Can I put my resume on legal paper?

Asked by: Dr. Garrick Jaskolski  |  Last update: July 25, 2023
Score: 4.4/5 (62 votes)

If you want a professional and no-fail resume, stick to this classic size. Now if you're feeling a bit bolder, here's a quick tip that gives you a chance at standing apart from the others: go with paper that's a little big longer, like legal size paper (8.5" x 14").

What kind of paper should a resume be on?

Cotton paper is a strong, durable type of paper that is commonly used for important documents like resumes. It is soft to the touch, making it pleasant to handle, and it lasts longer than typical printer paper.

Should resume be letter or legal?

And in writing resumes, the size you should use is Letter, which is 8.5 x 11 inches.

Is a resume legally binding?

A resume isn't a legally binding document, and no reasonable hiring manager is expecting it to be a comprehensive work history. The longer answer is: You should consider leaving off any job that doesn't actively support your candidacy for the specific job you're applying for.

Should resumes be on fancy paper?

If your resume includes charts and graphs of different colors, white paper may help those colors stand out. If your resume only uses black text, off-white paper can help it stand out while maintaining a professional feel. Though white paper is the standard, some creative industries embrace different colored paper.

5 Resume Mistakes You MUST Avoid (with real examples)!

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Should resume be printed or written?

Many employers and recruiters request you submit your resume online, such as by email or through an online portal, when you look or apply for a job. However, there are situations when you need to print copies of your resume. Print out a professional copy of your resume if: The job posting requests a physical copy.

Should a resume be handwritten or printed?

In conclusion, while you can choose to handwrite a portion of your resume, it is not recommended as a general practice. A typed, professional-looking resume is typically preferred by employers. Make your move! Your resume is an extension of yourself.

Do employers actually check resume?

Many employers will verify each candidate's employment. This typically involves the hiring manager calling or emailing the contact you provided for a certain organization. This process may reveal if you lied about information like the dates you worked there, your job title or your seniority within the organization.

What should a resume never include?

12 Things You Shouldn't Include In Your Resume
  • High School Information. ...
  • References. ...
  • Personal Information. ...
  • Your Age. ...
  • Your Exact Street Address. ...
  • A Career Objective. ...
  • Your Current Work Contacts. ...
  • Your Personal Email Address.

How many pages is a legal resume?

Legal employers prefer to see a concise resume. Most law student resumes are one page. If you have extensive professional experience or a technical background it may be appropriate to have a two-page resume.

How far back should legal resume go?

List your past employment in reverse chronological order, going back no more than five jobs or ten to fifteen years. Include the name of the organization for which you worked, your title or position, your dates of employment, your specific responsibilities, and any special accomplishments.

Should I put my GPA on my legal resume?

As a general rule, if your GPA is in the top half of the class, or starts with a "3," include it. Otherwise, you may want to consider leaving it off. Employers will assume your grades were lower than top half if they see no mention of grades or rank.

Should I print my resume double sided?

It is generally not recommended to print a resume double-sided, unless the employer specifically requests it. The reason for this is that double-sided printing can make it difficult for the employer to quickly and easily read and review your resume, as they will need to flip the page over to read the second side.

What color resume is best?

A black, white, and blue color scheme will appear modern, trustworthy, and grab the reader's attention without being distracting. Beyond blue, other good choices include green, red, and orange. Whichever colors you choose, make sure there's good contrast so that your resume is easy to read.

What is the thicker paper for resume?

We recommend using a 24 lb or 32 lb (90 - 120 gsm) paper for your resume. For comparison, the most common paper weight used for regular printer paper is 20 lb. The heavier the paper weight, the thicker the paper. A resume printed on 24 lb or 32 lb will feel slightly sturdier.

Do resumes need pictures?

A resume should address your experience and skills in an articulate, concise and professional manner, so it's about knowing what to include in a resume that is of added value. For this reason, it's recommended to avoid adding a photo on your resume.

What is the most common resume lies?

Dates. One of the most common résumé lies is manipulating with dates to hide employment gaps. The reasons are varied: hiding being fired, a period of job hopping, an embarrassing prison stay and other situations that you do not want to share.

What is an unprofessional resume?

Bad Resume. Disorganized or difficult to read. Spelling and grammar mistakes. Distracting or inappropriate graphics. Information that isn't relevant to the job.

What are 5 common mistakes on your resume you should avoid?

Here are just a few of the most common CV mistakes, according to five employers.
  • Having spelling errors and bad grammar. ...
  • Exaggerating the truth. ...
  • Poor formatting. ...
  • An unoriginal personal profile. ...
  • Not focusing on your achievements. ...
  • Making your CV too long. ...
  • Putting the wrong contact information.

Do employers call your current job?

The fact of the matter is most employers will not contact your current employer without discussing it with you first. And typically, reference checks won't occur until an applicant is further along in the process.

What do employers really look for in a resume?

Employers will be looking for specific accomplishments on your resume, complete with numbers and results." If you are currently employed, start tracking your work progress and identify measurable achievements such as sales, efficiency in tasks, or improved processes.

Do jobs actually call references?

Although not every employer will check your references, the majority will. Considering the investment that they are going to make in hiring you, you should assume they will contact your references. As such, it's crucial that you provide high-quality references that will help you secure the job.

Should I submit my resume as PDF or Word?

When in doubt, use the Word doc. Word documents are the preferred resume file type for applicant tracking systems (ATSs) because they are easier to parse than a PDF, so if you are applying for a job through an ATS, make your resume a . docx (or . doc).

Should I put touch typing on my resume?

Yes, but only if fast, accurate typing skills are important to the job for which you're applying. The most important thing to remember when adding skills like typing speed to your resume is making sure that they align with the job description.

Should a resume be sent as a PDF or DOC?

The best format for your resume at the moment is a PDF. A PDF resume is readable by ATS and also keeps your formatting and illustrations in place. You can use an online resume builder like Enhancv which downloads your resume as a PDF.