers: These printers are popular for their versatility and affordability. They are capable of printing on a wide range of paper types & sizes, while some models can even print high-quality photographs. However, the ink cartridges can be expensive to replace and the ink can smear or bleed on certain types of paper.
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Laser Printers: These printers use toner instead of ink, making them ideal for printing text and graphics. They are faster and more cost-effective than inkjet printers, and the toner doesn't smear or bleed like ink. However, they are not ideal for printing photographs, and they can be more expensive to purchase initially.
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All-in-One Printers: These printers combine printing, scanning, copying, and sometimes faxing capabilities into a single machine. They are great for home offices or small businesses that require multiple functions in a compact package. However, they may not produce the same high-quality prints as dedicated printers, and they can be more expensive to maintain.
When choosing the right printer for your resume, consider your budget, the type of paper you will be using, and the level of print quality you require. Additionally, always read reviews and compare features before making a purchase.
Also read: How to create a simple resume format?
The Best Practices for Printing a Professional Resume
Printing a professional resume is a crucial step in the job application process. It's important to ensure that your resume looks polished and professional to make a good first impression on potential employers.
Here are 5 best practices for printing a professional resume:
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Pay attention to formatting and spacing: Make sure that your resume is well-formatted and easy to read. Use clear headings and bullet points to organize your information and leave plenty of white space between sections. This will make your resume more visually appealing and easier to read.
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Avoid common printing mistakes: To avoid smudges or misalignments, use high-quality paper and ink cartridges. Make sure that your printer is properly calibrated and that you have enough ink or toner to complete the print job. Always print a test page before printing the final version to avoid any errors.
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Choose the right font and font size: Use a clear, easy-to-read font such as Times New Roman or Arial. Avoid using fancy or decorative fonts, as they can be difficult to read. Keep the font size between 10-12 points to ensure that your resume is easy to read.
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Use appropriate margins: Set your margins to 1” on all sides to ensure that your resume fits on a single page. If your resume is longer than one page, consider reducing the font size or adjusting the margins slightly to fit everything on one page.
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Print in black and white: Stick to black ink when printing your resume. While colored fonts or graphics may look visually appealing, they can be distracting and may not print well on all printers.
By following these best practices, you can ensure that your printed resume looks professional and polished, making a strong impression on potential employers.
Also read: Which font style is commonly used in a professional resume?
Home Printing vs. Professional Printing Services
When it comes to printing your resume, you have two main options: home printing or using a professional printing service.
Here are a few points to consider when deciding which option is right for you:
Home Printing
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Convenience: Printing your resume at home is convenient, as you can print it out whenever you need to without leaving your house.
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Cost-effective: Home printing can be cost-effective, especially if you already own a printer and have access to high-quality paper and ink cartridges.
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Limited options: Home printers may have limitations in terms of paper size and quality, as well as color options.
Professional Printing Services
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High-quality printing: Professional printing services use high-quality printers and paper to produce crisp, clean prints.
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Customizable options: Many printing services offer customizable options such as paper type, color options, and finishing touches like embossing or foil stamping.
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Higher cost: Using a professional printing service can be more expensive than printing at home, especially for large print runs.
Also read: How to write a message to hiring manager?
Concluding Takeaways
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Printing a professional resume is an important step in the job application process, and it's essential to get it right. By choosing the right paper and printer, paying attention to formatting and spacing, and avoiding common printing mistakes, you can ensure that your resume looks polished and professional, making a strong impression on potential employers.
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While many job seekers focus on the content of their resumes, it's important not to overlook the importance of printing. A well-printed resume shows that you are detail-oriented, professional, and serious about the job search process. By following the best practices outlined in this blog, you can ensure that your printed resume stands out from the competition and helps you land your dream job.
Lastly, if you believe that you need to work around your resume first before getting to the printing bit, allow us to help you!
Build a compelling resume within minutes with Hiration’s ChatGPT-powered resume builder offering 24x7 chat support.
You can also reach us at support@hiration.com if you have any questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What paper should you use to print a resume?
Match paper to the industry and tone. Glossy looks sleek but can smudge; matte is more durable and resists smudging, and creative roles may suit more colorful, visually striking paper while traditional roles favor neutral-colored, high-quality paper.
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Is glossy or matte paper better for a resume?
Use glossy for a sleek look but expect potential smudging and fingerprints. For paper selection guidance, see How to choose the best resume paper?
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What type of printer is best for printing a resume?
Laser printers are ideal for text and graphics because toner does not smear or bleed, and they are faster and more cost-effective. Inkjet printers are versatile and can print high-quality photographs, but ink can smear or bleed on some paper.
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Should you print your resume in color or black and white?
Print in black and white and stick to black ink. Colored fonts or graphics can be distracting and may not print well on all printers.
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What are the 5 guidelines for printing a resume?
Follow 5 best practices: format with clear headings and white space, avoid printing mistakes with calibration and a test page, use Times New Roman or Arial at 10-12 points, set 1” margins, and print in black and white.
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What margins should you use when printing a resume?
Set your margins to 1” on all sides to help your resume fit on a single page.
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What font and font size should you use for a printed resume?
Use a clear, easy-to-read font such as Times New Roman or Arial, and keep the size between 10-12 points. For guidance, see Which font style is commonly used in a professional resume?
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How do you avoid common resume printing mistakes?
Use high-quality paper and ink cartridges, make sure the printer is properly calibrated, and ensure you have enough ink or toner. Always print a test page before printing the final version to avoid errors.
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Should you print your resume at home or use a professional printing service?
Choose home printing for convenience and potential cost savings but expect limitations in paper size, quality, and color options. Professional services offer high-quality printing and customizable options, though they can be more expensive.
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Are laser printers better than inkjet printers for resumes?
For text-heavy resumes, laser printers are faster, more cost-effective, and toner doesn't smear or bleed. Inkjet printers are versatile and handle photos, but ink cartridges can be expensive and the ink can smear or bleed on some paper.
