Typeset resumes have also been looked upon with skepticism by some "experts." The typeset resumes were thought to be "too slick," probably mass-produced, and possibly the work of a professional resume writer, rather than the writer's own work.
If the resume looks too much as though it was prepared according to a formula, it appears that the sender is interested in any job, not necessarily in the reader's specific job.
What do the experts suggest?
Have your resume on a computer diskette, or stored in your electronic typewriter.
Then print an original each time. That way, the ribbon density, type appearance, etc., will match your cover letter (individually typed at about the same time, we assume). This will create the impression that "I did this resume just for you because I'm interested in the job you have available... not just any job."
An added benefit: you can modify various versions easily to emphasize or deemphasize something, to tailor the Job Objective to the position available, etc. It's more trouble for you, but it makes a much better impression than do mass-produced resumes.
Whatever method you use, do your final perfect copy on bright white paper. Then you are ready to have it reproduced in quantity. Or you can store it in memory for future additional copies.
In the twenty-five years I have been reading, reviewing, and evaluating resumes, I have seen all sizes, shapes, formats, colors, typefaces, and methods of reproduction.
Even though it may seem like overkill, check the following charts to see which methods of reproduction are acceptable, which ones may be acceptable, and which are not acceptable, when you are making your choices.
Acceptable Means of Reproducing Your Resume
- Offset Printing (as found at the many commercial print shops that will produce quick and economical copies for you)
- Office-quality (floor model) photocopy machine
- Letter-quality printer with cartridge ribbon
- Office-quality electronic typewriter, serif typeface
- Office-quality electric typewriter, serif typeface
- Table-model Photocopy Machine (using plain paper)
- Professional typesetting by printer or typesetter
- Old-style office-quality typewriter with metal characters and featuring variable or proportional spacing
Choose your print shop carefully. You will find considerable differences in price and quality between printers.
Ask friends for recommendations of printers. Then call or visit several to compare prices, available paper stocks, colors, weights, finishes and quality.
Ask printers to show you samples of their work. Ask if there is an extra charge for making a plate if you plan to have your resumes printed by the offset process.
If the print shop uses a photocopy machine for most resumes, make sure it makes good quality copies before your resumes are reproduced on it.
Be absolutely sure your resume is exactly the way you want it when you give it to the printer. It is your responsibility, not the printer's, if you discover a mistake after they have printed your 50, 100, or 500 resumes!
You might be surprised to learn how many people discover their mistakes after paying for the resume, only to have to pay again after the mistake has been noticed.
If the printer offers to prepare the final copy of your resume and you decide to have them do it ... or if you turn this task over to someone other than yourself-or to someone you can watch or supervise-tell that person not to change anything.
Not a word. Not a space. Not a line.
Don't allow them even to move a word to another line. Not anything.
You are paying them, or trusting them, to type what you have prepared and to do so exactly as you want it done.
You are the boss. And you have read this. They have not. You know more about what you want than your typist does.
You are probably right. And they are probably wrong.
And be sure to proofread the new version. Mistakes often creep in and you'll want to find them now before the resume is printed.
Texture and Weight
Paper also has texture differences. Linen, pebble finish, vellum, gloss, enamel, and laid finish are just a few of the many textures available.
Choose the one you like best, but consider also the person and organization you're sending it to.
For most resumes, you should select a finish which has an executive look and feel, rather than something which appeals to the emotions or to your sensual nature.
Paper also has various weights. You've noticed that some papers are very light, such as overseas airmail stationery. And that some papers are very heavy, almost like cardboard.
For the business resume, a medium weight is usually appropriate. If the printer gives you a choice between two weights, it is usually better to select the slightly heavier stock, even if it costs more.
When you receive a wedding invitation that immediately feels like a high quality paper, you get a very favorable impression even before you even open the envelope.
You should strive to create the same impression when someone first handles your resume. And you can do this by choosing your paper stock carefully.
The finest grades of paper are made of 100 percent cotton fiber, or 100 percent rag content. Most cheap papers are made of 100 percent wood pulp.
Some very fine papers are made from 75 percent wood pulp and 25 percent fiber. In the trade, printers refer to this as "25 percent rag" paper. It is quite acceptable for resumes.
