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Resume Tips - Frequently Asked Questions
Should a Resume be One Page or Two?
Résumé length depends on job history and relevant job title(s). H. R. personnel or managers want to read little as possible and still be persuaded your name should be on their “must interview” list.
DO'S:
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If background/work places fit on 1 page neatly, that is best/ideal in today’s job market.
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Use color tastefully/professionally in resume & resume readers will focus 12-16 more Sec.
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If 2 pages: Everything needed to generate interview MUST BE ON PAGE ONE.
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Whether 1 OR 2 pages: Allow sufficient white space to glance at page and recall parts.
DONT’S:
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DO NOT cram words across page; DO NOT use more than 6 or 7 bullets in a vertical row
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DO NOT use pictures of self in a resume; many firms discard résumés with race/faith etc.
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DO NOT say little if education is weak link; play-up achievements & proud career moments.
Hi Joan, It's amazing what AI can do! I have been playing around with it and have used it for content development on some websites and it does come in quite handy! Not sure if you have toyed with it yourself, but I thought I would show you a few examples in case you want to use some of it to expand the above. It will help with the search engines.
See below for results from AI when I entered:
"One Page or Two? Résumé length depends on job history and relevant job title(s). H. R. personnel or managers want to read little as possible and still be persuaded your name should be on their “must interview” list.
How long should your résumé be?
The answer depends on your work experience and the position you are applying for. Employers want to see concise and relevant information that showcases your qualifications and achievements. A one-page résumé is ideal for recent graduates, entry-level candidates, or those with limited work history. A two-page résumé is suitable for professionals with more than 10 years of experience, multiple job titles, or specialized skills.
How to Choose the Right Résumé Length
When it comes to résumés, size matters. (NOTE: This is a catchy phrase, used by Morgan & Morgan in its marketing and commercials but referencing law firm (of course), and will resonate with readers.) A résumé that is too long or too short can hurt your chances of getting an interview. But how do you know what is the optimal length for your résumé? Here are some guidelines to help you decide.
The general rule of thumb is to keep your résumé to one page if you have less than 10 years of work experience, and two pages if you have more. However, this is not a hard and fast rule, and there are exceptions depending on your industry, career level, and job target.
For example, if you are applying for a senior-level position or a specialized role that requires a lot of technical skills or certifications, you may need more than two pages to showcase your qualifications. On the other hand, if you are a recent graduate or changing careers, you may be able to fit your relevant information on one page, even if you have more than 10 years of work experience.
The key is to focus on quality over quantity. Your résumé should highlight your most relevant and impressive achievements, skills, and accomplishments that match the job requirements. You should avoid including irrelevant or outdated information that does not add value to your application. You should also use clear and concise language, bullet points, and white space to make your résumé easy to read and scan.
Remember, your résumé is not a comprehensive biography of your work history. It is a marketing document that showcases your fit for the job. The goal is to capture the attention of the hiring manager and persuade them to invite you for an interview. Therefore, you should tailor your résumé length and content to each job opportunity and make sure it highlights your strengths and value proposition.