The length of the resume is an issue with job seekers these days. Some prefer a two page resume and some want a lengthy one. So which is better?
I do get clients who say, “Why have you made my resume only two pages long? I want a four-page CV. It will help me out in getting a job”. Explaining the reason behind a two page resume to an adamant client, is like uhhhh… it’s better I keep quiet and let the client speak! The next draft that goes out from my end is 4-5 pages long, as per the client’s request and he/she is satisfied now…
Goodness!! Clients always seem to know better! But if you are getting a CV developed for you by a Resume Writer, the writer is experienced enough, and knows what will work for you and will consider your inputs too.
In my opinion, the following points should be kept in mind while developing a resume:
1 page resume: It is for an individual who is a fresher or has very limited experience that can all fit on one page.
But yes, if the experience is less than 10 years and you want to focus on 2 jobs only, you may shorten the resume to one page.
2 page resume: Sounds perfect for an individual of Mid-Level experience. Place all the relevant jobs, duties handled, internships, technical/engineering/scientific skills. Take care of spacing – no blank space on the second page. Either fill all or at-least cover three quarters of the second page.
3 or more page resume: If you are an Executive/Senior Level professional, you can go ahead with a three or more page resume. List all your leadership accomplishments, specific information about your duties, publications, presentations, licenses (if resume is of academic/research/scientific field), projects etc.
Some resume tips:
When you write your resume, you should keep in mind that the recruiter gives just 10 seconds to review a resume and decides whether to call in for an interview or not.
- Get all the attention-grabbing information on the first page
- Do not write everything in your resume. It is your advertisement – your buyer (recruiter/employer) does not want to know the whole story, he/she just wants the specific/relevant info
- Follow chronological resume format, it’s the best way to present your career information
- For maximum impact, list skills (relevant to that particular employer) in your resume’s career summary
- Instead of putting an ‘Objective’ in the resume; use a ‘Summary Statement’.
- People do not want to read what you did 10 years ago, so focus on your most recent accomplishments.
If you are still concerned about the length, do not shrink the font size and make it barely readable. It’s your resume so ask yourself, whether you have put all the desired qualitative and quantitative info in the resume? And if the answer is yes, go ahead with it.
Good luck in finding that next job!
