Question: I always thought that companies wouldn’t consider resumes longer than one page. But recently I read that most people are using two-page documents. How long should I make my resume?
Answer: In the past, job seekers summarized their careers on a single page, simply listing their training, employers, dates and job titles. The documents did not influence the reader in any way, unless the candidate’s background happened to match the company’s needs.
But things are different now. People don’t necessarily stay with the same company for years, and they often target positions outside of their realm of experience. The workplace evolved and resumes quickly followed suit, transforming the boring sheet of paper into a well-crafted document that makes a positive impact through quality formatting, concise writing and a clear focus on the value that you will bring to the employer.
Think about it this way: If resumes merely listed credentials, how would an experienced salesperson follow his dream and secure his first position in graphic design? What kind of one-page list would help a stay-at-home mom pursue her passion for scientific research? How can a mid-level manager stand out among hundreds of others applying for the same job?
The old idea of the one-page document still lingers in the minds of some employers and job seekers, but most understand that resumes play an important role in today’s job market. Resumes are marketing tools. Their primary goal is to make a powerful impression and inspire the hiring manager to set up an interview. Sometimes it takes a single page to achieve this objective; other times it takes two.
When creating your resume, keep in mind that employers usually screen candidates using the following process:
The first impression. When they begin screening resumes, employers conduct a quick assessment of potential employees. It takes just a few seconds to evaluate the professionalism and quality of a candidate, and determine his or her level of expertise in a specific field.
Savvy job hunters take advantage of this brief scan by creating easy-to-read documents with strategic formatting choices, such as a title (e.g. Sales Manager) or bullet points.
The salesperson transitioning to graphic design, for example, will highlight his relevant training and experience in a prominent location. The stay-at-home mom will showcase her education in science, or, if she is seeking an entry-level role, she will make sure that her personal attributes (such as organizational, time management and research skills) will be obvious within just a few seconds of reading.
The careful review. The resumes that make it through the first part of the screening process are then reviewed more carefully. At this stage, employers go beyond their first impression to evaluate the bulk of your experience, credentials and attributes to see if you are qualified for the position.
Details are extremely important at this phase, and so is the quality of your writing. Be clear and consistent in your language, and provide examples of your accomplishments with percentages or dollar amounts whenever possible.
The length of your resume is less important than its content. Think of your document as a marketing tool that balances clarity and precision with relevant detail, and you’ll be on the right track.
Send your job search questions to Eve.GetAJob@gmail.com.
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