The 3 Best Resume Paper Choices (+ Amazon Links)
Finding the perfect paper to print your resume on isn’t easy. While many searches on Amazon or Google for “resume paper” show options to buy, it’s probably not the best bet.
The paper you choose to print your resume on can definitely make an impact on the reader. If you think about it, the reader goes through quite the experience when they pick up your resume.
They pick it up by two hands, they prop it up, they decide which angle they want to start reading at, and take a glance. This is an experience. And you want to give them a positive one.
If you were to pick regular printer paper, in that same experience, the reader might have the paper fall backward. In a floppy motion, the reader could get distracted or frustrated trying to consume your information.
This is why choosing the right paper is vital to the outcome that you want the reader to experience.
Table Of Contents
Instances Where You Need To Print Your Resume
Reality is, you won’t need to print your resume much. Majority of the time your application is going to be done online. And when you’re interviewing onsite, the human resources manager who set up your interviews will be the one printing your resume. In that case, you won’t have control over which type of paper to use.
But some retail settings and career fair events require you to bring printed resume copies. You may also be part of a college-level guidance counseling session where you would bring a printed resume in order to meet with advisors and get their perspective on your career path.
Is There Resume Specific Paper?
While many searches will lead you to “resume paper”, it’s not really paper designed for resumes. They are simply types of paper that may appear as though they are better for resumes. Mostly because they are not considered printer paper but are still 8 1/2 x 11 inches in dimension.
Don’t be fooled. There is no “resume paper” specifically.
Pearl White, White, Ivory, Cream?
When deciding between paper types, color comes up often. If you were to print a black and white resume from your printer right now, you’d see that the white paper makes the black ink easier to read.
If you had a piece of ivory paper or cream-colored paper in your home and you printed your resume, you’d see that the offset white color can make it difficult to read.
That’s because there’s not as much of a contrast. If you are choosing between colors, don’t think that by choosing ivory or cream-colored paper that you’ll stand out.
In fact, printing your resume on these colors of paper might cause eye strain for your reader. Instead, opt for plain white. Sometimes referred to as pearl white.
Black & White Resume or Color?
If you have color components to your resume, let's say you included your picture. I would advise against having those. It will distract from the goal that your reader has. That’s to scan your resume, get an idea of who you are, what skills you have, what merits you were able to achieve, and then decide how they should engage with you next.
Keep your resume in alignment with these goals of the reader.
The Weight Of Your Paper
Paper weight is the best way to stand out. It can make the experience of grabbing your resume and being able to prop it up to read, more enjoyable. Heavier paperweights often feel better on the fingertips as well.
You may opt for a paper that has some texture to it, which is okay. Heavier paper stock often has some light texture associated with it. And even when the paper is smooth, the heavier paper stock often feels similar to texture in terms of sensory for the reader.
Regular printer paper, which you most likely have laying around the house or the office, is around 20lb.
This weight of paper (20lb) is going to be quite flimsy. It will force the reader to have to set the paper on a table and prop their head over the paper in order to read it.
Opt for 32lb paper weight instead. Don’t go over 50lb paper weight as that is going to feel like a business card.
The 3 Best Resume Paper Choices
Crane & Co. is one of the world's oldest paper makers. They make stationery paper. And with a variety of materials as well. From cotton to linen paper sets. Crane & Co. is one of the best paper makers to choose your resume paper. And they’re available on Amazon! This is important because as consumers, we don’t shop in stores as much anymore. And finding materials such as Crane & Co. inside a retail store is unlikely.
Here are the best Crane & Co. papers you can use for the resume.
Crane & Co. Savoy - Bright White - 100% Cotton
This paper, being cotton, will have a nice mellow texture to it. At a heavier weight and a price range of $12 to $18 for 50 sheets, this should do the trick for your resume.
Crane & Co. Premium Weight Pearl White
This 32lb weight paper and pearl white (bright white) paper is perfect for the printer. At a slightly more premium price range, this paper is around $25 to $35 depending on where you are located.
Crane & Co. Pearl White Crest - 100% Cotton
This is one of my favorite Crane & Co. papers. The 32lb weight and slightly beveled corners, combined with the slightest texture, make this paper perfect. If you are looking for the best presentation, this paper is it. The problem is the price. You might be looking at $30 to $50 for 250 sheets of this paper.
Resume Resources
- Learn how long your resume should be - 7 Resume Length Mistakes To Avoid (How Long Your Resume Should Be)
- Learn how many bullet points you should have per job in the "experience" section of your resume - How Many Bullet Points You Should Have, Per Job, On The Resume
- Learn how to include your LinkedIn URL on your resume - How To Put Your LinkedIn Profile On Your Resume (Tips From A Recruiter)
- Learn how to list your latin honors (Magna and Summa Cum Laude) on your resume - Listing Magna & Summa Cum Laude On The Resume (Examples + Tips)
- Learn which font size is the best to use for your resume - Best Professional Font Size For The Resume
- Learn which paper choice is best for printing out your resume - The 3 Best Resume Paper Choices (+ Amazon Links)
- Learn how to include "hobbies and interests" on your resume - 70 Hobbies & Interests For The Resume By Department (Examples)
- Learn how to email your resume into the HR team or hiring manager - 5 Tips When Emailing A Resume (From A Recruiter)
Popular Resources

Featured
200 Phone Interview Questions To Ace Your Phone Interview
Phone Interviews have become a core part of the process when attempting to find a secured placement for an open position. Companies receive massive responses from potential..

Featured
12+ Best Questions To Ask A Recruiter
Concerning a job search, you might receive numerous offers from your recruiters. Before you choose one, you need to assess all the conditions, for which it is vital that you know everything associated with the offered position..

Featured
Answering "What Makes You Unique" In A Job Interview
Answering this question during a job interview requires more than knowing why you are unique as an individual. Yes, the true scientific answer is made up of two main components: your..

Featured
Why Can't I Find A Job? Ten Considerations For Your Job Hunt
So, you have been in search of a job for a considerable time but are yet to be selected for one. If that's the case, don’t worry anymore because we have got you covered..

Featured
What Motivates You? 10 Best Example Answers
Open-ended questions like “What motivates you?” can elicit a deer-in-the-headlights reaction from job candidates if they are unprepared. It’s a broad question and can leave the interviewer..

Featured
Answering "How Did You Hear About This Position" In An Interview
A lot of interviewers ask this question - how did you hear about this position? This way they can judge you if you are a passive or an active job seeker..

Featured
Thank You Email After Interview: Complete Guide, 10+ Samples
Writing a thank you note after an interview says a lot about you as a potential employee. Most notably, it says that you care about the opportunities presented..

Featured
Resignation Letter (2019): Full Guide, How To Write It, Templates, Samples
Writing the perfect letter of resignation is more of an art than it is a science. And we’re going to cover how to master that art form in this full guide..

Featured
How To End A Letter: Examples Of Salutations, Closings, Sign Offs
Knowing how to end a business note or email is an important skill to develop. It helps portray a sense of confidence, respect and tone to your message..