Resume Length: How Long Should a Resume Be
Discover the ideal resume length and learn how long your resume should be for maximum impact. Find out the key factors to consider when crafting a concise and compelling resume.
Let's talk about something that's probably been on your mind: your resume. Specifically, how long should a resume be? This question is a puzzle every job hunter faces at some point. You want your resume to be long enough to showcase your achievements and skills, but not so long that it ends up in the dreaded "unread" pile.
You might have heard the old "keep it to one page" rule. But is this rule still applicable in today's job market? Or should you let your experience spill over onto a second or even a third page?
The answer isn't as straightforward as we'd like it to be. It's like choosing the perfect outfit for an interview – what works for one occasion might not be suitable for another.
In this article, we're going to dive into the nitty-gritty of resume length. We'll explore when a concise, one-page resume is ideal and when a longer format is acceptable.
So, grab a cup of coffee, tea (or your favorite beverage if you're reading during the event), and let's unravel the mystery of the ideal resume length together.
How Many Pages Should a Resume Be?
If you are reading my newsletter for a while, you know I always emphasize that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for job seekers. Each person and situation is unique, so make decisions based on what works best for you. That's why it's important to think about your own situation and what's actually working for you and your industry.
When thinking about resume length, keep in mind that the first page is what people read first and leaves the biggest impact. I've actually conducted several tests to see how recruiters read resumes and how to optimize them for maximum effect. And you know what? The length doesn't really matter that much.
Many resume writers claim it's all about sticking to one page, but a two-page resume with the same information is actually easier to read, as I discovered during those tests.
Be wary of resume writers or career coaches who insist, "Your resume must be one page!" They likely care more about selling their own rigid preferences than understanding your specific goals and needs. The best guidance is tailored to you as an individual, not generic advice.
The One-Page Resume Myth
Alright, let's jump right into a topic that's as popular in job hunting circles as the classic "where do you see yourself in five years?" question. Yes, I'm talking about the one-page resume myth.
You've probably heard it a million times: "Keep your resume to one page, no matter what." But let's be real – is this rule set in stone, or is it more like a guideline?
First things first, the one-page resume has its roots in a good place. It's all about clarity and conciseness. Imagine you're at a networking event, and you've got just a minute to tell your professional story. You'd want to hit the highlights, right? That's the spirit of the one-page resume. It forces you to boil down your experience to the essentials – what I like to call the 'greatest hits' of your career.
But here's the twist: the job market is as diverse as a Spotify playlist. What works for a graphic designer might not be the best approach for a software engineer with a decade of experience under their belt.
For most people early in their careers, sticking to one page is a safe bet. It keeps things neat and manageable and lets you showcase your skills and achievements without overwhelming the reader. Don't forget to use the XYZ formula in your resume!
Is a Two-Page Resume Okay?
Get this - just this week, I was contacted by a job seeker looking for some resume advice. He sent me a resume via LinkedIn and at first glance, I could tell his one-pager was jam-packed with info. I had to squint and scan to make any sense of it!
So I told him, "Having a resume on one page isn't really necessary. That's why it looks all packed and hard to read." And guess what he said? The same thing I've heard from tons of folks: "Oh?! I was actually told to compress it to a single page!!"
Let me let you in on a little secret: that rigid "one page only" rule is bogus. Here's the deal - you can absolutely go onto a second page if you need to. In fact, it's better to give your resume room to breathe rather than squeezing it all onto one page.
A cramped, dense resume does you zero favors!
More Experience? More Pages!
If you've been in the workforce for a good number of years, you've likely racked up experiences that just can't be crammed into one page. Think of your resume like a highlight reel of your career.
If you've been in the game for over a decade, a two-page resume is not just acceptable, it's often expected.
This is especially true for mid-career professionals. Your second page can be a great place to showcase additional accomplishments, projects, or skills that didn't fit on the first page but are too good to leave out.
Special Cases: Technical and Academic Fields
For those in technical or academic fields, a two-page resume can be particularly beneficial. These careers often require detailed descriptions of technical skills, projects, research, or publications. A one-page resume might force you to leave out crucial details that could set you apart from other candidates.
Is a 3-page CV too Long?
When it comes to crafting your CV, you might wonder if stretching it to three pages is a step too far. Let's break this down and see when a three-page CV might be just right, and when it could be overkill.
The Exception, Not the Rule
First off, let's bust a myth: longer resumes aren't always a no-go. While it's true that brevity often rules, there are times when your career story just can't be crammed into a page or two. This is particularly true for some professionals.
Think about it – if you've been in the game for decades or you're in a super-specialized field, you've got a lot to say!
Firstly, a three-page CV is definitely the exception rather than the rule. For most job seekers, including those with a fair amount of experience, two pages are often sufficient to cover the relevant aspects of their careers. However, there are certain situations where extending to a third page is not only acceptable but might be necessary.
When to Consider a Three-Page CV
Senior-Level Professionals: If you're a high-level executive or a senior professional with decades of experience, a third page can be used to detail your extensive experience, significant projects, leadership roles, and achievements that simply can't be left out.
Academic and Research Positions: Academia and research are fields where extensive publications, research projects, presentations, and educational details are crucial. A third page can be vital to list all relevant publications, research, or academic contributions.
Technical Experts with Extensive Projects: In fields like engineering, IT, or science, where you've been involved in numerous complex projects, a third page can be useful to describe these in enough detail to showcase your expertise and contributions.
Federal Resumes: For certain government positions, especially in the federal sector, resumes often require detailed information about your work history, including specific roles and responsibilities, which might necessitate a longer format.
A three-page CV can be appropriate and even necessary in certain contexts. However, it's crucial to use this space wisely. Every additional page should add value and provide relevant information that strengthens your application.
Remember, the goal is to present yourself as the ideal candidate, and sometimes, that story takes a little more space to tell.
If you're interested in trying out ChatGPT and seeing how AI can assist you with your resume and cover letter or even act as your career coach, you can take a look at this free eBook I put together.
What is More Important Than Resume Length?
A common pitfall for many job seekers is an intense focus on the length of their resume and stuffing it with as many keywords as possible.
However, they often overlook the most crucial aspect: READABILITY.
This is, without a doubt, the key determinant in whether your resume grabs attention or not!
Here's a golden rule: Prioritize and Highlight Key Information. Place the most important details at the forefront and make them pop. Use bold formatting to draw attention to these key elements.
This approach allows the reader to quickly scan and grasp the essential points about your qualifications and achievements. It's not just about saving them time; it's about making an immediate, impactful impression.
Next, let's talk about Line Spacing. It's a common pitfall in single-page resumes to cram in content at the expense of spacing. This can lead to a cluttered, unappealing block of text. Remember, a well-spaced resume enhances readability and overall presentation. It's not just what you say; it's also how you present it.
And here's a crucial tip: Opt for Bullet Points, Not Paragraphs. Long paragraphs are a no-go in resume writing. They're daunting and often skipped over. Keep your bullet points concise, ideally 1-2 lines each. This format is much more digestible and allows quick scanning without losing important details.
By focusing on these elements, you ensure that your resume isn't just a collection of words and phrases but a clear and compelling representation of your professional story.
How Long Should a Resume Be
The ideal length of a resume actually depends on your experience level. If you're a recent grad with a limited work history, it's best to keep it to one page. However, for seasoned professionals, you can go for two pages. This allows you to showcase your achievements while still being easily scannable for recruiters.
The key here is to customize your resume and highlight your most relevant skills, accomplishments, and background. Quality and relevance matter more than a strict page limit!
The bottom line: you know yourself and your situation best. Seek personalized counsel from experts who take a flexible approach, not a one-size-fits-all mandate. Let your resume reflect and speak to your unique talents, background, and career aims'.
Best Tips for Resume Length Optimization
Let's talk about the top 10 simple yet powerful tips that help you optimize the length of your resume. And if your resume is three pages long, learn how to make the most of it!
10 Tips for Resume Length Optimization
Let's chat about something crucial yet often puzzling – optimizing the length of your resume. You've probably heard a zillion opinions on this, but let's cut through the noise and focus on what really matters.
Here are some practical tips to get your resume just the right length, ensuring it's a compelling read for your potential employers: