You’ve heard time and time again what should go in your resume, but how long should a resume be? The short answer is no more than two pages, preferably one. The longer answer is that it depends.
Gone are the days of three-page resumes. Though longer resumes are still acceptable in some rare cases, they’ve become the exception rather than the rule. So when can you use a longer format?
- When you’re looking for an academic position and need to include publications, presentations and licenses as well as experience.
- If you’re a senior-level executive or manager or have simply had a long career—but be sure to include only relevant experience and accomplishments.
Most of the time however, one or two pages is plenty. Keep it concise and relevant. You may have a way with words, but this isn’t the place to show it—save it for the cover letter (or your portfolio if you’re a writer). Tailor your resume to the employer’s needs. Do showcase the experience, skills and accomplishments that prove you’re the best fit for the position. Don’t list every little thing you’ve ever done.
How can you keep it short?
- Don’t list your high school education, unless it is the highest level of education you’ve completed.
- Only list relevant skills and experience. Make sure your resume is tailored for the job posting.
- List especially relevant volunteer and organizational history but leave the others for your LinkedIn profile.
These tips can help you to craft a resume that gets straight to the point—and gets your foot in the door. If you’d like help with your resume or with landing your dream job, reach out to the career experts at TalentBridge.