MiddletownJournal.com

Is paperwork impacting your marketing results?

By STEVE STROMP

Companies with Internet-based job application and resume scanning systems may be pushing job hunting to a paperless level, but paper still conveys a statement to employers and contributes to their initial impressions of candidates. Paper - resumes, letters, envelopes, other materials - shapes your presence in the marketplace and the perception hiring managers have regarding your professionalism.

Complying with the following standards helps create a favorable market image:

• Paper should be transparent to the communications effort and not compete with the content of your resume or letter. You certainly don't want paper to cause a distraction.

• Use quality resume stock. Avoid designer styles with graphic effects. They're horrible-looking when photocopied and faxed.

• Maintain a clean act - no erasures, whiteouts, fingerprints, smudges.

• Select traditional colors of paper - white, off-white. Blue, dark gray, flaming and fluorescent shades are inappropriate.

• Do not staple resume pages. Include a reference header at the top of the second page for easy identification in the event the resume becomes separated.

• When including additional materials - employer-requested documents, articles you've written - use a professional-looking folder separated from your resume and cover letter. Note: This may require a larger envelope.

• Fold envelope inserts neatly and crisply. Respect the capacity of the envelope and don't stuff bulky material into a letter-size envelope.

• Handwriting addresses on envelopes arguably adds a personal touch, but clashes with word-processed material.

How well you represent yourself to the market impacts your success getting interviews. Paper can function subliminally or shout out. What you do with paper could determine what employers do with you.

Steve Stromp is a professional career consultant, lecturer and writer. Contact him: sstromp@sbcglobal.net.