Should You Print Your Resume Double Sided?

If you have a two-page resume, you likely know that you should never staple a resume. But how do you deal with a two page document? Well, you can print it double sided. But will that cause an issue with the interview or the hiring manager?

These are valid questions to have before you begin your job search and print up a lot of resumes. And that’s an important point to remember. When you are creating a resume on your computer, it might not be intuitive that two pages is significantly different in presentation than one. But it is.

When you go to an in person interview, you are going to have to bring a copy of your resume in paper format. That means you will have a dramatically different document if it’s two pages.

There are many reasons to keep a resume one page, but sometimes you can have a double sided or two page resume.

So, should you print your resume double sided or not? Let’s dive right in.

Can A Resume Be Two Pages?

The first main question you need to tackle is whether or not your resume can be two pages. I have a longer article covering just this topic,  but for the sake of this article I wanted to cover it again.

Yes, your resume can be two pages. There is nothing that states you can’t write a two page resume. As a recruiter, and as someone who has worked with tens of thousands of job seekers, yes…I have seen more than my share of two page resumes.

But does that mean that it should be two pages? No. As a rule, you never want to have your resume be more than a single page. It’s simply not as popular as a single page resume. And there are a few reasons for this. Briefly, they are:

• Readability
• Easier to File
• Simple To Handle in Person

So, now that we’ve addressed whether or not your resume can be two pages, let’s discuss how to handle a two pager should you decide to move forward with it. Because, sometimes there are good reasons for a two page resume (especially with incredibly complex and multifaceted roles spanning corporations).

Are Double Sided Resumes Ok?

Yes, they are fine. In fact, double sided resumes are a good alternative to using staples or paperclips or any other alternative device. It’s certainly better than two separate pieces of paper not connected at all.

Again, I would stress that if you’re able to condense your resume into a single page document, then that is preferable. However, if you have decided that you cannot make your resume a single paged document without making it look overcrowded, then double sided is the way to go.

The benefits to using a double sided resume are multifold.

First, you are avoiding the dreaded resume staple! I won’t go into too much detail, but most recruiters will tell you that a stapled resume is really not ideal. This dates back to when resumes were scanned into computers instead of obtaining emailed resumes in word or PDF format. Also, the staples can come apart and the second page (which usually does not have the contact info and name) can be lost.

All in all, a double sided resume is just better then stapled resumes and all other two page resume configuration.

The double sided resume eliminates the possibility that the resume will be separate and one critical section will be lost when the person reviews your work experience. A double sided resume makes it so that it’s impossible.

How To Handle Double Sided Resume Issues?

Alright, so how do you actually handle a double sided resume? Should you just print a regular two page resume as a double sided resume? Does there need to be an indication on the front page?

Well, if you are going to be using a double sided resume, it is important that you understand how exactly to format the resume.

You don’t want to have the resume break in the middle at an inopportune time. So, make sure that you strategically place a separation between the first and second page when printing double sided.

Another tip that I like to give to people who want to use a double sided resume is to always include a page number at the bottom of the resume. You could also use a “continue” phrase in a different font. However, you never know if you’re going to run into a stupid recruiter or hiring manager who can’t suss out what that means. So page numbers are best.

So, make sure there is a logical break between page one and page two of the resume (not in the middle of describing work experience, for instance). For instance, separate two jobs on page one and page two. But always list the page numbers at the bottom of the resume to indicate there is a second page.

Remember, this is only an issue when it comes to printed resumes. A two page resume on a computer is fine. But since you want to standardize your resume formatting, it’s a good idea to have it all set before you go about and print it.

A recruiter can easily scroll down a two page resume in Word or Adobe, but when they have a printed resume in front of them, then the two page style can be a bit troublesome. Which is why I advise that should you have a two page resume, try to make it double sided.

Remember, when you are designing a resume, it’s important to keep in mind what recruiters are looking for.