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Resume Makeover Series - How long should your resume be? | Resume Length

Submitted by Amit Puri - Managing Consultant, Sandbox Advisors on August 4, 2009 – 11:02 amNo Comment

Taking into account requests from our readers around the resume writing process, we started a series of articles titled Resume Makeover Series.’ The objective is to take you through the complete process of writing a resume, with best practices for each stage.

In this article we answer the common question about resume length and how long a resume should be.

The answer to the question is - It depends. In most instances, we suggest that the resume length should be 1 to 3 pages. A one pager is perfectly alright, as long as it is readable and captures all your relevant experience/education. Two-Three pages is fine as well, if you need more space to communicate your candidacy. More than three pages is generally not ideal, unless for example, you have significant work experience and are a very senior executive.

Here is what Susan Whitcomb discovered while researching her popular book, Resume Magic (JIST Works) - “I conducted a survey of HR managers from some of the Top 100 Companies to Work for in America. One survey question asked their opinions on resume length. The results revealed that 12 percent of respondents felt resumes should be one-page, never longer; 67 percent felt resumes should be kept to one or two pages; and 21 percent responded as long as needed to convey the applicant’s qualifications.

Below are some guidelines (not rules - remember it always depends) on resume length from an informal survey of members of the Career Masters Institute and Professional Resume Writers and Research Association:

  • Resumes for new grads and entry-level job-seekers are often, but not always, one page
  • Supplemental sheets and addenda provide a way to present additional information without adding to the length of the resume itself
  • No matter what the length, the resume must capture attention on the first page, preferably the first third of the first page
  • Whatever page your resume ends on, text should fill at least a third to a half of the page
  • Don’t sacrifice your resume’s readability to make it conform to any arbitrary “rules” about resume length
  • Page numbers, headers, and footers can aid continuity in a resume that is two or more pages
  • For executives at the highest levels (senior management, executive VP, and “C-level” positions such as CEO, CIO, CTO, COO) even two pages is probably not enough; three, four, or more pages may be required

Sources and references: Sandbox Advisors, Quint Careers, Resume Magic; Topics: Resume writing, Resume length

Post Revisions:

transition job search strategy Resume Makeover Series   How long should your resume be?

Amit Puri - Managing Consultant, Sandbox Advisors

Amit is an experienced career, business and HR professional. Previously, he has worked with organisations such as Bain & Company, Morgan Stanley and Citigroup. Amit has advanced degrees/qualifications in Career Counselling, Organisational Psychology & HR, Occupational Psychometrics, Career/Life Coaching, Business and Finance.

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