Resume length has always been a topic job seekers want to know more about. People want to know what the perfect resume length should be. Should it be one page? What about two pages?
The problem with this question is there is no perfect answer. It really comes down to many factors such as:
- The industry standard
- Your level of experience
- Job type
If an interviewer asks you about a past project that’s on your resume but you can’t remember it, should you keep it on your resume? Do you make up an answer? Or do you come clean and say you forgot? Choosing the right resume length can help you avoid this potentially awkward situation.
So, what should you keep and what should you cut from your resume?
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Review the template
If you are concerned your resume is too long, a quick review of the template can help you shorten it up. Check out the spacing, font size, margins, size of the headers, and other formatting. Sometimes you can cut down your resume quite a bit by choosing a better template.
Remove unnecessary information
Avoid including information that is either:
- Not relevant
- Obvious
For example, you don’t need to include information about the jobs you had in high school if you are looking for a management position. You also don’t need to include that you have Microsoft Office skills if you are going for a job in IT. This is an assumption employers will make. Remove any information that will not help you help you secure an interview.
Focus on accomplishments over tasks
A common mistake in resumes is people tend to include a long list of tasks under each job. Rather than focusing on what you did, explain what you have been able to accomplish. Include numbers and statistics to quantify your impact. Plus, numbers say a lot more and take up a lot less space than words.
Having a two-page resume has become common in many industries. It is also common for executive positions. If you are looking for an entry-level role, a one-page resume is likely more appropriate. Always consider your industry and career level when determining your resume length.
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