Resume paper: what to print on, and when a printed copy still matters.
Many resumes are read on a screen, but printed copies still matter at interviews, career fairs and in-person applications. A clean print on good plain paper is all it takes.
Print your resume on plain white or off-white paper, slightly heavier than standard copy paper if you have it, using a laser printer or a print shop for crisp text. Avoid coloured, textured or patterned paper, which can look dated and photocopies badly. Bring several unfolded copies to interviews and career fairs in a folder so they stay flat and clean.
How to print a resume well
- Use plain, light-coloured paper. White or a very light off-white keeps text sharp and copies cleanly.
- Choose slightly heavier stock if you can. A little more weight feels sturdier in the hand, but plain copy paper is acceptable.
- Print from a PDF. Exporting to PDF first keeps fonts and spacing exactly as you designed them.
- Check the print preview. Make sure nothing spills onto a second page and margins are not cut off.
- Print a few spare copies. For interviews with several people or unexpected requests.
- Carry them flat. A simple folder keeps pages clean and uncreased.
Illustrative examples to adapt
Illustrative: every name, employer, school, date and number in these samples is fictional or a bracketed placeholder. Replace each bracket with your own true details; never copy a result you did not achieve.
Print-day checklist
When to use: The night before an interview or career fair.
Copies: [number] printed from the PDF dated [date] Paper: plain [white or off-white] Checked: page breaks, margins, contact details current Folder: [what you will carry them in] Also bring: [list of references, portfolio or notes, if relevant]
Note to self for the copy you hand over
When to use: Matching the printed version to what you applied with.
Printed version matches the file sent to [Employer] on [date] for the [job title] role: [yes or what changed]
Disclosure: TryHired makes HIRED, a paid job-search program, so we have a conflict of interest when we mention it. Every sample on this page is free to use without buying anything.
Paper choices
| Option | Use it? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Plain white copy paper | Yes | Clean and acceptable everywhere. |
| Heavier white or off-white paper | Yes, if available | Feels sturdier when handed over. |
| Cotton resume paper | Optional | Fine, but no reader requires it. |
| Coloured or patterned paper | No | Distracts and copies badly. |
| Glossy paper | No | Glare makes it harder to read. |
| Folded copies in a pocket | No | Creases look careless. |
The same line, rewritten
Illustrative example with placeholders.
| Version | Example |
|---|---|
| Weak | Printing at home on whatever paper is in the printer, folded into a pocket. |
| Strong | Printing [number] copies from the final PDF on plain white paper and carrying them flat in a folder. |
Why it matters: The paper matters far less than a clean, current, uncreased copy that matches what you applied with.
Before you send it
- The printed copy matches the version you applied with.
- It prints on one or two full pages without awkward breaks.
- Paper is plain white or off-white.
- Text is crisp, with no streaks or smudges.
- You have spare copies.
- They are carried flat.
Mistakes to avoid
- Using coloured or textured paper to stand out.
- Printing an older version than the one you applied with.
- Bringing a single creased copy.
- Printing on both sides of one sheet.
- Stapling pages in a way that makes copying hard.
Build yours
Questions people ask
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How this page is built
Written by Maid Dizdarevic, a career coach and 8x LinkedIn Top Voice. Advice is labelled as advice. Every sample uses a fictional person marked '(illustrative)' or a 'Your name' placeholder, and every employer, school, date and result is a bracketed placeholder for your own true details.
- What a specific employer screens for: always read the posting.
- Your results: we never invent numbers, and you should never copy a result you did not achieve.
- Outcomes: no resume, letter, profile or program can promise an interview or a job.
- TryHired editorial guidance by Maid Dizdarevic, career coach, Nov 4, 2026.