Is It Better To Staple Or Paperclip A Resume

Why Small Details Can Make or Break Your Application

You’ve spent hours perfecting your resume. Every bullet point is optimized. Your formatting is clean. Your achievements practically jump off the page. But then you get ready to hand it to a hiring manager, and suddenly you’re faced with a question you never considered: should you staple these pages together or use a paperclip?

It seems trivial, doesn’t it? Yet here’s the thing—these small details matter more than you might think.

In a world dominated by digital applications and ATS systems, it might surprise you that physical resumes are still very much alive. In-person interviews, career fairs, networking events, and certain industries still rely heavily on that tangible stack of paper. And when you hand someone your resume, the way you present it becomes part of your first impression.

Think about it from the hiring manager’s perspective. They’ve seen hundreds of resumes. Some arrive crisp and professional. Others come wrinkled, stapled at awkward angles, or held together with bent paperclips. Before they even read your qualifications, they’ve already formed an opinion about your attention to detail.

This guide isn’t just about staples versus paperclips—though we’ll definitely settle that debate. It’s about understanding the principles behind physical resume presentation so you can make smart choices in any situation.

You’ll learn:

• Why most professionals advise against stapling your resume
• When paperclips are your best friend (and what type to use)
• Situations where neither option is right
• How to create a polished, professional document package
• The role of physical resumes in today’s job market

Whether you’re heading to your first interview or you’re a seasoned professional refreshing your approach, these insights will ensure your resume looks as impressive as it reads. Let’s settle this once and for all.

The Case Against Stapling Your Resume

Let’s address the elephant in the room: most career experts, recruiters, and hiring managers recommend against stapling your resume. Here’s why.

Staples Create Friction for Reviewers

When a hiring manager receives a stapled resume, they face an immediate choice. Do they leave it stapled and struggle to read the second page, or do they remove the staple and risk tearing the paper?

Neither option is ideal. Stapled documents don’t lay flat, making them harder to scan quickly. And removing staples—especially in a busy office without a staple remover handy—often results in torn corners or unsightly holes. Your beautifully crafted resume now has physical damage before it’s even been fully reviewed.

Recruiters reviewing dozens or hundreds of resumes don’t want this friction. They want documents that are easy to handle, easy to read, and easy to file or copy.

The Scanning and Copying Problem

Even in 2025, many companies still scan or photocopy resumes for various purposes:

• Sharing with multiple interviewers
• Adding to physical files
• Creating backup copies
• Distributing to decision-makers

Stapled resumes create problems during scanning. The staple either needs to be removed (adding work and potential damage) or the document scans with a dark shadow or missing corner where the staple sits. It’s a small thing, but it’s one more reason your resume gets mentally downgraded.

Staples Can Signal Inexperience

Fair or not, stapled resumes can carry an unspoken connotation: that the applicant doesn’t know professional norms. It’s similar to showing up to an interview in overly casual clothing. You might be perfectly qualified, but you’re signaling that you haven’t done your homework on workplace expectations.

Experienced professionals know that clean, unstapled documents are the standard. By avoiding staples, you silently communicate that you understand professional etiquette.

When Staples Might Be Acceptable

Are there exceptions? A few:

• Academic settings: Some professors or academic committees prefer stapled documents
• Lengthy reports: If you’re submitting a supplemental portfolio or writing sample over 10 pages
• Explicit instructions: If the job posting specifically requests stapled documents
• Legal or government positions: Some formal applications have specific requirements

But for your standard 1-2 page resume? Skip the stapler. There’s a better way.

The Case for Paperclips

If staples are out, what’s in? For most situations, paperclips offer the perfect balance of organization and flexibility.

Why Paperclips Work Better

Paperclips keep your documents together without permanently binding them. This gives the reviewer complete control. They can:

• Easily remove the clip if they want to spread pages out
• Keep it on if they’re just glancing through
• Scan or copy without removal
• Reattach after sharing with colleagues

This flexibility shows respect for the hiring manager’s time and preferences. You’ve organized your documents thoughtfully, but you’re not forcing them into a rigid format.

The Professional Appearance Factor

A small, silver paperclip at the top corner of your resume looks clean and intentional. It’s unobtrusive but functional. It says, “I’ve got my act together.”

Compare this to a bulky staple that creates a visible bump, or worse—a colorful plastic clip that screams “I raided the supply closet.” The standard silver paperclip is professional precisely because it’s unremarkable. It does its job without drawing attention to itself.

Choosing the Right Paperclip

Not all paperclips are created equal. Here’s what to use:

Best choices:

• Standard silver #1 size paperclips (the classic choice)
• Small binder clips for thicker document packages
• Matte black paperclips if you want a subtle upgrade

What to avoid:

• Colored or patterned paperclips (unprofessional)
• Oversized clips that dwarf your resume
• Rusty or bent clips (obviously)
• Plastic clips or novelty designs

The goal is invisible functionality. The paperclip should hold your documents together without becoming a distraction.

Proper Placement Matters

Where you place your paperclip matters too. The standard placement is the top left corner of your document stack. This keeps everything aligned and makes it easy to flip through pages.

Make sure the paperclip is positioned cleanly—straight and parallel to the paper’s edge. A crooked paperclip might seem like nothing, but it subtly communicates carelessness.

If you’re including additional documents (cover letter, references, writing samples), consider whether to clip them all together or keep them as separate stacks. Generally, your resume and cover letter can be clipped together, while supplemental materials should be separate.

When No Fastener Is the Best Option

Here’s something that might surprise you: sometimes the best choice is no paperclip or staple at all. Let’s explore when going “naked” is actually the most professional approach.

The One-Page Resume Advantage

If your resume fits on a single page—and for many professionals, it should—you don’t need any fastener. One page means no pages to keep together. Simple.

Single-page resumes are increasingly preferred by recruiters, especially for candidates with less than 10 years of experience. They force you to be concise, they’re easy to scan quickly, and they eliminate the fastener question entirely.

If you’re struggling to cut your resume down to one page, ask yourself: does every item actually strengthen my candidacy? Ruthless editing often produces a more compelling document.

Presentation Folders Change the Game

Another scenario where fasteners become unnecessary: when you use a presentation folder.

A clean, professional folder in a neutral color (black, navy, or dark gray) can hold all your documents neatly without any clips or staples. Your resume sits in one pocket, your cover letter in another. References, writing samples, and business cards can be organized inside.

Benefits of the folder approach:

• Documents stay protected during transport
• Everything remains crisp and unwrinkled
• You look prepared and organized when handing it over
• Multiple documents stay ordered without fasteners

Choose a folder that’s simple and understated. Skip the folders with corporate logos, busy patterns, or loud colors. You want the focus on your documents, not the packaging.

Career Fairs and Networking Events

Career fairs present a unique situation. You’re handing out potentially dozens of resumes in a short period. In this context:

• Single sheets are easiest to distribute
• You’ll be carrying a lot of paper, so keep it simple
• Recruiters are collecting stacks from hundreds of candidates

For career fairs, bring a stack of single-page resumes—no fasteners needed. If your resume is two pages, seriously consider condensing it for these events. Or at minimum, use a single paperclip per resume that can be easily removed.

When the Employer Specifies

Always defer to explicit instructions. If a job posting says “submit materials unstapled” or “paperclip all documents together,” follow those directions exactly. Failure to follow simple instructions suggests you won’t follow instructions on the job.

When no guidance is given, use your judgment based on the principles above.

Physical Resume Presentation Best Practices

Getting the fastener right is just one piece of the puzzle. Let’s zoom out and look at how to present your physical resume like a true professional.

Paper Quality Matters

The paper you print on communicates quality before anyone reads a word. Standard 20 lb. copy paper is fine for internal drafts, but for interview materials? You can do better.

Recommended paper specs:

• Weight: 24-32 lb. (heavier feels more substantial)
• Brightness: 92-100 (crisp, clean white)
• Finish: Smooth or lightly textured
• Color: White, off-white, or ivory (avoid anything tinted)

You can find resume-quality paper at any office supply store. It’s a small investment that makes a noticeable difference.

Printing Considerations

A beautifully designed resume looks terrible when printed on a streaky inkjet printer. Here’s how to get professional results:

• Use a laser printer if possible: Cleaner lines, no smudging
• Print in black and white: Unless color is essential to your design
• Check margins: Ensure nothing gets cut off
• Test print first: Look for alignment issues, faded areas, or spots
• Fresh ink/toner: Don’t let your resume be the document that exposes a dying cartridge

If you don’t have access to a quality printer, office supply stores like Staples, FedEx Office, or local print shops can produce professional copies affordably.

Transporting Your Resume

You’ve got beautiful documents on quality paper. Now don’t wrinkle them in transit. Here’s how to keep everything pristine:

• Use a padded portfolio or folder: Protects against bending and weather
• Keep documents flat: Don’t fold them to fit in a pocket
• Avoid backpacks if possible: Things get crushed in there
• Plan for weather: Rain or humidity can wrinkle paper quickly

Arriving with crisp, unblemished documents shows you take the opportunity seriously. Pulling out a wrinkled, folded resume? Not a great look.

Building Your Document Packet

For an in-person interview, you’ll likely bring more than just a resume. Here’s how to organize a complete packet:

1. Top: Cover letter (if bringing one)
2. Second: Resume
3. Third: Reference list (if prepared)
4. Fourth: Work samples or portfolio pieces (if relevant)
5. Business cards: Tucked in folder pocket or attached with small clip

Keep everything in logical order so you’re not shuffling papers during the interview. If you’re using a folder, arrange documents so you can smoothly hand them over when appropriate.

Digital vs. Physical: When You Need a Printed Resume

In an era of LinkedIn profiles, online applications, and ATS systems, you might wonder if printed resumes are even necessary anymore. The answer: absolutely, in the right contexts.

In-Person Interviews

Even when you’ve submitted your resume digitally, bring printed copies to every in-person interview. Why?

• Interviewers may not have it: They might be stepping in last minute
• Panel interviews: Multiple people might want their own copy
• Shows preparation: Demonstrates you’re organized and proactive
• Easy reference: You can use it to stay on track during your own discussion

How many copies should you bring? A good rule of thumb: one for each expected interviewer plus two extras. Five copies is usually safe for most situations.

Career Fairs and Networking Events

These environments are built for physical resume exchange. Recruiters expect to collect paper. Having resumes ready—even if you also connect digitally—shows you’re serious and prepared.

At career fairs specifically:

• Bring 20-30 resumes minimum
• Consider a shortened, single-page version for quick distribution
• Have extras—you never know how many conversations you’ll have

Networking Situations

Informal networking sometimes creates opportunities to share your resume. A professional contact mentions they know someone hiring. A former colleague asks what you’re looking for. Having a clean copy available turns conversations into opportunities.

You don’t need to carry resumes everywhere, but having a few in your car, bag, or portfolio means you’re ready when moments arise.

Follow-Up Situations

Sometimes after an initial meeting, you’ll want to follow up with physical documents. Maybe you discussed sending a more detailed portfolio. Perhaps they requested references on paper. Being able to provide professionally printed materials keeps you looking polished throughout the process.

If you’re looking for ways to stand out beyond traditional printed resumes, consider building a digital portfolio that showcases your work visually. Platforms like 0portfolio.com let you create an impressive online presence that complements your physical materials—something you can reference on your resume and share via link.

Beyond Fasteners: Making Your Resume Stand Out

We’ve settled the staple versus paperclip debate, but let’s zoom out further. How do you make your physical application materials genuinely memorable?

Quality Over Gimmicks

Some job seekers try to stand out with unusual tactics: colored paper, fancy fonts, oversized formats, or creative packaging. These approaches almost always backfire.

Hiring managers have seen it all. What impresses them isn’t creativity in presentation—it’s strength in content and professionalism in execution. They want to see:

• Clear, compelling descriptions of your experience
• Quantified achievements that demonstrate impact
• Clean formatting that’s easy to scan
• Error-free writing throughout

A resume printed on neon paper might get noticed, but not in the way you want. Stand out by being excellent, not by being weird.

Match Your Style to Company Culture

That said, presentation should reflect the environment you’re applying to. A resume for a conservative law firm should look different than one for a creative agency.

Consider:

• Traditional industries (finance, law, healthcare): Conservative formatting, minimal design elements, classic fonts
• Creative industries (design, marketing, media): More flexibility for visual flair, but still professional
• Tech companies: Clean and modern, often minimalist
• Startups: Can be slightly more casual, but don’t push too far

When in doubt, err on the side of professional. You can always loosen up once you understand the culture.

Supporting Documents That Strengthen Your Case

Your resume doesn’t have to stand alone. Thoughtfully curated supporting documents can reinforce your candidacy:

• Cover letter: Personalizes your application and explains your interest
• References: Ready to provide when asked
• Portfolio pieces: Relevant work samples for creative or technical roles
• Certifications: Copies of relevant credentials

Organize these documents thoughtfully. Don’t overwhelm with paper—select materials that genuinely strengthen your case.

Creating Memorable Moments

Here’s a subtle truth: the moment you hand over your resume is an opportunity. Make eye contact. Offer a firm handshake (when appropriate). Say something memorable but professional.

The physical exchange of documents creates a human moment in what can otherwise feel like a transactional process. Use it to connect, not just to deliver paper.

The Final Word on Resume Presentation

So, is it better to staple or paperclip a resume? The answer is clear: paperclip—or often, neither.

Here’s what we’ve covered:

• Skip the stapler. Staples create friction for reviewers, complicate scanning and copying, and can signal inexperience.
• Paperclips are your friend. They keep documents organized while giving reviewers flexibility. Use standard silver clips positioned neatly at the top left corner.
• Sometimes neither is best. Single-page resumes don’t need fasteners, and presentation folders offer an elegant alternative.
• Presentation matters. Quality paper, professional printing, and careful transport all contribute to the impression you make.
• Physical resumes aren’t dead. In-person interviews, career fairs, and networking all benefit from having printed materials ready.
• Substance beats style. Focus your energy on content excellence, not presentation gimmicks.

The “less is more” principle applies perfectly here. A single-page resume on quality paper, perhaps in a simple folder, communicates professionalism far more than an elaborate presentation package.

Here’s the bottom line: your resume’s content is what will get you the job. But poor presentation can eliminate you before that content is ever considered. Take the time to get the small details right.

You’ve already invested significant effort into crafting your resume’s content. Don’t let a poor presentation choice undermine that work. Skip the staples, use paperclips thoughtfully, and show up looking like the professional you are.

Now go land that interview.