The Age-Old Question: How Long Should a Resume Be?
One of the most debated topics in resume writing is its length. The traditional advice has always been "keep it to one page," but is that still relevant? The answer depends entirely on your experience.
The One-Page Rule: For Students and Early Career Professionals
For most candidates, the one-page rule is still the gold standard. This applies if you are:
- A current student or recent graduate.
- Have less than 10 years of professional experience.
- Are making a significant career change.
A single page forces you to be concise and focus only on the most relevant information for the job you're applying for. It respects the recruiter's time and demonstrates your ability to summarize and prioritize information.
The Two-Page Resume: For Experienced Professionals
It is acceptable to extend to a second page if you meet certain criteria:
- You have 10+ years of relevant experience: If you have a long and decorated career with numerous accomplishments directly related to the role, two pages may be necessary.
- You are in a technical or academic field: Fields like IT, engineering, science, or academia often require a more extensive list of projects, publications, or technical skills. A CV (Curriculum Vitae) in these fields can be even longer.
Important Note: If you use two pages, the most important information must still be on the first page. The second page is for supplementary details. Don't just let one or two lines spill onto a second page; either cut it down to one or fill at least half of the second page.
What to Cut to Keep it Concise
If you're struggling to fit everything on one page, consider cutting:
- An objective statement (use a summary instead).
- Irrelevant work experience from over 15 years ago.
- Redundant or generic skills.
- Your full address or "References available upon request."
The goal is impact, not volume. A powerful, tailored one-page resume will always be more effective than a rambling two-page document.