Gone are the days when job seekers had to lug around a folder to their interviews, bursting with every certificate and qualification they had ever received. However, it’s considered good practice to bring a few copies of your resume when meeting a hiring manager. Be prepared for anything; their laptop could die during the interview, someone attending may not have received your resume beforehand, or they might pull another manager into the interview to meet you (let’s hope this happens, it’s always a great sign). Imagine how great you will present a hard copy of your resume calmly and without question! That says to everyone in the room, “Whoa, I am professional and should be hired!”

Another tip, make sure your resume is printed on high-quality paper. When you hand it over, hiring managers will immediately notice the paper’s quality, so it is worth the effort. Opt for paper with a substantial weight and a refined finish, which will make a better impression.

Make sure you print the resume on standard A4 size paper. It might be tempting to experiment with different sizes and try and stand out and be different, but trust us, now is not the time. (Interviews are never a time to experiment.) Stick to the dull yet professional A4 format.

It’s also a wise move to prepare multiple copies of your resume if you anticipate being interviewed by more than one person or if you’re presenting to a panel. It’s recommended to bring along three to five copies to be on the safe side. This demonstrates you are thinking ahead and allows each interviewer to have their copy for reference—anything to make you look professional and organised.

When transporting your resume, use a portfolio folder or a plastic sleeve. This will keep it clean and presentable and prevent unsightly creases or folds that may diminish its professional appearance. You wouldn’t want to leave a wrong and messy impression by handing over a crumpled document extracted from the depths of your handbag or briefcase, with a tissue accidentally falling on the table (it’s happened to me!)

Use paperclips or staples to keep the pages together for a two-page resume or longer. This ensures your resume remains in its intended order, preventing potential mix-ups or confusion during the interview. This is a simple way to show you notice the little attention to detail because it’s so much classier than staples!

Before the interview, present a hard copy of your resume to each interviewer. This showcases your professionalism. It also allows everyone involved in the hiring process to have a hard copy, ensuring they can easily refer to your qualifications and experiences during the discussion.

In conclusion, while the days of carrying around an extensive folder of certificates may be behind us, bringing a few printed copies of your resume is still considered good etiquette. Investing in high-quality paper, organising your documents correctly, and presenting them cleanly and professionally will increase your chances of leaving a positive and lasting impression. Get Recruitable and Good luck!