Resumes can be printed each time one is needed or they can be copied using a quality photocopier. Good laser and ink jet printers create copies on quality bond paper in conservative and easy to duplicate colors (white, off-white, and ivory). Traditional laid or linen bond (not parchment) paper is best for mailing, faxing, and hand delivery. Use blank pages and envelopes that match for job-search correspondence and for personal branding purposes. If you create a master copy on plain paper, photocopy on better paper; duplicates must be clean and toner residue-free.

Circumstances will dictate whether you e-mail, post, fax, or mail your resumes. While you can combine two approaches to the same employer, it's not a good idea to do all four unless you are specifically requested to do so. Eventually, you will use the telephone and other letters as you follow up on your resume distribution. As you can see in the closing comments of almost all our cover letter samples, it is always appropriate to proactively follow up a resume with a phone call confirming its receipt and, if possible, requesting an interview or clarifying strategically sound next steps.