If you happen to’re questioning “Is my resume too quick?” I’m guessing you’re in one in every of two conditions. Both:
(a) Someone instructed you a resume must be a single web page, however you’ve got extra to say about your self.
Or,
(b) It’s lower than a web page, most likely since you’re pretty new to your profession.
Let’s study every of these conditions.
Is a one-page resume too quick to make your case?
A one-page resume is typically most well-liked by recruiters as a result of they’d reasonably spend much less time studying. However will it get you an interview? When you’ve got rather a lot to say about your self, making an attempt to say all of it on one web page could price you greater than it advantages you.
A one-page resume might be efficient so long as:
- It clearly reveals you’ve got the {qualifications} listed within the posting.
- It’s keyword-optimized to carry out effectively in applicant monitoring programs.
- It reveals, at a look, that you’re higher than different candidates in methods which might be related, distinctive and verifiable (factual–not simply your opinion).
If you are able to do all that on one web page, go for it. After writing that one-page resume, ask your self:
- Have I crammed this onto one web page by utilizing a small font, slender margins and minimal white area? Does the end result look ugly and laborious to learn? If that’s the case, use two pages.
- If I had been to make this slightly longer, what would I most wish to add? If that data could be more likely to make a distinction, use two pages.
One other method is to experiment with one-page and longer variations, then search helpful resume suggestions.
As a resume author and resume coach, I’ve learn outcomes of employer surveys about what they wish to see in a resume. Most hiring managers and recruiters are open to studying a resume of two pages, so long as it’s a effectively written, extremely readable resume. Typically they like it.
Ought to a resume ever be longer than two pages? Often not. The exceptions are for some senior executives and a few (however not most) technical professionals. Tutorial CVs are additionally longer, since they usually embody lists of publications, shows and so forth. (Individuals usually use the phrases “CV” and “resume” interchangeably, however they’re probably not the identical.)
What if you happen to’re new in your profession and there isn’t a lot to say but?
When you’ve got lower than 5 years of related expertise, a one-page resume could also be a good suggestion. Don’t attempt to replenish the area with too-detailed descriptions of your job duties—particularly on your earliest roles—however do point out your accomplishments. By “accomplishments,” I imply substantial tasks you’ve accomplished, issues you’ve solved, and different methods you’ve made a distinction.
If you happen to’re quick on work expertise, keep in mind that college tasks, volunteer work and jobs outdoors of your goal subject can display transferable expertise.
Learn my put up, 7 Shocking Issues You Can Placed on Your Resume.
So, is your resume too quick?
Let me reply your query, “Is my resume too quick?” with one other query: Does it work? Good resume writing isn’t about following guidelines, however about convincing employers that they should interview you. You try this by offering compelling proof that you simply’re the very best individual for the job. If a second web page is important for that objective, go for it! (This put up has been up to date for 2025.)
