How Long Should a Resume Be?

It is the question on every jobseeker's mind: how long should an ideal resume be? When it comes to the actual length, the jury is still out. Popular hiring advice normally recommends sticking to a single page in order to maintain the hiring manager's attention, forcing you to condense your resume to the most essential bits of information.

While it is still a sound guideline, here's some food for thought: Although one study has found that 47.7% of companies prefer a single-page resume, another survey says that employers are apparently twice more likely to be attracted to a two-page resume.

Based on these insights, it would seem that there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to employers' preferred resume lengths. Regardless of its length, a resume should ultimately display your most significant accomplishments at a glance so potential employers will want to learn more about you.

Deciding on the appropriate number of pages for your resume boils down to certain factors-- including your work experience, the position you are eyeing, as well as your chosen industry. Whether you choose to write a single-page or a two-page resume, each format has its own advantages and limitations. Here are some pointers on how to write your resume according to the appropriate length, plus other helpful tips that will help you stand out to the hiring manager.

One-page resume: For entry-level jobs and changing careers

If you are a fresh graduate, applying for an entry-level job or switching careers, then it would be wise to stick to a single page. With mountains of applications on their desks, recruiters have limited attention spans and will only scan for the most important information they need. Your career summary, as well as your most recent and relevant accomplishments will tell them all they need to know about whether you are suited for the role. That said, you can blow employers away with a striking summary that highlights your strengths and greatest skills, so you can avoid having your application tossed in the bin.

Two-page resume: Middle-level and senior-level management jobs

A two-page resume is justifiable if the additional page is warranted. Take note that the extra length is not an excuse for you to include all your accomplishments at a whim; this option is best for seasoned career employees who have accumulated a vast amount of experiences in the same field.

Hiring managers will understand that more experienced applicants at a managerial level will likely not be able to condense all relevant information on a single page. That said, be cautious about going overboard. Instead of listing down every single managerial job and duty you have held, stick to your most striking accomplishments and let those speak for themselves.

In some instances however, a curriculum vitae (CV) may be preferable. Latin for "course of life", it is a detailed document of your experience, qualifications, and accomplishments. Unlike a resume that immediately markets your most significant accomplishments at a glance, a CV sheds light on the entire course of your career. Typically appropriate in the medical field or in the academe, some overseas employers or industries looking to hire senior management may also request a CV-- you can usually find out what they need from their job ads.

How to Create an Effective Resume

Whether you have decided to go for one or two pages, ensure you get the call for a job interview by writing a strong and impressive resume.

• Tailor your resume to the role.

Assure the hiring manager that you are the right person for the role by customising your resume to the role and its requirements. Go over the job ad once more and identify key traits that are enlisted, so you can position your own skills to fit the description. That said, this does not mean you should lie about your credentials or oversell yourself. If you honestly feel that the role does not fit what you have to offer, fret not: there are other listings on JobStreet that match your passion and purpose.

• Structure your resume with an outline that is easy to follow.

You only have 10 seconds to capture an employer's attention through your resume, so keep the information simple and straightforward. A clear and structured outline makes content more digestible and ensures that you do not miss any important details. Write short bullet points instead of long-winded sentences, and avoid writing over two lines for each point.

• Avoid fluff.

Whether you are updating your old resume or writing it for the first time, there are some tidbits you can cut out. Keep the content relevant to your application: Will your secondary school theatre club come in handy for the corporate job you are applying for? Perhaps not. When in doubt, ask yourself: "How does this experience make me more qualified for the role?" Detailed major accomplishments are a given, but do not be quick to dismiss minor achievements either. If you believe they add more value to your application, go ahead and include them.

• Make it easy on the eyes.

Just because it might be wise for you to stick to a single page does not mean you have to cram all content by minimising fonts and expanding margins. Readability is key here, too-- a one-page resume that is bursting at the seams defeats the purpose of allowing the recruiter to easily skim over important information. Prevent eyeballs from dancing over the page by sticking to a readable font size and a streamlined format. Avoid over-elaborate, stylised templates and multiple colors.

• Steer clear of buzzwords.

Phrases such as "team player" and "detail-oriented" come up so often on resumes that they lose their meaning. What are supposedly key traits to make you more attractive as a candidate are in fact expected behaviour once you are hired. Instead, highlight your strengths by demonstrating your skills through real, quantifiable accomplishments in the workplace.

Once you have created your resume, upload it on JobStreet and update your profile to reflect your strengths and career preferences. Log on JobStreet and discover #JobsThatMatter-- the more you search, the more JobStreet understands your needs so you can be matched with jobs that fit your passion and purpose. For more expert advice on building a meaningful career, visit the Career Resources Hub.

At JobStreet, we believe in bringing you #JobsThatMatter. As a Career Partner, we are committed to helping all jobseekers find passion and purpose in every career choice. And as the number 1 Talent Partner in Asia, we connect employers with the right candidates who truly make a positive and lasting impact on the organisation.

Discover Jobs That Matter. Visit JobStreet today.

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