[bethin]

I hope someone can give me some answers here. I posted this in a manager forum but hope to get some responses here as well.

I have been complemented many times on my resume and cover letter so no problems there. I worked very hard to tweak it just right and I get complements that it is very professional and not full of fluff and lies.

My question is: does it matter the type of paper I use? This may sound stupid, but I was told in a class to use high grade, high weight paper and envelopes for professionalism. Then I just read (monster.com?) that using these make me sound pretentious. I personally like the weight of the paper as it's not as flimsy as regular old printer paper. Also, I'm hoping it stands out with other resumes. The weight I'm using now is 32lb, color light grey. Envelopes match. Envelopes also are printed by my printer and not hand written.

As many of you know, I am studying political science and am sending out resumes and cover letters to local law firms because I want to work as a paralegal after graduation before going to law school. The goal right now is to obtain PT work in a firm to get some experience. Basically I'm sending out feelers. I am taking some paralegal classes so I will have some experience there.

In your experience and in your opinion, is this pretentious? I want to come off as professional but not stuck up.

[llg]

We don't work for law offices. We are nurses and can only speak to that environment.

My experience in nursing is that it won't matter one way or the other unless your paper is exteme in some way. Extremely thin, flimsy, etc. would look bad. Extremely heavy would seem out of place and odd -- particularly if it were too heavy to be able to fold neatly.

I choose a paper that is slightly more formal and heavy that average, but not much. I don't want my paper to draw attention one way or the other away from what is said on the paper.

[elkpark]

I use 28 lb. all-cotton paper, and a v. pale blue as a personal touch, so that it stands out a smidge from all the others. Cream is also a nice alternative to white. I wouldn't get any more "unique" or "distinctive" than that ...

I like to use paper that is heavy enough that it feels good in one's hand, but not so heavy that it stands out or draws attention to itself for that reason, as llg noted (hey there, girlfriend!! )

[CHATSDALE]

i liked both of these suggestions..
bethin i hope you find the right job

[dianah]

I agree.
Is there a paralegal forum, akin to AN, on which you may post your question?
I'd want to get the opinions of those who work in that area.

[Spidey's mom]

I use the box that says "Resume Paper".

It has to have some substance . . .

steph

[Medic2RN]

Pretentious? No. Professional? Yes!

Good luck to you!!

[mshultz]

bethin:

Check to see if there is a preferred format for resumes in the legal field.

I was hoping to see a response from someone in human resources. However, based upon my work and classroom experiences (29 years of work and 250 semester hours of college credit), a well-organized and well-written resume that is free of spelling and grammatical errors will really stand out.

[bethin]

Thanks for the responses.

Yes, there's a legal forum out there somewhere but I thought a resume is a resume and you all could answer my question, especially those in management positions.

My resume with cover letter and references is 4 pages and the paper isn't too thick that it doesn't fold nicely. I'll stick with what I have.

I could be like Elle Woods in Legally Blonde and have pink scented paper. Remember that?