Your resume is how long?
Content is critical when it comes to your resume. But did you know that even if you have incredible content, your resume can get rejected based on length? Yes, it’s true! The length of your resume can impact how it’s received. Resumes come in all shapes and sizes, but there are guidelines that can help you maximize the impact of yours. Beware of two pitfalls when it comes to resumes: your document is too long or too short.
Why did we start out with the issue of a resume that’s too long? Because that is a common mistake that a lot of job seekers make and they don’t even know it. If you have too much on your resume, hiring managers may find it difficult to find what’s most important as you apply to their jobs. We live in a world where, for many people, more is better. This is not the case with your resume. The key to an effective resume is for it to be a concise document that highlights your most relevant experience that connects to the specific job to which you are applying. That means that everything you’ve ever done most likely doesn’t belong on your resume. If you are a recent college graduate or a professional with less than 10 years of experience, your resume should generally be one page. I say generally because there are no absolutes. Content should focus on your skills, accomplishments, and the impact you have made. You may include content such as relevant coursework, class projects, student organizations, and volunteer experience as you transition from college to the professional world. However, once you have jobs in your field under your belt, some of that information should fall off your resume and in its place should be professional experience. If you are 10 or more years into your career, make sure you are fine tuning your resume to reflect your current skill set and career goals. Don’t be afraid to remove content from your resume that inconsistent with where you are in your career right now and where you want to go.
A resume that is too short can be ineffective as well. You need to connect the dots for an employer as to how you are qualified and will excel in a new role; they will not do that for you. Provided relevant details, especially as they relate to your professional skills, what you have accomplished, and what value you will bring to the employer in your target role. Just listing job titles and past employers isn’t enough. You need to tell your story in a way that is comprehensive enough to convince the employer that they need to bring you in for an interview. Think about how you can illustrate your qualifications in ways that will resonate with the employer. You may find it effective to add sections to your resume such as projects, certifications, volunteer experience, or professional affiliations.
Whether you feel your resume is too long or too short, you can also adjust the format accordingly. Try different formats, fonts, and spacing to find a version of your resume that is balanced and informative. When creating your resume, put yourself in the position of the hiring manager. Define your target job and think about what you’d like to see in a candidate. Then edit your resume to tell your story in the most compelling way in a length that is appropriate and professional.
