"How Long Is a Good Resume?"
The job market has many credentialed and many self-proclaimed experts on resumes. One of the topics they continually discuss and argue is how long a job hunter should make his resume.
Some declare that a one-page format is the only acceptable resume. Just as many say almost all candidates need two or more pages. And, certain specialized segments of the market, including scientific and academic arenas, promote resumes of five, ten, twenty and more pages.
What should you do and how long should your resume be? In our judgment, there is no one, sure answer. A 25-page submission might be just the thing for a university science professor while a one-pager would be perfect for a June graduate.
The key is to design a document that fits your needs. That is to say, a resume that:
- Highlights a clear, understandable objective
- Focuses on your chief qualifications
- Covers your work history in needed detail
- Showcases your accomplishments
- Documents your education/training
For most people beyond entry level but not at senior executive status, that is probably going to mean a two-page document with attractive formatting and a reasonable amount of white space to facilitate readability. In fact, in today’s more crowded and competitive market, many decision-makers are increasingly intolerant of lengthy presentations (beyond two pages) that take too much time to assess. These become prime targets for early de-selection.
Remember, keep it brief and to the point. Also, remember that a resume will almost never get you a job by itself; its purpose is to win you an interview opportunity.
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