Should my resume be more than one page?
How long should my resume be, really?
Hey, it’s Olivia!
Your resume guru and job search cheerleader 📣
With 8 years of recruiting experience, I turned to the resume side of the job search.
I create resumes that stand out in a recruiter’s crowded inbox.
Why length matters
As a busy recruiter looking through hundreds of resumes a week, let me tell you something: Recruiters are looking through resumes FAST.
Specifically, for about 7 seconds.
Within 7 seconds, recruiters are deciding whether or not to keep reading your resume.
If your resume is not compelling and does not capture attention within 7 seconds, the busy, overwhelmed recruiter is moving on to the next resume.
How long should my resume be?
Think of your resume as a summary of your experiences.
You want the highlights neatly organized into 1-2 pages.
I’ll be frank: No one wants to read your 5 page resume. 😳🫢
Recruiters are moving quickly, and they aren’t looking through your 5 page resume in 7 seconds.
If your resume is too long, recruiters and hiring leaders will become overwhelmed and move to the next.
By keeping your resume clear and concise, you will paint a picture for your reader that perks their ears just enough to have a vague idea of what you did but still have lingering questions.
Why you need a 1 page resume
For most people, my advice is to get your resume onto one page.
This compact format will provide a brief overview of your professional timeline and entice your readers to follow-up with questions.
We toy a line with your resume:
We want to include enough details to intrigue readers.
But we don’t want to include all the details, leaving readers bored and disengaged.
It’s a tricky balance.
How do I strike this balance?
Clearly share your experiences using compelling buzzwords, format, and details.
Easy, breezy, beautiful: resume
I’ll be real. I’m a one page resume girly.
Call me a purist, but they are just… easier.
I love the idea of simply sharing my 1 page document or walking into an interview with 1 piece of paper.
When to use a 2 page resume
In the last 5 years, 2 page resumes have become more commonplace.
If you have more experiences and want to stretch to 2 pages: go for it!
When deciding if you need a 2 page resume, ask yourself these questions:
Can I spread my details fully over 2 pages?
Am I including only relevant experiences?
Am I “fluffing” up my experiences just to stretch onto 2 pages?
Do I actually want a 2 page resume?
Say no to 1.5 page resumes - they’re annoying 🙄
Even though I’m a one page resume fan, I help clients with 2 page resumes often. There are some people who need 2 pages to showcase their experiences.
Who could benefit from a 2 page resume:
Executives (Director level and above)
Professionals with 15+ years of experience
Professionals working on intricate projects that change frequently
More than 2 page resume?
No. Never.
While 1 vs 2 page resumes is based on experience and personal preference, I cannot and will not advocate for a 3+ page resume.
Ever.
I’ve been a resume writer for 3 years. I have never written more than a 2 page resume.
It’s unnecessary.
And I cannot see how to create a captivating 3 page resume.
That, my friends, is called a dissertation.
The truth: How long should my resume be?
One page fits most.
Two pages fits for a few.
When in doubt, consolidate your experiences onto one page.
Not to brag, but I consolidated 20 years of executive level experiences onto 1 page.
It’s possible.
And if you need help, you know what to do.
