When it comes to creating your resume, one big question comes up: How long should it be? Let’s dive in and find the best length for your resume, step by step.
How Many Pages Should a Resume Be?
For most people, a one-page resume is ideal, especially if you’re a student, recent graduate, or have less than 10 years of experience. This keeps your resume easy to scan and ensures that hiring managers can quickly see your most important qualifications.
That said, one size doesn’t fit all. If you have over 10-15 years of relevant experience, significant achievements, or work in a specialized field like academia or medicine, a two-page resume can be perfectly acceptable. The key is ensuring that every piece of information on your resume is relevant and targeted to the job you’re applying for.
If you do decide to go beyond one page, keep in mind these tips:
- Make sure the second page includes highly relevant and impressive content. Avoid filling it with minor details or unrelated experiences.
- Use consistent formatting to maintain a professional look across both pages.
- Prioritize the most crucial information on the first page, as it will receive the most attention.
The More Concise, the Better
Communicating your most important and relevant information as briefly as possible is crucial. Recruiters and employers only have a few moments to decide whether your resume is worth their time. To keep it concise, try these strategies:
- Highlight 2-3 key achievements for each role instead of listing every duty.
- Use strong, action-oriented language and avoid filler words like “that” or “the.”
- Remove older or irrelevant experiences, such as your very first jobs, unless they directly relate to the position.
Content Over Length
If you’ve trimmed all the unnecessary details and your resume is still two or more pages, that’s okay—as long as it’s full of relevant information. Use a clean, readable font between 10 and 12 points and structure your content so it’s easy to skim.
Your resume’s goal is to show why you’re the best fit for the job. A longer resume packed with targeted, valuable details will always outperform a shorter resume that leaves out key information. Focus on answering the employer’s needs and include keywords from the job description to increase your chances of passing applicant tracking systems (ATS).
Remember, while a well-organized two-page resume can be impressive, the first page will always get the most attention. Place your most impactful achievements and key qualifications there to make a strong first impression.
5 Rules for the Right Resume Length
Follow these simple rules to make your resume just the right length:
1. Try to Limit the Description of Each Role to 3-7 Bullet Points
When you list your work experience, keep it to 3-7 bullet points for each job. Use these bullet points to focus on what you achieved, not just what you did. For example, instead of saying, “Managed a team,” say, “Led a team of 5 people to complete a project 2 weeks early.”
2. Remember That Impressive, Targeted Achievements Matter Most
Hiring managers want to see what makes you stand out. Instead of listing every task you’ve ever done, include the achievements that show you’re the best person for the job. Tailor your resume to fit the job description.
3. Try to Limit the Length of Each—or Most—Bullet Points to Two Lines
Make your bullet points short and to the point. If they’re too long, they might not get read. Two lines per bullet point is a good rule of thumb to keep things neat and clear.
4. Only List Job Experience Going Back 15 Years
If you’ve been working for a long time, it’s okay to leave off your older jobs. Most hiring managers are interested in what you’ve done recently. Focus on the last 10-15 years of your work experience.
5. Try Different Margins Ranging From .5-1 Inch
Adjusting your margins can make your resume look cleaner and help fit everything onto one or two pages. Margins that are too narrow might make your resume feel cramped, so stick to a range of .5-1 inch for a balanced look.
When Two-Page (or More) Resumes Are Okay
Sometimes, one page isn’t enough. If you’re applying for a senior role, have a lot of relevant experience, or need to include certifications or technical skills, it’s okay to use two pages or more. Just make sure every word is worth the space it takes up. Keep your content clear and focused so the hiring manager sees the value in every section.
Your resume is your chance to make a strong first impression. Keep it short, clear, and focused on what matters most. When you’re ready to make your perfect resume, check out easy2resume. With our tools, creating a great resume is simple and stress-free.
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