Mastering the Art of Resume Writing: Is a Two-Page Resume Acceptable?
As accomplished individuals, the idea of summarizing our experiences into a single document may seem daunting. How can I effectively showcase the wide range of experiences I've had? What should I include without losing the fact that I started as a beginner but progressed to an expert level?
The reality is, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Each company has its unique way of evaluating candidates, and hiring managers often have their preferences. However, all companies and hiring managers are pressed for time. They have to swiftly assess whether a candidate is the right fit when reviewing resumes and cover letters.
On average, a recruiter spends less than 10 seconds reviewing a resume. Therefore, it's crucial to ensure that your resume is clear and concise, highlighting the most relevant experiences for the job. In short, we need to get straight to the point.
Tailoring the Length
The length of your resume should align with your level of experience and the expectations of the job.
I used to believe in strict resume length rules. There was a general guideline suggesting that if you were under 30 years old or had less than 10 years of work experience, your resume should be one page. However, with the increasing prevalence of freelancing, contracting, and side hustles, it's becoming more acceptable to have a two-page resume.
Consider the Time Span: If you need to encompass over 10 years of experience in a role or have more than 10 years of overall experience, a two-page resume is suitable. If a role requires or you have less than 10 years of experience, a one-page resume is ideal.
Highlighting Relevant Roles
When applying for a job, it's not necessary to include all of your experiences in your resume. Recruiters are seeking resumes that emphasize a candidate's most relevant experiences for the role. While creating your resume, identify which roles are most pertinent to the position. This doesn't mean you need to discard a job; instead, it could be included in an "other experiences" section without being listed as a key work experience. This strategy ensures that the reviewer focuses on roles that are highly relevant to the position, increasing your chances of being selected.
Additional Details? Write a Cover Letter
If you've reached this point, you may have identified elements in your resume that can be trimmed to fit the role's requirements. After refining your content, you might feel the need to share more context or elaborate on your story. This is where a cover letter comes in. A cover letter provides the perfect opportunity to provide additional details about roles that may need more explanation or to fill in gaps in your resume.
In conclusion, your resume generally doesn't need to exceed two pages. In some cases, a one-page resume is more appropriate. Use these tips to ensure that while you streamline your resume, you are still presenting your most relevant roles, increasing the chances of leaving a positive impression within those few precious seconds!