Stapling a resume is a common practice, but is it really necessary? The answer may surprise you.
Why You Should Consider Stapling Your Resume
- Keeps pages together. Stapling your resume ensures that all pages stay together, preventing them from getting lost or separated. This is especially important if you’re submitting your resume by mail or if you’re bringing multiple copies to an interview.
- Creates a professional appearance. A stapled resume looks more professional and polished than an unstapled one. It shows that you’ve taken the time to put together a well-organized and error-free document.
- Makes it easier to handle. A stapled resume is easier to hold and flip through than an unstapled one. This can be helpful during interviews or when you’re presenting your resume to potential employers.
Why You Shouldn’t Staple Your Resume
- Can damage the paper. Stapling your resume can create small holes in the paper, which can make it look unprofessional. This is especially true if you’re using a high-quality paper stock.
- Can make it difficult to add or remove pages. If you need to add or remove pages from your resume, stapling it can make it difficult. You’ll have to remove the staples and then re-staple the resume, which can be time-consuming and frustrating.
- Can be a security risk. If you’re submitting your resume via email or online, stapling it can make it easier for someone to hack into your document and steal your personal information. This is because staples can create small holes in the paper, which can be used to insert malware or other malicious software.
So, Should You Staple Your Resume?
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to staple your resume is up to you. There are pros and cons to both approaches, so you’ll need to weigh the factors and make a decision that’s right for you.
If you’re concerned about damaging the paper or making it difficult to add or remove pages, you may want to avoid stapling your resume. However, if you’re looking for a professional and polished appearance, stapling your resume may be a good option.
Tips for Stapling Your Resume
If you decide to staple your resume, there are a few things you can do to make sure it looks its best:
- Use a small staple. A small staple will create less damage to the paper and will be less noticeable.
- Place the staple in the upper left-hand corner. This is the standard placement for staples in resumes and other business documents.
- Use a staple remover carefully. If you need to remove the staples from your resume, do so carefully to avoid tearing the paper.
Table: Pros and Cons of Stapling Your Resume
| Pro | Con |
|---|---|
| Keeps pages together | Can damage the paper |
| Creates a professional appearance | Can make it difficult to add or remove pages |
| Makes it easier to handle | Can be a security risk |
Table: Tips for Stapling Your Resume
| Tip | Why it’s important |
|---|---|
| Use a small staple | Creates less damage to the paper and is less noticeable |
| Place the staple in the upper left-hand corner | Standard placement for staples in resumes and other business documents |
| Use a staple remover carefully | Avoids tearing the paper |
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Stapling Your Resume
- Don’t use too many staples. One or two staples is sufficient to keep your resume together.
- Don’t staple the resume in the middle. This can make it difficult to read and can damage the paper.
- Don’t staple the resume through the fold. This can create a crease in the paper and make it look unprofessional.
Effective Strategies for Stapling Your Resume
- Use a sturdy paper stock. This will help to prevent the paper from tearing when you staple it.
- Score the paper before you staple it. This will create a small crease in the paper that will make it easier to staple.
- Use a staple remover to carefully remove the staples. This will help to avoid tearing the paper.
Conclusion
Whether or not to staple your resume is a personal decision. There are pros and cons to both approaches, so you’ll need to weigh the factors and make a decision that’s right for you. If you decide to staple your resume, be sure to follow the tips in this article to ensure that it looks professional and polished.
Additional Information
In addition to the information in this article, here are a few additional resources that you may find helpful:
