Resume Length

One of the most common questions I get at the beginning of any professional’s job search process is – how long should my resume be? Does it need to be just one page?

There are many schools of thought on this topic so let’s discuss from a high level. While the perfect length might seem to change depending upon who you ask, one statistic is not in dispute. Your resume has 6-7 seconds to catch the user’s interest and draw them into reading your resume. So make sure that top 1/3 of your resume has enough interesting data to catch that hiring authority’s eye.

That said, let’s look at some of the other lines of thinking.

Who should have a One Page resume?

1️⃣ Early Careerists: With limited experience, a concise one-page resume showcases your most relevant skills and accomplishments without overwhelming hiring managers.

1️⃣ Career Changers: Strategically highlighting transferable skills and achievements on one page demonstrates impact without dwelling on past roles that might not directly connect to your new direction.

1️⃣ Time-Strapped Recruiters: Hiring managers often juggle numerous applications. A clear, one-page resume increases the chances of getting past the initial screening in a situation where a candidate may not have a resume.

Who Should Have a Two Pager?

2️⃣ Seasoned Professionals: Extensive experience can warrant two pages, as long as every entry contributes to the value proposition for the targeted role and demonstrates steady upward progression.

2️⃣ Highly Specialized Expertise: In niche fields, showcasing in-depth knowledge and achievements through a two-page format might be necessary.

2️⃣ Academic Heavyweights: If extensive research, publications, or presentations are crucial to the position, a two-page resume might be appropriate to fully showcase your academic contributions.

Beyond the Page Count:

Ultimately, length is just one piece of the puzzle. Remember these golden rules:

➡️ Tailor your resume: Each application deserves a unique, targeted document highlighting skills and experiences most relevant to the specific job description.

➡️ Focus on impact: Ditch fluff and quantify your achievements using metrics and specific results whenever possible. Especially in your Achievements section at the top.

➡️ Readability is key: Ensure clear formatting, logical structure, and easy-to-read font to optimize ATS compatibility.

While a one-page resume is thought to be generally preferred, don’t be afraid to expand to two pages where necessary to effectively showcase your value proposition. Most of my experienced candidates at the VP or executive level should have two pagers. Remember, quality and relevance reign supreme, regardless of page count.

#resume #jobsearch #careerdevelopment #recruiting #careercoach