Staples or paper clips?

Staples or paper clips?

anotheranon (guest) 19 Oct 2011 15:54

Burning question: which is classier - staples or paper clips?
Also, for a hard-copy application with lots of pieces (teaching statement, research statements, sample pubs), how to affix everything? Staple each individual piece and then paper-clip thematic units (like sample pubs)? Paper-clip each pub and then binder clip them all together?

Re: Staples or paper clips?

vd 19 Oct 2011 17:53

I don't know about classier, but paper clips are better/easier for whomever has to make copies of your materials. I use a separate paper clip for each document. I do not use staples or binder clips.

anonbanon (guest) 20 Oct 2011 03:49

why not use a scroll so everything is on one piece of paper? ;-)

i have only ever experienced hard materials being kept in a manilla envelope, so I would staple together the pages of anything you send that is >1 page (i.e., each sample paper should be stapled, each standalone statement >1 page should be stapled, your CV should be stapled, etc.)…

ann (guest) 20 Oct 2011 05:12

You forgot the most burning question: do you print both sides of the paper or do you print single side? On one hand, both sides saves paper and shows you are conscious about the environment. On the other hand, they might think you are cheap and not willing to invest in your application.

a seasoned application reader (guest) 20 Oct 2011 11:28

Good question! It's much easier to read applications that staple the individual documents. Paper clips are a bit cumbersome because one has to take it off and put it back on sometime up to 10 times per application packet. Some people do not use either and end up sending an entire packet of loose paper. That can be a bit annoying for the reader. I have a preference for single sided because it is easier to read, but I like double sided because it uses less paper. It probably does not matter :). Good luck!

DefinitelyStaple (guest) 20 Oct 2011 11:32

Definitely staple. usually there is just one folder with your materials in it, and it gets passed around.

aintgotnostaplesorclips (guest) 20 Oct 2011 12:28

How do I paper clip or staple when I'm faxing or sending electronically? Argggg!!!! I can't decide. Will I lose out on my dream job because of this eternal debate?

anon (guest) 21 Oct 2011 18:57

Here'a another question: If paper clip vs. staple is the deciding factor for your application at a given institution…is that the type of place you want to work?