Quick answer: No, a printed resume should usually not be double-sided. Print each page on its own sheet, single-sided. A one-page resume should always be single-sided. A two-page resume should be printed on two separate sheets, with your name and page number on page two, and paper-clipped rather than stapled (or left loose if you're handing it over in a folder). Double-sided printing makes it easy for readers to miss the second page, and they can't lay both pages side by side. For online applications, this doesn't matter: just submit a single PDF.
Printed resumes aren't as common as they used to be, but they still matter for in-person interviews, career fairs, networking events, and some local jobs. And when you print, a small question can cause a surprising amount of stress: one side or two?
Here's the simple answer, plus everything else you need to know about printing your resume.
Why Single-Sided Is Better
- The back gets missed. Interviewers skim and often don't flip the page
- Side-by-side reading: separate sheets let someone lay both pages out at once
- Copying and scanning: single-sided pages are easier for employers to copy, scan, or share
- Show-through: text from the back can show through thin paper and look messy
- Convention: single-sided resumes are simply what employers expect
When might double-sided be okay? If an employer specifically asks for it, or for some academic CVs or long federal resumes where saving paper is preferred. When in doubt, go single-sided.
How to Print a One-Page Resume
- Single-sided, on one sheet
- Paper: bright white or off-white, 24–32 lb (90–120 gsm) resume paper looks more polished than standard 20 lb copy paper
- Printer: laser printing gives crisp text
- Scale: print at 100% (not "fit to page") so your margins stay correct. See resume margins
- Bring extras: 3–5 copies for interviews, more for career fairs
How to Print a Two-Page Resume
- Two separate sheets, single-sided
- Header on page two: your name and "Page 2" (or "Page 2 of 2") at the top, in case pages get separated
- Paper clip, don't staple: clips are easy to remove for copying or scanning; staples can tear and make side-by-side reading harder
- Fill most of the second page: a page two with three lines on it looks unfinished. Either cut to one page or add enough relevant content to fill at least half the page
Not sure if you need two pages? See how long should a resume be and one-page resume examples.
What About Your Cover Letter and References?
- Cover letter: print on a separate sheet, same paper, placed on top of your resume. See how to write a cover letter
- References: a separate page, only if requested. See references on a resume
- Order: cover letter, resume, then references (if included)
- Keep everything flat in a folder or portfolio. Folding or rolling makes a messy first impression
Does "Double-Sided" Matter for Digital Resumes?
No. When you apply online or by email, submit a single PDF containing all pages. Page count still matters (keep it to one or two pages for most people), but there's no front or back. See resume PDF or Word.
Printing Checklist
- Final version, proofread. See common resume mistakes
- Single-sided, one page per sheet
- Name and page number on page two
- Quality paper, crisp printing, 100% scale
- Paper clip for two-page resumes
- Clean folder to carry them in
- A few extra copies
Frequently Asked Questions
Should a resume be printed double-sided?
No. Print each page on a separate sheet, single-sided, unless the employer specifically asks for double-sided.
Should a two-page resume be stapled?
Use a paper clip instead. It keeps pages together but is easy to remove for copying and side-by-side reading.
What paper should I print my resume on?
Bright white or off-white paper, 24–32 lb (90–120 gsm). Standard copy paper is fine in a pinch.
Should I put my name on the second page of my resume?
Yes. Add your name and page number in the header of page two in case the pages get separated.
Is a double-sided resume unprofessional?
Not necessarily, but it's unconventional and the back page is easy to miss. Single-sided is the safer, more professional choice.
Print a Resume That Looks Sharp
Our Resume Builder creates clean, print-ready PDFs with professional margins and spacing, so your resume looks just as good on paper as it does on screen.