"Do I have to put everything on one page?" is one of the most common questions about resumes. The most common misconception about writing a resume is that your whole work history has to fit on one page of white paper that is 8.5" x 11". In reality, the resume should be well-written, short, and show off your skills in the best way possible. This can't always be done in one page. So, a resume can be longer than one page, with some things to think about depending on where you are in your career.
- Your resume shouldn't be longer than two pages unless you are applying for a job at the executive level or writing a curriculum vitae. The goal of a well-written resume is to show that you are the best person for the job in a direct and confident way. Do not oversell your skills. Don't list more than three to five jobs you've held in the past. Stick to the skills and experiences that will help you get the job and get where you want to go in your career. On the first page, you have to put the most important information. The second page should be numbered, and it should also have your contact information on it. This is so that, if the pages are printed separately, your potential employer doesn't throw away the second page of your resume. If your resume is longer than two pages, look it over and make sure you aren't putting in information that has nothing to do with your goals or the job you want.
- Be concise. This is important. Don't use long sentences and paragraphs to talk about what you've done and where you went to school. Employers want clear statements that show what you can do for them. A resume is not the place to show off how creative you can be with writing.
- Get your resume right. You only have a second to get the attention of a possible employer. Make sure your resume is formatted correctly, and don't try to put too much information on one page. Make sure your resume has sections that are appropriate and professional. Your potential boss cares more about how your resume looks and what it says than how long it is.
- Longer is not better if you don't have the experience to get to where you want to be in your career. Stick to a one-page resume if you are new to the job market, changing careers, or have only had one job. No matter why, don't say you're sorry if you don't have the experience to reach your career goal. Don't try to fill your resume with information that isn't relevant; instead, try to highlight your transferable skills and keep it "short and sweet."
Make sure that your work history is enough to fill at least three pages of a resume. As was said above, your resume shouldn't be longer than two pages unless you are a senior or executive-level professional or you are writing a curriculum vitae. If your resume is long, you will need to make sure that everything on it fits with your career goals. If you've been a leader for decades, for example, you can show that on your resume by using the reverse chronological style and only listing the jobs that are most relevant to the job you want. If you have a long list of publications or certifications to include on your resume, it can be longer than three pages. Make sure that the most important details are still on the first page. This includes your career goal and profile, as well as your current or most recent work experience. The next pages need to be numbered, and the heading should have your contact information.
