Resume length is among the most important aspects of job seekers. The presiding belief is that if it’s too long, you risk a hiring manager not reading the entire thing; if it’s too short, you would possibly appear as if you don’t have enough experience.
For all the days you’ve wondered, “How long should a resume be?” you almost figured the universe has selected a solution by now. There’s no magic resume length that works for everybody.
The trick is deciding the simplest number of pages for your situation. Follow the following pointers.
One-page resumes
Decades ago, someone declared a resume should never exceed one page.
This concept spread like wildfire and continues to the present day, but is it time to debunk this “rule” once and for all?
One page works beautifully for a few job seekers, though. If you’ll prove that you’re qualified for the work you’re targeting on one page, go for it. This is often typically the case for college kids or freshers with limited experience.
Consider a one-page resume if:
- You have fewer than ten years of experience.
- You’re pursuing a career change and your experience isn’t transferable to your new goal. You’ve held one or two positions with one employer.
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Two-page resumes
But how long should a resume be if you’ve been within the workforce for a while? The Goldilocks principle applies to two-page resumes—it’s good for many employees.
Consider the resume reviewer’s point of view. They’re trying to fill an edge and searching for somebody with specific credentials. By the time you’ve added a heading at the highest and resume sections—from qualifications summary to experience, education, and skills—there’s not tons of room left over for meaty accomplishments. Two pages give you additional space to convince the reviewer to pick you for an interview.
If you extend your resume length to 2 pages, make certain to incorporate the most compelling information on page one. You should maintain page two to ascertain the sunshine of the day.
Consider a two-page resume if
- You have 10 or more years of experience associated with your goal.
- You’re having a tough time conveying the worth you offer on one page and find that you’re deleting relevant accomplishments.
Three pages or longer
While three pages could seem like you’re entering novella territory, this resume length can work for professionals who need the additional space.
Before getting to multiple pages, take inventory of why you would like the longer format. Ask yourself if your resume is made on quality versus quantity. Have you ever abandoned early career experiences that do not market you for your current goal?
Review the work description to which you’re applying and note what skills and qualifications the employer lists at the highest.
Consider a three-page (or longer) resume if:
- You’re a senior-level manager or executive with a powerful diary of leadership accomplishments.
- You’re in a tutorial or scientific field with an inventory of publications, speaking engagements, courses, licenses, or patents. You’re applying for a federal job that needs more information than a civilian application.
- You have a lengthy technical or project management background and wish to supply case studies, project highlights, or lists of technical skills.
SUMMARY
The ideal resume length depends on you. Are you a student or new graduate with qualifications or a professional that don’t quite fit on one page?
Attend two. Are you a CEO with a penchant for going to the point? Try a one-page resume. The rule is there’s no rule.
Ask yourself:
- Is the content relevant?
- Is theme consistent and clear?
- If the information is current or not?
- Is the small print truthful?
- Does it distinguish you from the competition?
- If it is well written and grammatically correct?
- Is the keyword optimized?
- Is it formatted so it’s easy to read?
If all of those factors are often positively addressed on one page, so be it. But if it takes two pages—or more—to address each factor, that’s fine too.
