Résumé Distribution Tips – Hard Copy

By Audrey Prenzel, CARW, CEIC, B.A., B.Ed

Your résumé is done. It is perfectly formatted, grammatically correct and there are no misspellings. The key word section is clearly evident. You are ready to get the résumé out there working for you. To maximize the effectiveness of this marketing tool, be sure to consider these points.

1. Use good quality stock. Do not use standard photocopy paper. 24lb. parchment or at least some cotton content is preferable.
2. Make sure any watermarks on the paper are the right way up. Some hiring managers have been known to toss any résumés printed with a watermark upside-down.
3. It may sound obvious, but take care of the papers. Countless times HR departments pitch résumés into the “round file” because the paper is folded, frayed, or accented with a coffee ring on the corner.
4. Keep in mind good quality paper absorbs smells. Consider the effects of perfume, cigarette smoke or sharp scented foods.
5. Do not fold the documents. They should be placed flat in a 9 x 12 envelope that matches, or at least is well coordinated with the paper. Put in a piece of plain cardboard to prevent bending.
6. Always mail hard copies “First Class”. This certainly creates a noticeable initial contact.
7. Use a paper clip to secure your cover letter to your résumé. Do not staple. This makes faxing and photocopying much easier for potential employers.
8. Be a matchmaker. Ensure the entire document collection is printed on the exact same type of paper. You do not want to submit a cream coloured cover letter, a white résumé and hand in a grey reference sheet during the interview.
9. If you decide to change segments of the letter head, make sure the alterations are reflected on all of the documents. This also extends to keeping phone numbers and email addresses current.
   Quite often during a move, people forget to update the contact information section while trying to land a job in their new community.
10. Be Canadian, eh? If you are distributing a résumé within Canada, use Canadian spelling not American or British. For example, use “centre” and not “center”. Select “organization” over “organisation”.

Audrey Prenzel, CARW, CEIC, B.A., B.Ed. is the founder of Résumé Resources. She is proud to be the career expert for www.hirecanadianmilitary.com. Audrey is the author of “Military to Civvie Street: The Complete Job Transition Guide for those Leaving the Canadian Air Force, Army & Navy”. She holds numerous roles with Career Directors International including Military Transition Expert Program Leader, Aerospace/Defence Program Leader, Mentor, Canadian Advisor, and Director of International Relations. Visit Audrey’s website www.resumeresources.ca