How To Guide: Surprising Ideal Resume Length In 2024

Hey there, beautiful people! It’s time we had a heart-to-heart about something that’s probably giving you more anxiety than your first date or that time you tried to cut your own bangs (we’ve all been there, right?). I’m talking about ideal resume length. Yep, that age-old question that’s had job seekers tearing their hair out since, well, forever.

Now, before we dive in, I’d like to introduce myself. I’m not just another career blogger spouting off advice I read somewhere on the internet. Nope, I’ve been in the trenches, folks.

I’m talking Fortune 500 Recruiter and Career Coach, with a fancy Master’s Degree in Human Resources from Texas A&M (Gig ’em, Aggies!). But don’t worry, I won’t bore you with corporate jargon. We’re gonna talk real, we’re gonna talk honest, and we’re gonna figure this resume thing out together.

My Journey from Overwhelmed Applicant to Fortune 500 Recruiter

The Resume That Changed Everything

Picture this: It’s 2017, I’m fresh out of college, drowning in student loan debt, and desperately trying to land my first “real” job. I must have sent out a hundred resumes, each one a perfect, pristine, one-page masterpiece. Or so I thought.

Spoiler alert: I didn’t get a single callback.

Then, one day, I had what Oprah would call an “aha moment.” I realized I was so focused on fitting everything onto one page that I wasn’t actually showing what I could bring to the table. So, I threw caution to the wind and created a two-page resume that really told my story.

And you know what? It worked. I landed an interview with a Fortune 500 company, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Lessons Learned from the Other Side of the Desk

Fast forward a few years, and there I was, a recruiter at that same Fortune 500 company, sifting through stacks of resumes. Let me tell you, it was an eye-opener. I saw every kind of resume you can imagine – one-pagers, novel-length epics, and everything in between.

From a single-page resume to a three page resume, I have seen it all. Let me tell you, including unnecessary details in your resume summary is hiring managers’ WORST nightmare!

Here’s the kicker: the ideal resume length wasn’t what mattered. It was the content. The resumes that caught my eye were the ones that told a compelling story, regardless of whether they were one page or two.

The Great Resume Length Debate: What Really Matters?

One-Page Wonders vs. Novel-Length Nightmares

Okay, let’s address the elephant in the room: the great one-page resume vs. two-page resume debate. It’s like the “pineapple on pizza” argument of the career world – everyone’s got an opinion. How long should a resume really be?!

On one side, we’ve got the one-page purists. They’ll tell you that anything longer than a page is a one-way ticket to the rejection pile. Their mantra? “Keep it short, keep it snappy, keep it on one page!” More than two pages and your resume might as well go directly into the trash.

On the other side, we’ve got the “more is more” crowd. They believe that if you’ve got it, flaunt it – all of it. Why leave anything out when you can include every single job you’ve ever had, right down to that summer you spent lifeguarding at the community pool?

Here’s the truth, friends: they’re both wrong. And they’re both right. Confused? Don’t worry, I’m about to break it down for you.

The Surprising Truth About What Recruiters Actually Want

As a recruiter, let me let you in on a little secret: we’re not sitting at our desks with a ruler, ready to toss out any resume that’s a fraction of an inch too long. What we really care about is finding the right person during the job search, regardless of how many pages your resume is.

Here’s what matters:

1. Relevance: Does your experience match what we’re looking for?
2. Impact: Can you show me how you’ve made a difference in your previous roles?
3. Clarity: Can I understand your career story without needing a decoder ring?

Notice how “fitting on one page” isn’t on that list? That’s because resume length isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal in the job search process. Listen up, job seekers! It’s about finding the right length to tell your unique story.

The Goldilocks Zone: Finding Your Perfect Resume Length

Industry-Specific Sweet Spots

Here’s where it gets interesting. Different industries have different expectations when it comes to resume length.

In my experience, here’s a rough guide:

• Tech and startups: They often prefer shorter, punchier resumes. A one-page resume is usually enough for hiring managers unless you’re applying for a senior role.
• Finance and law: These industries are more traditional and often expect more detailed resumes. Two pages are usually fine, sometimes even a three page resume for very senior positions.
• Creative fields: A one-page resume is often the norm, but a well-designed two-page resume can work if it showcases your skills effectively.
• Academia: This is where you can let loose. CVs in academia can run several pages, listing all your publications, research, and teaching experience.

Experience Levels and Their Impact on Length

Now, let’s talk about you. Where are you in your career journey? This plays a big role in determining your ideal resume length.

• Entry-level: If you’re just starting, one-page resumes are usually plenty. Focus on your education, internships, and any relevant projects or volunteer work.
• Mid-career (5-15 years): This is where two pages often become necessary. You’ve got more experience to showcase to keep your resume relevant, and that’s okay!
• Senior-level (15+ years): Two pages are standard, but three can be acceptable if you’re in a leadership role or have a lot of relevant experience to share.

Remember, these are guidelines, not hard and fast rules. The key is to use the space you need to tell your story effectively.

Quality Over Quantity: Making Every Word Count

The Power of Precision: Crafting Impactful Bullet Points

Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. Whether you’re rocking a one-page resume or a two-page masterpiece, what really matters to hiring managers is how you use that space.

Here’s my secret sauce for crafting bullet points that pack a punch:

1. Start with a strong action verb. “Managed,” “Created,” and “Implemented” – these are your power words that easily show transferable skills, even with only one page resumes.
2. Follow up with a specific accomplishment. Don’t just say what you did, show the impact.
3. Quantify wherever possible. Numbers are your friends! Own your professional journey and show your skills from previous jobs to your prospective employer.

For example, instead of: “Responsible for social media marketing”

Try: “Grew Instagram following by 200% in 6 months, resulting in a 35% increase in website traffic”

See the difference? The second one tells a story and shows your value.

Trimming the Fat: What to Cut and What to Keep

Now, here’s where it gets tough. If you’re trying to fit your resume onto one page (or keep it from spilling onto a third), you’re going to have to make some tough choices.

Here’s what you can usually cut:

• Objective statements (they’re so 1990s)
• References (save them for when they’re requested)
• Irrelevant jobs from more than 10-15 years ago
• Hobbies (unless they’re directly relevant to the job)

What to keep:

• Your most recent and relevant work experience
• Key achievements and quantifiable results
• Skills that match the job description
• Education (but you can usually drop your GPA once you’re a few years out of school)

Remember, your resume is a highlight reel, not your life story. Keep it focused on what matters most for the job you’re applying for.

Tailoring Your Resume: One Size Doesn’t Fit All

Customization is Key: Adapting Length to the Job

Here’s a truth bomb for you: the perfect resume length doesn’t exist. Gasp I know, shocking, right? But hear me out. There is no perfect answer to the question “How long should a resume be?”.

The ideal length of your resume depends on the job you’re applying for.

For each job application, ask yourself:

1. What are the most important requirements for this role? This will help determine resume length tips.
2. Which of my experiences best demonstrate that I meet these requirements, and is this required to be on more than one page to fit my experience?
3. How can I showcase these experiences most effectively?

Sometimes, this might mean trimming your resume down to one page. Other times, you might need two pages to really show off your relevant skills and experiences. And that’s okay! The key is to make sure every word earns its place on the page.

The ATS Factor: Balancing Human and Machine Readers

Now, let’s talk about everyone’s favorite topic: robots. Just kidding, but we do need to discuss Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). These are the software programs that many companies use to screen resumes before they ever reach human eyes. I actually wrote a whole article about ATS here!

Here’s the deal: ATS doesn’t care about your resume length. What it does care about is keywords. So while you’re crafting your resume, make sure you’re including relevant keywords from the job description.

But (and this is a big but), don’t just stuff your resume full of keywords. Remember, if your resume makes it past the ATS, it will be read by a real, live human being (hi there, fellow humans!). And we humans like resumes that actually make sense.

So, aim for a balance. Use relevant keywords naturally throughout your resume, but make sure it still reads well and tells your career story effectively.

The Often-Overlooked Impact of White Space

Let’s talk about something that might seem counterintuitive when you’re trying to fit everything onto one or two pages: white space.

White space is your friend. It’s like the breathing room of your resume. Without it, your resume can look cluttered and overwhelming, no matter how qualified you are.

So don’t be afraid to leave some blank space on the page. Use margins of at least 0.5 inches (1 inch is even better). Add some space between sections. Let your resume breathe a little.

Trust me, a well-organized resume with plenty of white space will be much more appealing to a hiring manager than a cramped, cluttered one, even if the cramped one includes more information.

The Bottom Line: My Top Tips for Nailing Your Resume Length in 2024

Key Takeaways from a Career Coach’s Perspective

Alright, let’s bring it all home. After years as a hiring manager and career coach, here are my top tips for nailing your resume length:

1. Focus on relevance, not how long should a resume be. Whether your resume is a single page or two pages long, make sure every word counts.
2. Tailor your resume for each job application. What’s relevant for one job might not be for another.
3. Use your space wisely. Prioritize recent, relevant experience and quantifiable achievements.
4. Don’t be afraid of a two-page resume if you need it. It’s better to use two pages effectively than to cram everything onto one page.
5. Remember the human factor. Yes, you need to get past the ATS, but ultimately, a human will read your resume. Make it readable and engaging.

Action Steps: Optimizing Your Resume Starting Today

Ready to take your resume from meh to marvelous? Here’s your action plan:

1. Review your current resume. Is it telling your best career story?
2. Identify your key achievements in each role. Can you quantify them?
3. Compare your resume to job descriptions in your field. Are you highlighting the right skills and experiences?
4. Get brutal with your editing. Does every word earn its place?
5. Ask for feedback. Sometimes a fresh pair of eyes can work wonders.

Remember, your resume is a living document. It should evolve as you do in your career. Don’t be afraid to revisit and revise it regularly. Confidence is queen when it comes to revising those resumes!

Frequently Asked Questions About Resume Length

FAQ 1: Is the one-page resume rule still relevant?

Short answer: Not always.

Long answer: The one-page rule is more of a guideline than a hard and fast rule. For entry-level positions or careers spanning less than 10 years, one page is often sufficient. However, if you have more extensive experience that’s relevant to the job you’re applying for, don’t be afraid to use two pages. The key is to make every word count.

FAQ 2: How do I know if my resume is too long?

Here are some signs your resume might be too long:

• You’re including irrelevant information or outdated jobs.
• You’re using small fonts or narrow margins to fit everything in
• You’re repeating information.
• You’re struggling to keep the reader’s attention

Remember, it’s about quality, not quantity. If you can’t justify why something is on your resume, it probably doesn’t need to be there.

FAQ 3: Should I use a different length for online applications?

Not necessarily. Whether you’re submitting your resume online or in person, the same principles apply. Focus on relevance and readability. However, for online applications, pay extra attention to keywords from the job description to help your resume get past Applicant Tracking Systems.

The most important thing is to create a resume that effectively showcases your skills and experience, regardless of the submission method. If you’re concerned, you can always have two versions – a one-page and a two-page – and use whichever is more appropriate for each application.

And there you have it, folks! The low-down on resume length is straight from a former Fortune 500 hiring manager. Remember, at the end of the day, your resume is telling your unique career story. Make it a page-turner, whether it’s one page or two. Now go out there and land that dream job! You’ve got this!

Need Extra Help?

Looking for extra help to land your dream job? Reach out to me for more information on how to land your dream job!