Your resume is one of the most important documents you will ever create. It is your opportunity to showcase your skills, accomplishments and experience to potential employers. I get asked all the time regarding the appropriate length of the document. How long should your resume be? While there is no official rule, it’s generally recommended that your resume should be one page in length. Here’s why:
- It shows you know how to highlight what is important. Creating a one-page resume forces you to be selective in what you include. You will need to prioritize the most important information and leave out anything that’s not essential. This helps you focus on what matters the most and makes it easier for the reader to understand your qualifications.
- It shows you can communicate effectively. Being able to communicate effectively is a crucial skill in almost every job. By creating a one-page resume, you demonstrate that you can distill complex information into a clear, concise format. This is a valuable skill that can set you apart from other candidates.
- It shows you understand the complexities a company faces when hiring for a position. Recruiters and hiring managers receive hundreds, if not thousands, of resumes for every job posting. They do not have the time to read through multiple pages of information for each candidate. In fact, it is said that someone will only spend 7 seconds reviewing your resume. By keeping your resume to one page, you make it easy for them to quickly scan your qualifications and determine whether you’re a good fit for the position.
- It demonstrates your attention to detail. Creating a one-page resume requires careful attention to detail. You will need to make sure your formatting is consistent and your grammar and spelling are correct. This attention to detail can demonstrate to potential employers that you are meticulous and thorough in everything you do.
But what if you have more than 10 years of experience?
Is it still okay to keep your resume to one page? The answer is, it depends. If you can condense your experience and accomplishments onto one page without sacrificing important information, then you should definitely do so. However, if you find that your resume is getting too crowded and difficult to read, it’s okay to move to two pages.
If you decide to move to two pages, keep in mind that you should still be selective in what you include. Only include information that’s relevant to the position you’re applying for, and prioritize your most recent and impressive accomplishments. You should also make sure that your most important information is on the first page, as that is what recruiters and hiring managers will see first.
To sum it up, creating a one-page resume is a smart move for anyone looking for a job. It shows that you understand the needs of recruiters and hiring managers, and that you can communicate effectively and with attention to detail. However, if you have more than 10 years of experience, it’s okay to move to two pages as long as you are still being selective in what you include. By following these tips, you can will be able to create a winning resume that can help you land your dream job and if you find yourself stuck, you know who to call!
-Rachel
Owner of EPOCH Resumes
