Stapling Your Resume and Cover Letter: The Pros and Cons

The age-old debate about whether to staple a resume and cover letter together continues. While the general consensus is against it, there are valid reasons why some individuals and organizations might still prefer this method. In this article, we will explore both the advantages and disadvantages to help you make an informed decision.

Professional Appearance

A clean and professional appearance is crucial when submitting your application. Resumes and cover letters should be presented as separate documents. This enhances the overall look and makes it easier for the reviewer to quickly scan through the information. A single stapled document can give a less polished impression and may trigger automatic filtering systems, which prioritize well-presented documents.

Ease of Review

Employers and HR professionals often have to review numerous applications. When documents are stapled together, it can be cumbersome for them to separate and organize the papers. Additionally, some organizations may prefer to print and file documents separately. This saves time and ensures that each document is easily accessible for future reference.

Digital Applications

The modern job application process often involves submitting documents digitally. In such cases, document stapling becomes irrelevant. Instead, it is advisable to combine the resume and cover letter into a single PDF file. This not only streamlines the submission process but also ensures that the documents remain intact and in the correct order.

Physical Applications

If you are submitting a physical application, a paper clip can be a better alternative to a staple. A paper clip allows for easy separation and reorganization of the documents if needed. It is also non-intrusive and visually cleaner than a staple. However, if stapling seems unavoidable, consider the following:

Proper Labeling

Ensure that you label the cover letter and resume separately. Use a clear and concise label, such as “Resume” and “Cover Letter,” on the cover sheet to avoid confusion. This can help the recipient to quickly identify and separate the documents.

Attachment Reference

Reference your resume in the cover letter by stating, “See attached resume for additional information.” This indicates to the interviewer or recruiter that a separate document is available and should be reviewed. Additionally, staple the documents together in the upper left-hand corner to ensure that they remain attached during the review process. However, it is advisable to use a paper clip or staple on the second page only to allow for easy separation if necessary.

Plan for Mailing

When mailing your documents, use an addressed and stamped envelope. Again, place your staples or paper clip in the upper left-hand corner of the second page to ensure that the documents are properly attached and filed upon receipt.

Real-world Experience

Dr. Donald G. Boudreau, with nearly three decades of experience in federal government departments and agencies, provides a compelling perspective on the challenge of separating documents in large organizations. In his experience, stapling has been a necessary evil to prevent separation during the review process. He recommends attaching the resume to a hand-signed cover letter and labeling the attachment with the word 'Attachment’ in the lower left-hand corner.

Boudreau suggests stapling the documents together in the upper left-hand corner before folding them into an addressed and stamped envelope. This method ensures that the documents remain attached during the mailing process and prevent accidental separation. While this method may take some extra effort, it can significantly reduce the risk of confusion and delay in the review process.

Conclusion

In summary, while there are valid reasons to staple your resume and cover letter together, especially in a physical submission context, it is generally recommended to keep them as separate documents for a professional and efficient review process. In cases where stapling is necessary, ensure proper labeling and careful placement of the staple to avoid inconvenience to the recipient. Consider the context and purpose of your application to make an informed decision that best represents your professional image.