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Thursday’s Thought: No More Colored, Thick or Fancy Paper

Posted by Kevin Crews - The Career Strategist on November 4, 2010 in Job Tip | ∞
I don't recall exactly when the "shift" happened, but it did. One day, it seems, everyone suddenly decided to stop using colored, thick or fancy paper for their resume. It happened so quickly that there was never a "transition" period where I would get a mix of regular paper resumes along with the expensive style (colored, thick or fancy paper). Those of you that know me and my style might guess that I would "favor" the use of colored, thick or fancy paper for your resume. However, for some strange reason, not only do I not feel that it's necessary, I actually feel that they HURT your chances of being considered for the position. First of all, it screams that you are trying too hard, or maybe even desperate. It makes me think that you are lacking in skills and trying to make up for it with glitter. Secondly, it makes you look dated. It suggests, I am not hip with the new "rules" of job seeking etiquette, and I am not interested in playing nice in this sandbox. Being a rebel might be my recommendation for other areas in your job search quest, but the colored paper thingy doesn't apply in this instance.

However, I don't want you to lose that creative thinking side of your brain! Instead of getting creative with the paper that you print the words on, get creative with the content that goes on that plain white looking sheet of regular printer paper.

I still get the occasional resume on the fancy paper but it is from one of two groups: those who haven't had to look for a job in the past 15 years and recent college grads whose instructors haven't had to look for a job in the past 15 years and pass their "wisdom" on to their students.

I forgive them.

1 Comment

  • Renee Anderson says:
    December 2, 2010 at 11:45 am

    Well stated Kevin.

    On the other hand, I still remember the story from college business class about the individual who sent in a resume that was on paper that was just a bit larger than the norm. The resume stood out and rather than look through the huge stack, the recruiter called the job seeker who ultimately got the job. The content must have also stood out, of course.

    Recently, I had the opportunity to send a mailing to legislators in my workplace’s service area and I used the oversize paper trick to make the newsletter stand out in the stack of correspondence.

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