The Best Resume Paper

One thing you certainly want to avoid when it comes to resume paper is using common photocopy paper.  Your resume is a representation of your professional background, you have an obligation to present that background in the best possible light, and copy paper just will not do.

Following find suggestions for resume paper colors, textures and weights.

---

Paper Color

While there are many different colors you could choose for a resume, I suggest using one of two colors – white or ivory.

Use white (32 pound, cotton) paper if you are a senior executive or if you work in a conservative (insurance, law, medicine) profession. Ivory is perfect for all others. In fact I prefer the warm look of ivory-colored paper.

Paper Texture

We do not recommend a linen finish; the striations in the paper seem a bit discordant.

Be certain to skip imitation parchment, the parchment effect is a distracting element. Using unusual colors on your resume to gain attention (pastels for instance) portrays the subject of the resume as someone who needs a gimmick to be competitive, so stick to the basics.

Paper Weight

For the past couple of years we have been recommending 32 pound, cotton paper.

Right now the product we recommend is Southworth. It is relatively inexpensive and available in many stationery / office supply stores around the country. Southworth even offers a product made with 100% recycled cotton if you prefer.

Final Thoughts

Remember, in the grand scheme of things, resume paper is a very small investment; selecting the correct paper can make a big impact for small bucks!