How long should your resume be? Rules of thumb and tips

In the realm of resumes, a standard length of one or two pages is generally acceptable, assuming the document is in 10-, 11-, or 12-point font with reasonably spaced margins. Candidates with up to a decade of experience typically opt for one-page resumes, while those with more extensive experience often extend to two pages. Interestingly, a study suggests that hiring managers may prefer two-page resumes as they may imply greater experience or allow for more keyword inclusion.

Efficiency drives the one-to-two-page standard; shorter resumes require less time for review, aiding HR departments in processing applications swiftly. Additionally, it's essential to recognize that hiring officials, like anyone else, have finite patience and attention spans, which longer resumes may test.

When is it OK to write a longer resume?

While most employers prefer one or two-page resumes, there are scenarios where a longer resume, spanning three or even four pages, may be appropriate:

1.Applying for a leadership position: Executives and senior professionals might benefit from additional sections showcasing their leadership potential, such as project highlights and professional development.

2.Submitting a medical resume: Medical professionals may require a more extensive resume to cover credentials, fellowships, and residencies adequately.

3.Vying for an academic position: Candidates in academia often submit curriculum vitae (CVs) instead of resumes, which are more detailed and may include publications, research projects, and other scholarly activities.

4.Pursuing a government job: Roles in the federal government often necessitate security clearance, prompting candidates to provide comprehensive details of their professional history and qualifications.

In these instances, a longer resume may better showcase the candidate's qualifications and suitability for the position.

Here are some guidelines and rules of thumb to optimize your resume and improve your odds of earning serious consideration for the job:

Concision is key, no matter the length

Concision entails eliminating unnecessary details, especially in longer resumes. It's vital to focus on impressing the hiring manager with your qualifications and achievements. To achieve conciseness, consider the following strategies:

1.Remove or combine bullet points to streamline information.

2.Eliminate unnecessary words like relative pronouns and articles.

3.Reevaluate whether certain experiences or qualifications are relevant to the job you're applying for.

By trimming superfluous details, you can create a more impactful and focused resume that effectively highlights your strengths and suitability for the position.

Not all of your experience is relevant

The work history section typically occupies a significant portion of a resume. For highly experienced candidates, this section could easily extend to two pages without careful curation. To maintain conciseness, consider limiting your work history to the past 10 to 15 years.

If you believe that some of your most notable achievements occurred earlier in your career, you have a couple of options. You can either include them in a separate "Achievements" section or omit a more recent employment listing from your work history. If you opt for the latter, be prepared to address any potential gaps in employment during the interview.

Content matters more than length

While discussing the optimal resume length, it's crucial to prioritize content over page count. Cutting content solely for brevity's sake may result in the omission of valuable information that showcases why you're the ideal candidate.

To prevent over-trimming, start by including your most vital experiences, responsibilities, achievements, credentials, and keywords. This allows you to gauge available space and then adjust formatting, organization, and wording accordingly to ensure everything fits without compromising essential details.