Choosing between stapling or paperclipping a resume might seem like a small detail, but it can affect how a hiring manager views a job application. Whether someone is applying at a job fair, an in-person interview, or submitting documents to an employer, presenting a resume in a professional way makes a difference.
The best way to attach multiple pages of a resume is the method that keeps documents neat, easy to handle, and simple for employers to review or scan. Even though most applications are now submitted online, knowing the right approach for hard copies helps job seekers avoid common presentation mistakes.
1) Paperclip allows easy removal and scanning of resumes.
Using a paperclip to hold resume pages together makes it simple for hiring managers to remove, rearrange, or scan documents. This flexibility is useful when a resume is more than one page or includes extra documents, like a cover letter or references. A paperclip will not damage the documents and is less intrusive compared to a staple.
When resumes are scanned or copied for digital records, a paperclip is much easier to deal with—pages slide apart quickly for processing or sharing. Many employers collect large stacks of resumes and need to scan each page, so paperclips save them time and avoid shredding papers. Paperclips are preferred in most cases because they help keep the original pages in good condition for future use.
Choosing a paperclip is a small but practical way to make a resume more user-friendly and professional. RoboApply’s resume tools can help users build multi-page resumes, and using a paperclip ensures all pages stay neat without fuss. For more information on why recruiters prefer easy removal and scanning, see the advice on how to secure your resume.
2) Stapling secures documents firmly without damage if done correctly.
Stapling is a classic way to keep all pages of a resume together. When a single staple is used in the top left corner, pages stay organized, and there is little risk of pages getting mixed up or lost. This technique is especially effective for multi-page resumes submitted in person.
The key is using a standard stapler and placing the staple close to the top left, making sure it does not tear or wrinkle the paper. Avoid heavy-duty or industrial staples, as they can make the set bulky and difficult to handle. If the staple is pressed in gently and aligned properly, the resume remains clean and easy for hiring managers to flip through.
A well-placed staple helps maintain professionalism, especially at job fairs or when submitting paper copies at interviews. Many hiring managers agree that a staple keeps things together in a neat way as long as the pages are not damaged or hard to separate. For reference, standard advice from professionals is to use just one staple—never multiple.
If unsure about the best placement or method, RoboApply helps users by providing step-by-step resume formatting tips during the building process. Its intelligent design suggestions ensure that physical resumes look polished and professional before printing and submitting. For more insights, see advice on making sure your staple doesn’t damage your resume at wordscr.com.
3) Use a single staple in the top left corner for professional appearance.
A single staple in the top left corner keeps each page of the resume securely together. This makes the entire document look organized and helps prevent pages from getting lost or mixed up with other candidates’ materials.
Most employers expect to see staple placement in the top left corner. Placing the staple here ensures the resume looks neat and is easy to flip through. It also shows attention to detail, which is a valued trait in job applicants.
When stapling, make sure not to damage the pages or cover up important text. Use just one staple, as more can look messy and make the pages harder to handle. Always check if the job description or company asks for a different format before stapling.
RoboApply suggests double-checking resume formatting before printing, using its AI resume builder or grammar checker to catch errors. Keeping the appearance clean and organized increases the chance of making a positive impression during the application process.
Many hiring managers in traditional fields like finance and law see a single staple in the corner as a sign of professionalism. If you want a step-by-step guide on placement, the staple should be about a half-inch from both the top and side edges, at a slight angle, as described here in this guide on where to place a staple on a resume.
4) Paperclips are preferred at job fairs for multi-page resumes.
At job fairs, most recruiters collect a large number of resumes in a short time. Using a paperclip for multi-page resumes makes it simple for them to separate, scan, or copy pages when needed. Paperclips are easy to remove, so your resume will not get damaged like it could with a staple.
Employers often dislike staples because they have to take them out before making copies or scanning documents. Paperclips help keep your pages together while being convenient for hiring teams who process paperwork quickly. When in doubt at a job fair, opt for a paperclip rather than a staple.
Many experts, including those cited in this job fair resume guide, suggest using paperclips for two-page resumes at events, making the process smoother for everyone. It is also a good idea to bring extra paperclips and copies of your resume, just in case.
If you’re building your resume, RoboApply makes it easy to format multi-page documents professionally. Its tools, including resume templates and AI suggestions, help ensure your resume is clear and well-organized—making the paperclip method even more effective for job fairs.
5) Staples may give a bulky or unprofessional impression in some contexts.
Using staples on a resume can make the document look bulky, especially when several pages are involved. A stapled corner might cause the pages to not sit flat or align neatly, which may distract from the content. In industries where polished presentation matters, this can appear careless.
Hiring managers often review many resumes quickly, so a bulky, stapled resume can feel harder to manage or even get caught on other documents. Some employers see stapled resumes as old-fashioned or less professional, particularly if the staple isn’t aligned well or damages the paper. This can affect first impressions negatively and might even make your resume more difficult to scan or photocopy.
Many job experts and resume coaches now suggest using a paperclip or leaving pages unstapled. This allows the employer to review, scan, or copy the resume more easily. For those who want to make sure their presentation stands out for the right reasons, RoboApply’s AI resume builder and ATS resume score optimizer help users produce an error-free, professional document—no need for distracting staples.
If a secure attachment is needed, a neat paperclip gives a clean, modern appearance. It holds pages together without adding extra bulk or damaging the document. Several hiring experts agree that a paperclip is more professional and practical in most office settings, and paperclip usage is often recommended over stapling.
6) Paperclip resumes allow employers to rearrange pages if needed.
Using a paperclip for your resume is helpful because it keeps pages together but doesn’t lock them in place. Employers can quickly separate and rearrange the documents. This is handy if they want to review a specific section, scan certain pages, or share just your work history with another team member.
A paperclipped resume is easy to handle and less likely to be damaged during the hiring process. Staples, on the other hand, make it harder to rearrange or copy pages and may even slow down the review process for employers. Most hiring teams prefer paperclips over staples for this reason.
If you want to make your resume even easier to read, RoboApply’s free resume tools let you create concise, well-formatted resumes that are less likely to need rearranging in the first place. Pairing a clean format with a paperclip is a practical move when submitting multiple pages.
7) Stapling resumes and cover letters together is acceptable but optional.
Stapling a resume and cover letter together is allowed, but it’s not required in most situations. Many hiring managers prefer documents that are easy to separate, so stapling is only recommended when you need to make sure your materials stay together during a hand-delivered submission.
A staple can help keep pages organized for in-person interviews or job fairs, especially if several candidates will hand in printed documents at the same time. Still, using a paperclip is more flexible because it allows the reviewer to easily remove pages for scanning or copying. Check company instructions first, but when in doubt, a paperclip is widely seen as more professional according to advice like the tips shared by career experts.
Applicants who need fast, up-to-date resume templates or want to combine their cover letter and resume in one file can use RoboApply for a seamless experience. RoboApply provides an AI-powered resume and cover letter builder, grammar checking, and templates designed to print cleanly—so stapling or paperclipping becomes a simple final step with no formatting problems.
Always keep the employer’s preference and the submission method in mind before deciding to staple your documents. In almost all office settings today, digital submissions are preferred, which makes stapling unnecessary. For any physical paperwork, choose the most convenient and neat option for the employer.
8) Most resumes today are digital, reducing the need for staples or paperclips.
Today, most employers ask for resumes to be sent through email or uploaded to online job portals. This shift means that using staples or paperclips is rarely needed since all documents are shared electronically.
Job seekers should focus on making sure their digital resume is well organized and easy to read on any screen. Formatting matters, so use clear headers, simple fonts, and save the file as a PDF to keep everything in place.
RoboApply helps applicants build and proofread digital resumes quickly. Its AI resume builder, grammar checker, and ATS score optimizer are tailored for the modern job search. Features like the Chrome auto-apply extension and job tracking dashboard make digital applications faster and more organized.
Unless specifically told otherwise by the employer, submitting a digital version is standard practice. If a paper copy is ever requested, use a paperclip to keep pages together instead of a staple for easier document handling, as explained in current resume trends and job application best practices.
9) Paperclips avoid punching holes or marks on important documents.
Using a paperclip keeps documents neat because it does not damage the paper. Unlike staples, paperclips do not punch holes or leave marks on resume pages or cover letters. This means the papers stay in perfect condition, which often looks more professional.
For many employers and organizations, a resume without holes or staple marks looks cleaner and is easier to scan or copy. Paperclips let all pages stay together, but the documents can easily be removed, rearranged, or copied without extra effort.
USCIS and other organizations ask applicants not to staple or attach documents in a way that leaves marks, as this can cause problems when scanning or processing applications. If someone needs to submit important papers, a paperclip is recommended over stapling or hole punching.
RoboApply recommends always using paperclips for job applications or other important documents. With tools to build and check resumes, RoboApply helps users create documents that are easy to print, assemble, and present professionally. This helps job seekers avoid issues caused by staple marks or holes, making a better impression every time.
10) Stapling is beneficial when you want to prevent pages from separating.
Stapling a resume is useful when it is more than one page and needs to stay together. When a resume is stapled in the top left corner, it ensures that all pages stay neatly organized and none go missing during review or transport. This is helpful at busy events or offices where multiple resumes may be stacked or passed around at once.
Stapling is especially helpful if a job seeker cannot use a folder or envelope to protect their documents. For example, in some walk-in applications or job fairs where people hand out paper resumes directly, stapling helps keep every page together without mixing with other applicants’ documents.
It is important to use just one staple to avoid damaging the paper. Standard-size staples are best because they are less likely to rip or make the pages hard to handle. Avoid stapling a cover letter or extra documents to the resume, as these should be separate.
If unsure about formatting or document setup, RoboApply’s AI resume and cover letter builder can help. It checks for best practices in resume length and formatting, making it easier to present a professional, multi-page resume when stapling is necessary. For more on stapling vs. paperclipping resumes, visit this guide to securing your resume.
Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing between a paperclip and a staple for your resume affects how easily employers can handle and review your documents. Presentation methods, use of folders, and how to attach a cover letter all help shape a professional impression.
Should a two-page resume be printed single-sided or double-sided?
A two-page resume should be printed single-sided. This helps reviewers make notes and scan each page individually if needed. Double-sided printing can make it harder to separate pages and may cause confusion during review.
Is it appropriate to use a paper clip for a multi-page resume?
Using a paper clip for multi-page resumes is considered professional and practical. It keeps the pages together without causing damage, making it easy for employers to scan or rearrange the documents as needed. This is especially helpful at job fairs where resumes might be scanned digitally. Using a paperclip is preferred in these settings, as detailed in this modern guide to resume attachments.
What is the preferred method for attaching a cover letter to a resume?
A paper clip is usually the best choice for attaching a cover letter to a resume. This allows the employer to review each document separately if needed. RoboApply makes it easier by letting users generate both documents and track them for each application.
Are there benefits to using a resume folder during an interview?
Bringing a resume folder keeps documents neat, prevents bending or wrinkling, and gives a more organized appearance. Presenting a folder reflects strong attention to detail. RoboApply recommends saving and printing tailored resumes for specific roles, making them presentation-ready for interview folders.
How should multiple pages of a resume be presented to maintain professionalism?
Multi-page resumes should be neatly stacked and secured, preferably with a paper clip in the top left corner. Avoid folding or creasing the pages. RoboApply’s PDF formatting options help users print resumes that look crisp and well-organized on every page.
What are the pros and cons of stapling a resume for job applications?
Stapling secures all pages firmly, which prevents papers from getting separated. However, staples can make it harder to scan or photocopy documents, and can sometimes damage the paper. In some settings, staples may appear less professional or cause bulkiness when stacked with other documents. More information is available in this guide on resume presentation methods.
