Job resumes are, if a little predictable, rather boring. Therefore, what seems like a relatively simple concept—showing others your value through a well-designed resume—proves to be anything but, as hundreds if not thousands of people are competing with you for the same audience. Standing apart means giving your resume a little help.
Important to note is that your personal brand is how people understand you, and the difference between that and ‘personal branding’ is more than just a play on action tense. While a brand is stationary, already decided, branding is the deliberate act of creating that brand, and nothing says personal branding quite like toting a personalized folder to your next interview.
Make elements pop with color
Incorporating the color wheel into your design might just be the most effective way to communicate your personal branding, as color is a language we universally speak. Consider integrating colors that align with your industry norms or reflect the color scheme of your resume headers or personal logo. Learning a little about print color will go a long way in informing your design decisions.
When it comes to color processing—the printing of CMYK or PMS inks on your folder—you don’t need to be a print aficionado to understand. CMYK, or four-color processing, mixes cyan, magenta, yellow, and black during printing, creating a wide, sweeping range of colors. Unlike CMYK, PMS inks are numerous, having already been mixed prior to printing so you can expect the precise shade of color for your branded resume folder.
In short, if CMYK is like cooking with a basic pantry, where ingredients are tossed in to taste, PMS is a hand-written recipe with exact ingredients.
Know what your folder material conveys
First impressions matter, and a personal branding folder imparts a polished, professional image right from the start. Unlike a plain resume handed over on its own, a well-designed folder shows that you’ve gone the extra mile to present yourself in the best light. Color helps, but an often slept-on design factor is your choice of materials. What folder material you choose often depends on your sought-after industry and emotional tone.
Uncoated Paper
- Industry: Education
- Emotion: Authenticity
- Uncoated paper feels natural and straightforward, appealing to the values of education and knowledge sharing.
Coated Paper (Glossy)
- Industry: Marketing & Advertising
- Emotion: Excitement
- This stock is all energy—perfect for when the job you’re applying for includes drumming up sales. While having its specific uses, glossy coating not only breathes ambition but acts as a sealant, preventing damage from wear and tear.
Coated Paper (Matte)
- Industry: Luxury Goods; literature and publishing
- Emotion: Sophistication
- Certain industries that value wealth of character appreciate a matte folder—thankfully, this applies to literature and luxury.
Textured Paper
- Industry: Arts & Crafts
- Emotion: Creativity
- Textured paper adds a tactile dimension that engages the senses, which is particularly useful in today’s burgeoning DIY culture. Art studios or art teaching institutions are potential candidates for matching this folder.
Recycled Paper
- Industry: Environmental & Sustainability
- Emotion: Conscience
- Not far removed from the tree it came from, recycled paper stock is associated with eco-friendliness and green living, making it ideal for businesses with an interest in preservation.
Demonstrate preparedness with a flexible, expandable folder
Adaptability is a valuable trait in advancing your professional career, and a flexible folder showcases this quality. A folder that expands to accommodate anywhere from a single sheet to a 1/2″ stack allows you to adjust your presentation based on what each application or interview demands. For instance, large expanding folders come fitted with roomy pockets, making them suitable for carrying anything from a few pages to a comprehensive portfolio. This feature can indicate that you’re prepared for anything that might come up in an interview.
When interviewing for a role requiring design skills, include printed work samples. If applying for a management position, you might add relevant leadership certifications. Adjusting the contents based on the job shows that you’ve customized your approach rather than opting for a one-size-fits-all.
Create a cohesive, branded experience for recruiters
Speaking of one-size-fits-all, consistency in branding across all your materials reflects your organizational skills just as much as preparedness. Next to having a well-crafted resume, aligning your folder’s design with your resume’s style—using the same fonts, colors, and layout—creates a seamless and professional appearance. Even subtle details, like matching the paper stock of your resume to the folder’s finish, can showcase you’ve put thought into more minor details easily overlooked by fellow applicants.
If you have a branded personal logo, include it on the folder as well as your resume and cover letter for a consistent look; a bronze embossed image on a black folder looks sharp when combined with bronze headers and black text, for instance.
Stand out with a unique folder design feature
Using a matchbook-style presentation folder for your resume offers a distinctive, modern touch that stands out from traditional 2-pocket folders. Its sleek, compact design provides a minimalist, professional look that is easier to carry and avoids unnecessary bulk. The flap closure adds a unique unboxing experience, drawing attention and creating a more memorable impression on interviewers.
This streamlined design focuses attention on your resume without the distraction of extra items, while the secure flap keeps documents in place. It’s not just about looks—it draws on the familiar and nostalgic feel of a matchbook. Hiring managers will be intrigued to open it, just as they would a classic matchbook—not to be greeted by the pyrotechnic thrill of lit matches but by your carefully slotted resume.
Some things just go together: cheese and wine, a nice suit and an occasion to wear it, and yes, a resume and a personal branding folder. These folders aren’t just an accessory; they’re an extension of your application that compliments the resume, with the best branding folders being outward manifestations of that resume.
