Staples Launches New Career Stimulus Program with Workplace Experts CareerBuilder, Women For Hire and Southworth Paper

Staples, Inc. (Nasdaq: SPLS), the world’s largest office products company, is making it easy for job hunters during this challenging economic environment. Staples’ new Career Stimulus Program provides the tools and tips customers need for a successful job search, from how to start a job hunt to refreshing a résumé and finding ways to succeed through networking. To further help the unemployed, now through June 13, all Staples Copy and Print locations throughout the country are offering customers 20 free copies of their résumé and 40 free instant business cards.

"This is the toughest job market in recent memory,” said John Burke, Staples’ senior vice president of business services. "Now more than ever, job hunters need tools and information to help them stand out to prospective employers. With the new Staples Career Stimulus Program, we are committed to making it easy for customers by offering free résumé copies and business cards, and tips on how to present a professional appearance.”

Staples joined CareerBuilder, Tory Johnson of Women For Hire and Southworth paper to compile the top tips for job hunters at www.staples.com/freeresumes. Workplace experts, such as CareerBuilder, know that finding a job can be a challenging process, but are optimistic about the availability of career opportunities. A recent CareerBuilder survey found half of workers who were laid off from full-time jobs in the last three months found new jobs.

"There are jobs out there,” said Richard Castellini, chief marketing officer for CareerBuilder. "The key is repackaging your resume for a variety of positions and leveraging several job search resources to promote your personal brand to employers.”

By clicking on www.staples.com/freeresumes job seekers can find career stimulus advice such as:

• Starting the Job Hunt: Look to those industries that are hiring. Healthcare, government, education, sales and technology industries continue to add jobs.
• Refreshing a Résumé: Include only relevant information in your résumé for prospective employers that focus on skills and experiences needed for the job.
• Preparing for an Interview: Research the employer, its competitors and the industry trends. Be knowledgeable about the current headlines.
• Get Out There: Use social networking sites LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter to reach out to former classmates, colleagues, clients, peers, vendors and friends.
• Make a Mark: Ask questions about the interviewer instead of a one-sided conversation. Be curious and engaged.

According to Tory Johnson, CEO of Women For Hire, Staples’ offer of résumé copies and business cards can make a significant impact in the ultimate success of a job search.

"A crisp, eye-catching résumé on quality cotton paper is absolutely critical, as a prospective employer’s first glance at a résumé often determines whether a candidate is considered or rejected,” said Johnson. "And when networking, professional business cards make you memorable even after the conversation ends.”

Staples’ free résumé copies and business card offer includes 20 free single-sided pages of résumé copies, printed in black and white or color, on Southworth Exceptional Resume Paper and 40 free instant business cards printed in store on standard stock. Staples is the only national retailer to offer business cards in minutes, making it easy for customers to design, proof and print professional-quality business cards in as fast as 30 minutes, versus the standard industry delivery time of three-to-seven days. The offer is limited to one-package per-customer.

About Staples Copy & Print

Staples Copy & Print Centers offer full-service copying and printing services with a 100-percent quality guarantee. Signature services include digital color copying, printing of customized letterhead, envelopes and business cards, lamination and various binding capabilities. Additional services include wide-format color printing capabilities for high-quality photo enlargements, posters, signs and banners. For added convenience, customers can also learn more about Staples Copy & Print and order online at www.staples.com/copyandprint.

About Staples

Staples, the world's largest office products company, is committed to making it easy for customers to buy a wide range of office products, including supplies, technology, furniture, and business services. With 2008 sales of $23 billion and 91,000 associates worldwide, Staples serves businesses of all sizes and consumers in 27 countries throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australia. In July 2008, Staples acquired Corporate Express, one of the world's leading suppliers of office products to businesses and institutions. Staples invented the office superstore concept in 1986 and is headquartered outside Boston. More information about Staples (Nasdaq: SPLS) is available at www.staples.com.

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