The practice of physically attaching a resume with a staple is generally considered outdated and unprofessional in modern job applications. Submitting a stapled resume can give the impression of being unprepared or unaware of current application standards, which often involve digital submissions or neatly bound presentations. For example, imagine a recruiter reviewing a stack of resumes; a stapled document might appear less polished compared to a cleanly printed and unbound one or, even worse, tear when separated from others.
Avoiding staples contributes to a cleaner, more professional presentation and facilitates easier handling and scanning, particularly for companies using applicant tracking systems. Historically, stapling might have been acceptable when physical submissions were the norm. However, with the prevalence of digital communication and online application portals, this practice is now viewed as less appropriate. This shift reflects a broader evolution in business practices toward streamlined, digitally-focused processes.
