Should you staple your resume? Generally, no. Stapling is usually unnecessary and can even make your resume look unprofessional or damage it. Focus on digital submissions or clean, paperclip-secured documents for a polished presentation.
Navigating the job application process can feel like a puzzle, and one small detail that often causes confusion is how to physically present your resume. For students, recent graduates, or even seasoned professionals, the question of whether to staple your resume might seem minor, but it can contribute to your overall first impression. It’s a common point of uncertainty, especially when you’re eager to make your application stand out for all the right reasons. Don’t worry, though! We’ll break down this seemingly small detail so you can confidently present your best self. Let’s explore the best practices for handling your resume.
The Staple Debate: Why It’s Usually a “No”
As your career strategist, my goal is to make your job search as smooth and successful as possible. When it comes to physically attaching pages of your resume, the staple is a common culprit for creating a less-than-ideal impression. While it might seem like a practical way to keep your pages together, especially if you’re handing your resume directly to someone, it often falls short of creating a polished and professional look.
Think about it from the perspective of the hiring manager or recruiter. They often sift through stacks of applications. A staple can be cumbersome, potentially snagging on other documents or even on their own clothing. More importantly, it can sometimes create small holes or tears on the paper, which, while minor, detract from the crisp, professional appearance you want to project. In many modern hiring environments, physical resumes are less common than digital submissions, but when a hard copy is required, presentation matters.
So, why does this question even come up? It likely stems from older practices or situations where a physical document needs to be securely bound. However, the modern workplace has evolved, and so have the best practices for resume presentation. We’ll delve into the reasons why stapling isn’t the go-to method and explore the superior alternatives that will help your resume shine.
Why Staples Can Be Problematic
Let’s break down the specific reasons why stapling your resume isn’t the best idea:
- Unprofessional Appearance: A staple, especially a large or visible one, can make your resume look rushed or less polished. The metal itself can be distracting, and the way it punches through the paper isn’t as neat as other methods.
- Damage to the Document: Staples can tear the paper, especially if the resume is handled frequently or if the staple is removed carelessly. This can create unsightly holes or rips, detracting from your resume’s professionalism.
- Inconvenience for Reviewers: Recruiters and hiring managers often handle many documents. A staple can be awkward to manage, potentially snagging on other papers or even on their clothing. Some may even need to remove the staple to scan the document, which can be an extra step they’d rather avoid.
- Digital Scanning Issues: If your resume needs to be scanned into a digital system, a staple can interfere with the scanning process, potentially causing errors or requiring the staple to be removed beforehand.
- Outdated Practice: In today’s digital-first world, physical resumes are often only needed for specific situations like in-person interviews or career fairs. The expectation is usually for clean, easily manageable documents.
The Best Alternatives to Stapling
If stapling is out, what are the best ways to keep your resume pages together? Thankfully, there are several excellent, professional alternatives that ensure your resume remains neat, organized, and impressive:
1. The Clean Fold (for Single-Page Resumes)
If your resume is just one page, you likely won’t need to attach anything. Simply present it as a single, crisp sheet. Ensure it’s printed on good quality paper, free of creases or smudges.
2. The Binder Clip
A small, neat binder clip is a fantastic alternative. It holds your pages securely without damaging them and is easy for the reviewer to remove if needed. Opt for a black or silver clip for a more professional look.
How to Use a Binder Clip:
- Align the top corners of your resume pages precisely.
- Slide the binder clip onto the top left corner, ensuring it grips all pages firmly.
- Make sure the clip is straight and doesn’t obscure any important text.
3. The Paper Clip
A standard paper clip is also a good option, though it can sometimes snag or leave a slight indentation. Choose a smooth, well-functioning paper clip and place it on the top left corner, just like a binder clip.
Tips for Paper Clips:
- Use a smooth, coated paper clip to minimize the risk of snagging.
- Ensure the paper clip is the right size – not too small to hold pages, and not too large to be cumbersome.
- Position it on the top left corner, away from any crucial information.
4. Professional Folder or Portfolio
For interviews or important meetings, consider placing your resume inside a sleek, professional folder or portfolio. This not only keeps it pristine but also adds an extra layer of polish to your presentation. You can often find portfolios that have a dedicated slot for your resume and space for other documents like a notepad or business cards.
5. Digital Submission (The Most Common Method)
In today’s job market, the vast majority of applications are submitted online. When applying through a job portal or via email, you’ll typically upload your resume as a PDF. In this case, there’s no need for physical binding at all. Ensure your digital file is well-formatted, named professionally (e.g., “FirstName_LastName_Resume.pdf”), and saved as a PDF to preserve formatting across different devices.
For guidance on PDF formatting, resources like Adobe’s Acrobat help pages can be useful:
When Might a Staple Seem Okay (But Still Isn’t Ideal)?
There might be a few scenarios where someone might think stapling is appropriate, but even then, the alternatives are usually better:
- At a Job Fair: You might be handing your resume directly to a recruiter. While you want it to stay together, a binder clip or a neat folder is still more professional than a staple.
- When Mailing: If you’re mailing a resume, you might think a staple is necessary. However, a large envelope with a sturdy paperclip or a folder inside is often sufficient and prevents the staple from damaging other contents or the envelope itself.
- For Multiple Pages: If you have many pages and worry about them separating, a binder clip is far superior to multiple staples, which can look messy and damage the paper more significantly.
Even in these situations, the goal is to maintain a professional and undamaged document. The key takeaway is that staples are rarely the best choice for presenting your resume.
Presentation Tips for a Winning Resume
Beyond the staple question, here are some essential tips to ensure your resume makes a fantastic impression:
- Quality Paper: If printing, use good quality, heavier-weight paper (24 lb or higher) in white or off-white. It feels more substantial and professional.
- Professional Printing: Print your resume at home on a good printer or use a professional printing service. Avoid blurry text or faded ink.
- Proofread Meticulously: Typos and grammatical errors are resume killers. Read it aloud, use spell-check and grammar tools, and ask a trusted friend or mentor to review it. The Grammarly blog offers great tips on common writing mistakes.
- Clean Formatting: Use a clear, readable font (like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman) in a size between 10-12 points. Ensure consistent spacing and margins.
- Conciseness: Aim for one page if you have less than 10 years of experience. If you have extensive experience, two pages is acceptable, but every word should count.
- Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume for each job application, highlighting the skills and experiences most relevant to the specific role.
Resume Formatting: Digital vs. Physical
The way you format your resume can differ slightly depending on whether you’re submitting it digitally or handing over a physical copy. Understanding these nuances can help you present your best self.
Digital Resume Formatting
When applying online, your resume is often read by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) before a human sees it. This means formatting needs to be ATS-friendly.
- File Type: Always save and submit as a PDF unless the application specifically requests a different format (like .docx). PDFs maintain your formatting across different devices and operating systems.
- Fonts: Stick to standard, web-safe fonts. Avoid fancy graphics, tables, or columns that an ATS might struggle to read.
- Keywords: Incorporate keywords from the job description naturally throughout your resume.
- File Naming: Use a professional file name (e.g., “JaneDoe_Resume.pdf”).
For more on ATS optimization, the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) provides valuable insights:
SHRM: Optimizing Resumes for ATS
Physical Resume Formatting
For in-person interviews or when a hard copy is requested, the physical presentation is key.
- Paper Quality: As mentioned, use good quality paper.
- Printing: Ensure crisp, clear printing.
- Binding: Use a binder clip or paper clip on the top left corner. Avoid staples.
- Cleanliness: Make sure the document is free from smudges, folds, or tears.
- Number of Copies: Bring multiple clean copies (at least 3-5) to interviews, even if you’ve already submitted one online.
Common Resume Mistakes to Avoid
Let’s review some other common pitfalls job seekers encounter, so you can steer clear of them:
| Mistake | Why It’s Bad | How to Fix It |
|---|---|---|
| Typos and Grammatical Errors | Signals a lack of attention to detail and professionalism. | Proofread multiple times, use grammar tools, and get a second opinion. |
| Generic, Untailored Resume | Doesn’t show the employer you’re a good fit for their specific role. | Customize your resume with keywords and experiences relevant to each job. |
| Unprofessional Email Address | Looks immature or unprofessional (e.g., partyanimal@email.com). | Use a simple, professional email address like firstname.lastname@email.com. |
| Overly Long Resume | Hiring managers have limited time; a lengthy resume might not get fully read. | Be concise. Focus on achievements and relevant experience. Aim for 1-2 pages. |
| Unnecessary Personal Information | Can lead to bias or is irrelevant to the job (e.g., marital status, religion). | Only include information directly relevant to your qualifications and the job. |
| Using a Staple! | Can look unprofessional and damage the document. | Use a binder clip or paper clip instead. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is it ever okay to staple my resume?
While there might be rare exceptions in very informal settings, it is generally not recommended to staple your resume. Binder clips or paper clips offer a more professional and less damaging way to keep pages together.
Q2: What should I use to keep my resume pages together if it’s more than one page?
The best alternatives are a small binder clip or a smooth paper clip, placed on the top left corner. A professional folder or portfolio is also an excellent choice for interviews.
Q3: Should I print my resume on special paper?
Yes, using good quality, heavier-weight paper (around 24 lb) in white or off-white can significantly enhance the professional feel of your resume. It feels more substantial and looks cleaner than standard printer paper.
Q4: How many copies of my resume should I bring to an interview?
It’s always a good idea to bring at least 3-5 clean, neatly presented copies of your resume to an in-person interview. This ensures you have extras for all interviewers and any unexpected attendees.
Q5: What’s the biggest mistake people make with their resume’s physical presentation?
Besides stapling, common mistakes include using poor-quality paper, having smudged or creased pages, and not proofreading for typos. A messy or unprofessional-looking resume can undermine even the best qualifications.
Q6: Should I staple my resume to my cover letter?
No, you should not staple your resume to your cover letter. Use a binder clip or paper clip to attach them together neatly, or place them together in a professional folder. For digital submissions, ensure they are uploaded as separate documents or combined into a single PDF with the cover letter preceding the resume.
Conclusion
As you can see, the question of whether to staple your resume is a nuanced one, but the answer leans heavily towards “no.” My aim is always to equip you with the knowledge to make confident, professional decisions throughout your job search. By opting for cleaner, more modern methods like binder clips, paper clips, or professional folders, you ensure your resume presents itself in the best possible light. Remember, every detail, from the paper quality to how your pages are bound, contributes to the overall impression you make. Keep your resume crisp, clean, and impeccably presented, and you’ll be one step closer to landing that dream job. Happy job hunting!