What's the ideal length for a resume? (Free template included)
Drafting a resume is an integral part of the job application process. It outlines your qualifications, work history, achievements, and skills while showing suitability for the position you're applying for. Understanding the ideal length of a resume and effectively presenting your information helps make a positive impression on hiring managers.
In this article, we discover how long a resume should be, learn the differences between a resume and a CV, and understand how to write a resume using a template. Read on to discover how to write an effective resume.
Here's what we'll cover:
- How long should a resume be?
- What's the difference between a resume and a CV?
- 10 ways to keep your resume concise
- Conclusion: free template for creating an effective resume
- FAQs
How long should a resume be?
We often wonder how long a professional summary should be. The ideal resume length is one or two pages. But this isn't a hard and fast rule. Here are some factors that affect resume length:
Professional experience
Many companies encourage detailed resumes accompanied by a cover letter. A two-page resume is appropriate for individuals with extensive work experience. If you've been working in your field for over a decade, it may be difficult to condense your qualifications and relevant experience into a single page.
But if you're an entry-level jobseeker, such as a recent graduate, a one-page resume may be enough to showcase your qualifications.
Industry norms
Some industries, such as academia or research, may expect longer resumes. Jobs in these fields require specialised knowledge and experience, so a more detailed resume may be necessary.
An example is if you're applying for a research position or a spot in a graduate program. You may need to include your work experience plus details about your research, published work, and grants you received.
Relevance to the position
Tailor resume length based on the relevance of your experience to the job. Prioritise impactful information demonstrating your fit for the role you're applying for.
Avoid details that don't relate to the position. For example, if you're applying for a programmer role, there's no need to include your volunteer work at the local animal shelter.
Formatting and readability
Proper formatting will help make your resume concise. Ensure your resume is visually appealing and easy to read by focusing on clarity rather than design. Top Singapore resume formats are reverse chronological, functional, and combination formats. Use formatting techniques to maximise space and keep the document short.
This includes minimising white space, using a font size between 10- and 12-point, and refraining from adding graphics. Many Singaporean companies accept resumes in a PDF. You may use a photo for entry-level and government jobs.
Applicant tracking systems
An applicant tracking system (ATS) may favour resumes between one and two pages. When creating your resume, incorporate keywords from the job description that the company posted.
The ATS is likely to scan for these in resumes, and jobseekers with more relevant keywords in their resumes may have a higher chance of securing an interview.
What's the difference between a resume and a CV?
Many use the terms resume and curriculum vitae (CV) interchangeably in Singapore. While both documents present your qualifications, they differ in several ways. You usually submit a CV for a job application in academia or research. It may also be a requirement when applying for a scholarship, fellowship, or grant.
In contrast, a resume is well-suited for positions in the corporate world and other nonacademic environments.
Here's a quick comparison between a resume and a CV:
Length
Although there's no concrete answer to the ideal resume length, a resume is usually one or two pages long. A CV, however, could be longer and extend beyond two pages.
Content
A resume contains information relevant to the job you're applying for. It focuses on the qualifications you have that make you a good fit. A CV also includes the details you add to your resume.
The difference is that a CV is more comprehensive. It provides a detailed account of your educational and professional background.
Focus
A resume focuses on your competencies. These are the skills and knowledge you have that make you suitable for a job. The focus of a CV is on your academic credentials. It gives a complete history of your educational achievements.
This includes your degrees, certifications, research projects, publications, academic honours, and other accomplishments.
Sections
The primary sections of a resume are your contact information, resume summary, experience, education, and skills. A CV has these and additional sections. CVs often include publications, presentations, honours, awards, and professional affiliations or memberships.
10 ways to keep your resume concise
Here are ten tips for how to keep your resume concise and error-free:
1. Keep the description of each role to 3–7 bullet points
Condense your job responsibilities to the most critical tasks that demonstrate your competencies. Prioritise those that are most relevant to your target job.
A good strategy is to review the job description and identify the most important duties and responsibilities. This helps you determine which experiences and skills to highlight on your resume.
2. Include your most impressive, measurable achievements
Showcase quantifiable accomplishments to demonstrate your impact on previous employers or projects in your professional summary. For example, include revenue growth percentages instead of saying you increased sales.
Consider using power words to make your achievements stand out. You should also add completion times to your list of project deliverables. By highlighting these achievements, you can provide concrete evidence of your abilities and contributions. These highlight the impact of your work in the previous workplaces.
3. Limit each bullet point to two lines
You may wonder, “How long should each bullet point be on a resume?” In general, make your points no longer than two lines. Craft concise, impactful statements that efficiently convey information.
Writing complete sentences is unnecessary, especially in the experience section. You should start each previous job responsibility bullet point with an action verb. Using active language makes your resume more dynamic and engaging. Examples of action verbs are "collaborated," "implemented," "developed," and "organised."
4. Don't include irrelevant hobbies
Hobbies that don't contribute to your professional image can take up valuable space on your resume. Instead, make space for career-relevant hobbies and information, such as your education, skills, and work experience.
As a fresh grad in Singapore, you may have joined university-related activities or had part-time working experience. If you feel that your activities outside of work can help you get the job, consider mentioning them in your cover letter.
5. Condense contact information
Keep the contact information section of your resume brief to maintain the ideal resume length. Only include essential details, such as your name, address, phone number, and professional email address.
You may add a photo of yourself, but it’s unnecessary. Make sure the information you provide is accurate and up to date. The hiring manager may use this to schedule an interview or follow up with you.
If you have a professional page or a website, you may include a link to it if it helps you get the job. For example, you could add a link to your portfolio if you're applying as a graphic designer.
6. Choose a clean and readable format
Use a clean, professional resume format that makes clever use of space. This means avoiding busy fonts, too many colours, and graphics. These may be eye-catching but distracting.
Use legible fonts and maintain consistent formatting throughout the document. According to Adobe, popular fonts for resumes include Arial, Times New Roman, Garamond, and Cambria. These are easy to read and look professional, whether online or in print.
7. Limit education details
Include only essential education details in your resume. Focus on the highest degree you earned, especially if it's relevant to the job.
You don't need to include your secondary school education information if you have a bachelor's or advanced degree or work experience. You should omit graduation dates for older degrees to keep the document within the recommended resume length.
8. Optimise white space
White or negative space refers to the empty areas between text, images, and other elements on a document. You should create a clean, organised appearance by incorporating ample white space in your resume.
This makes it easier for hiring managers to read and navigate your resume. It also highlights critical information and sections to help you stand out from other applicants.
White space also adds a sense of balance to your document. This is especially important when you're following a minimalist style. It allows you to break up the text for improved readability.
9. Consider including hyperlinks
Use hyperlinks for your online professional portfolio or SEEK profile. This allows you to provide additional information without taking up space and reviewing the recommended resume length.
Before submitting your resume, double-check that the hyperlinks are live and not broken.
10. Seek feedback from others
Reviewing your resume before sending it to a hiring manager is essential. Check for spelling and grammar errors, and make sure it looks professional.
It's also a good idea to have others review your resume. They provide valuable insights and suggest areas to make your document more concise.
This ensures that every piece of information in your resume serves a purpose and contributes to your overall narrative.
Conclusion: free template to create an effective resume
The optimal length of a resume in Singapore is one or two pages. For early career professionals, a one-page resume is often enough to highlight skills, education, and relevant experiences.
Mid-career and senior professionals require a two-page resume to detail their comprehensive work history, achievements, and professional development over the years.
To help you begin, here's a simple resume template :
[Full name]
[Address]
[Email address]
[Phone number]
[Summary: 3–5 sentences that highlight your most relevant skills and experience]
Experience
[Position title]
[Company/Organisation name], [Employment dates]
- [Relevant duty]
- [Relevant duty]
- [Relevant duty]
[Position title]
[Company/Organisation name], [Employment dates]
- [Relevant duty]
- [Relevant duty]
- [Relevant duty]
Education
[Degree title and field of study]
[Name of the educational institution], [Town/City, Province]
Graduation date: [Month and year]
[Degree title and field of study]
[Name of the educational institution], [Town/City, Province]
[Name of certification]
[Name of organisation]
[Date obtained]
Skills
- [Hard or soft skill]
- [Hard or soft skill]
- [Hard or soft skill]
- [Hard or soft skill]
- [Hard or soft skill]
FAQs
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about resumes:
- What is the recommended length for a resume?
The ideal length for a resume is one or two pages. - How does professional experience impact resume length?
The more experience you have, the longer your resume will likely be. While resume length is essential, remember that content is your top priority when creating one.
If you have multiple pages of experience relevant to the job you're applying for, don't be afraid to include them. Just ensure that you've made the document as concise as possible.
To do this, choose a minimalist resume layout that accommodates more information than other formats. Cut out filler words and unnecessary details. Write in a straightforward manner that uses short but impactful statements. - Are there industry-specific guidelines for resume length?
While the standard length for a resume is one or two pages, there are industries where a longer resume is appropriate. If you're applying for a highly technical field, academia, or research job, you may consider having a resume over two pages.
These industries often require applicants to provide detailed information about their education, past work, and technical skills. This is also true if you're applying for high-level executive positions with more than 10 years of experience.
Remember that the quality of your resume should always take precedence. It's essential to adhere to the recommended resume length. But it's even more critical to ensure that your resume showcases the relevant skills and experience that make you suitable for the job. - How should I tailor my resume length based on the job I'm applying for?
Consider the specific requirements and expectations of the role. Suppose you're applying for a position that requires a high level of technical expertise or extensive experience.
In that case, providing more detailed information and expanding your resume to two or more pages may be appropriate.
On the other hand, if you're applying for a job in a fast-paced industry or a company that values concise and impactful communication, stick to a one-page or two-page resume. - Is there an ideal resume length for applicant tracking systems (ATS)?
There's no single ATS that companies use to filter applicant resumes. This means there's no specific resume length you should follow to guarantee that your resume gets past the system.
However, the consensus is to keep your resume to two pages or less. This encourages you to include only the most relevant details in your document. - What are the formatting considerations for maximising resume space?
Choose a minimalist layout that includes more information in less space. Use clean and easy-to-read fonts, and stick to 10-, 11-, and 12-point font sizes. Set the margins to half an inch on all sides.
Make sure to separate the sections of your resume with clear headings. Use bullet points to list your duties and accomplishments in each position. Write short statements to make your document easier to read. - How can recent graduates optimise their resume length?
Recent graduates can increase their resume length by highlighting academic accomplishments and relevant coursework in the education section.
If you don't have work experience, you can still add this section and list your internship, which is mandatory for most degrees and diplomas in Singapore, as well as volunteer work. You can also include extracurricular activities to fill the extra space and make a one-page resume more appealing to employers.
If you're a recent graduate, learning how to write a resume without work experience can help you find your next role. - When should you use a CV instead of a resume?
You may need to submit a CV instead of a resume if you're applying for work in academic and research fields where extensive documentation of qualifications is necessary.
Before you create a CV or resume for a specific position, check the job posting. The employer may have specified which document they prefer. - Can a resume be longer than two pages?
Yes, a resume can be longer than two pages, depending on the circumstances. If you have an extensive work history or multiple certifications, you can exceed the recommended resume length.
But remember only to do this if you can't fit your competencies into a two-page resume. - What are the key differences between a resume and a CV?
In Singapore, we often mix up "resume" and "CV," but they differ. A CV is for academic or research jobs, scholarships, or grants, while a resume suits corporate roles.
Resumes are short, focusing on job skills, while CVs are longer, highlighting academic achievements. resumes include contact info, experience, education, and skills, while CVs add sections like publications and awards.
