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Can A Resume Be More Than One Page

In Most Instances A Resume Should Not Be Only One Page

Exactly How long should your Resume be (2019)

Contrary to what you may have heard, a resume should rarely be only one page. Most professionals should use a two-page resume this applies whether you have seven or 17 years of work experience.

Only entry-level professionals those who recently graduated from college and are just entering the workforce typically use a resume that’s only one page.

In fact, thanks to a recent study that involved nearly 500 recruiters, hiring managers, and HR professionals, even entry-level job seekers no longer have to use a resume that’s only one page. According to the research, recruiters were 2.3 times as likely to prefer resumes that were two pages over resumes that are only one page, regardless of a candidate’s job level. That means if you recently graduated from college and have a number of relevant internships, co-ops, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities to boast about, then you may have enough information to warrant a second page. If you don’t have those resume boosters, then you’re better off using a resume that’s only one page.

Click on the following link to learn more about how to determine the optimal resume page length.

When Is It Ok To Have A 2

Job seekers who can benefit from using a two-page resume include:

  • those with substantial relevant work experience
  • applicants for leadership or management roles
  • candidates with many relevant technical skills or certifications

If youre in one of these groups, your resume can be more than one page, especially if youre having trouble condensing all of your information.

Why Are There So Many Opinions About Resume Length

Unfortunately, theres no best answer.

The hiring landscape has changed considerably in recent years. Not even 20 years ago, keeping your resume down to one page was both a strategic and cost-effective move .

Going even further back in time youll read that keeping your resume to a single page is your best option.

Two pages are also acceptable.

But, anything longer makes it too difficult for employers to go through.

Today, these worries are less pronounced. In fact, theres a growing trend of recruiters preferring two-page resumes over single-page ones.

According to a study by ResumeGo, its found that hiring managers are 2.3 times more prone to select a two-page resume format over the one-page resumes. No matter what the candidates professional level is, it doesnt make a big difference.

So why do people still argue for a one-page resume?

In one word: relevance.

Every resume has an audience. But, not everyone will have the same opinion.

And, thats why its difficult to assume what the ideal resume length is.

Some recruiters and hiring managers will follow the one-page rule to the letter while others will think the rule is useless. To help overcome this difficulty, its best to research the hiring practices of the organization youre applying to and see the common traits associated with page lengths.

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How To Reduce Your Cv Size

1) Is it all relevant?

Remember: you dont need to include everything. Youre advertising yourself for a role, not giving them your life story.

Take your employment history: while the paper round you did when you were 14 may have built your confidence, unless youre going for the job of senior paper delivery boy, your employer probably wont need to know.

The same goes for your interests. You may like eating out, and long walks along the beach but the reality is that the person reading your CV probably doesnt care. We all enjoy socialising with friends.

Keep it pertinent and, above all, relevant.

3) Are you afraid of the white space?

Nearly all recruiters will be skim reading your CV, so always avoid trying to cram as much information in as possible.

You need to grab their attention, and keep them interested. Presentation can be just as important as the content. Dont be afraid of the gaps. Be bold. Use bullet points

Keep the focus on what you want them to see, and draw attention to any key facts or bits of information that may be relevant. Leave out everything else.

And whilst you may think that moving the margins and changing the typeface is a clever way around this, itll only make your CV stand out for the wrong reasons.

5) Are you getting straight to the point?

This not only reduces length, it also makes sentences more active, giving your accomplishments greater authority. Play to your strengths, but get straight to the point.

How Far Back Should A Resume Go

Can Resume Be More Than One Page

Generally, you should not go back further than 20 years on your resume. Sometimes, even 15 years.

Imagine that you are applying to a job as a VP of Finance. Your time working at McDonalds 25 years ago will not help your resume at all.

It is great that you did it, but it wont be relevant.

Consider also the existence of recency bias.

A hiring manager will favor your rival if you present virtually identical resumes if they list their achievements more recently.

If you list your big wins as 20 years ago, whereas they list the same in the last 2 years, the latter will be preferred.

Also, if you go back over 20 years, you are talking about your past self. Experience from further back than this will not be considered relevant.

It says little of you today.

So how far should a resume go back?

It often depends on your resume length. Need to cut back on space? Go with 15 years. Need to add space? Go with 20 years.

Your main concern here is making it appear that you are not leaning on your past selfs accolades, but just showing your track record as you continue to achieve great things.

Top Tip: For any additional relevant experience that is older than 15-20 yeas, you can add them in a section called Additional Experience. Include only one line per experience.

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Can A Resume Be 2 Pages

Yes, a two page resume is possible. In fact, it is common, if you have more than ten years of experience in the same field.

However, there are multiple limitations you must follow. Let’s look at the specs.

  • You may or may not repeat your name on page 2 depending on the free space you have
  • Do not repeat your skills/summary on page 2
  • Put the most important/relevant facts on page 1
  • Number your pages
  • Don’t submit a double-sided 2 page resume

Case Study: Gals One Page Resume

With over a decade of experience, Gal was searching for a new job in business development.

From starting his own company to leading software solutions all the way to speaking three languages, you could say he was spoiled for choice.

Most people would say that 10+ years of experience = two pages.

But, Gal took a different approach.

On one page, he successfully told the recruiter who he was, why he was motivated for this job, the experience hed bring, and how he would make an impact.

Amidst the fog like Gal, you will hear different opinions about how long your resume should be. For someone with over 10 years of experience, most professionals and job seekers around will expect to have a two-page resume.

That doesnt necessarily mean you should.

Since Gals resume was one page, it was completely different to the rest of the other applicants. In other words, it was a gateway to standing out from the crowd and getting his voice heard among the chaos.

Be like Gal and get hired for the competitive job posting at your dream company by using Enhancvs free resume builder. Use the same one-page formula now below!

It only takes a few minutes!

Read Also: How To Write Email For Sending Resume

Remove A Hobbies And Interests Section

âSometimes listing your hobbies and interests can help you stand out from the job-seeker crowd,â says Jennifer. âBut tread carefully: Some hobbies/interests can have a negative effect based on the personal biases of your audience.â

If you feel strongly about your hobbies or interests, include them in your summary section as opposed to their own section, and stick to the main one or two that make you stand out as an applicant and a co-worker.

Safe hobbies or interests that can set you apart from other applicants:

  • Musical talent: if you play an instrument, sing in a band, or write music

  • Physical activities: If you hike, swim, or kayak

  • Community-focused work: if youâre involved with charity work, Eagle Scouts, or local theater

Steer clear of anything with a religious or political affiliation.

A better way of including hobbies or interests is to join LinkedIn groups related to the topic, or posting about your passions on LinkedIn or another blogging forum. You can also establish yourself as an expert or thought leader on Reddit and Quora, which will likely come up when an interested hiring manager looks you up online before calling you in for an interview.

Example: Including interests/hobbies in a resume summary:

How Long Should Your Sales Resume Be

How to write a One-Page Resume? – Ways to Make Your Resume Fit on One Page

If youre a sales professional, a crisp resume is a must. But the more experience you have, the longer the resume usually becomes. Most people update their resume by adding the new job to the top of the page and call it a day.

But Sonja, I heard a three page resume is fine.

Just about everyone from your next-door neighbor to your old boss has an opinion on your resume.

In fact, the more people you ask, the more opinions youll get!

And of course, these views will often contradict each other.

  • How do you know what to do?

  • Who should you listen to for advice?

Take it from a recruiterwe look at thousands of resumes over the course of a year. We review over 250 a day and depending on the situation, sometimes even more. We make decisions on who to interview based on LinkedIn profiles, referrals, and resumes.

> How can you stand out when a recruiter or hiring manager has an in-box of 200+ resumes to review? That is why first impressionsparticularly visual impressionsare so vital to your success in the job search process.

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How Long Should A Resume Be One Page Resume Vs Two Page

How many pages should a resume be? One page resume vs two page resume. Get the answer to how long should a resume be with expert tips to shorten yours.

One page resume? Two page resume?

How long should a resume be?

“If it’s too short, the hiring manager might think I’m inexperienced. If it’s too long, will they ever read it?”

Dont panic.

Theres an easy answer to the resume length dilemma.

It depends on your experience.

This guide will show you:

  • Definite answer to the nagging How long should my resume be? question.
  • One page resume templates you can use.
  • When to use a 2-page resume.
  • How to make a resume one page.

Save hours of work and get a resume like this. Pick a template, fill it in. Quick and easy. Choose from

What users say about ResumeLab:

I had an interview yesterday and the first thing they said on the phone was: Wow! I love your resume.PatrickI love the variety of templates. Good job guys, keep up the good work!Dylan My previous resume was really weak and I used to spend hours adjusting it in Word. Now, I can introduce any changes within minutes. Absolutely wonderful!George

How Long Should A College Resume Be

A resume for college should be one page. Do you have so many mind-altering achievements you cant fit them in a 1-page resume? Then write a two-page resume.

Expert Hint: If youre in a field where lots of experience makes you more attractive, write a 2 or 3-page resume. Just keep it relevant and focus on accomplishments.

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One Page Resumethe Gold Standard

Now you know the answer to how long should a resume be.

But how to make a resume one page?

Dont have 10 years of experience?

Dont have 50 unique accomplishments you absolutely have to share?

Then dont write a two-page resume. Cut it to a one-page resume instead.

Heres how:

  • Tailor your resume to the job. To save space, mercilessly cut anything that doesnt fit this job opening.
  • Write fewer, shorter bullet points. Making 35 bullet points per job is a space-saver. So is limiting them to 12 lines each.
  • Stick to whats impressive. Dont say everything about your work history. Commit to a set amount of space. Then fill it with your best achievements.
  • Be selective with what to include in the resume.
  • Dont send MS Word resume templates. The best one page resume in Word format can turn to a 2-page resume when you email it.
  • Use , right fonts, and line spacing to shorten your resume. But theres a limit. Overdoing it will make your resume hard to read.
  • How many bullet points per job? Resumes should list 35 bullet points per job. A resume with more looks cluttered. Less looks weak.
  • Leave off references. Everyone knows theyre available on request. Cut them if they make your resume two pages.
  • Write a shorter qualifications summary. Stick to 3 lines as a resume space-saver.

To write a 1-page resume, you can also cut the street address, high school, and old or irrelevant jobs. Those can make your resume 2 pages.

Case Study: Mias Three Page Research Assistant Resume

Can A Resume Be More Than One Page Fresh Unique Simple Job ...

Mia has been working in immunology for many years.

From her undergraduate work to her current postdoctoral work Her drive to make a difference in the world has produced publications, presentations, and awards.

In her pursuit of postdoctoral research, demonstrating her expertise in the field is an absolute must. There are also expectations of an academic resume to put simply, having the correct style and streamlining your design.

To produce a resume to satisfy these conditions as well as discussing her previous work, a three-page resume was needed.

So far with all the case studies, have you noticed any similarities?

Firstly, theyre modern resumes which stand out. Above all, its the resume design and the way it highlights key information such as your certifications and different types of skills by using appropriate visual aspects. This is what makes them so compelling for the hiring manager.

Chances are, the recruiters at your company arent used to seeing a modern resume like this. So, making an impression and getting your foot in the door isnt difficult.

If youre unsure what to write and trying to cope with writers block, Enhancv makes the entire resume building process easier for you.

When youre using any of these proven examples, you have a resume in front of you thats gotten someone hired in the most competitive spaces. More importantly, they could just be like you.

These resume templates are free.

Read Also: How Much To Charge For Writing A Resume

When Should Your Resume Be Three Pages

Your resume should rarely be three pages or more. Most of the information for a three-page resume is better suited for a LinkedIn profile or a comprehensive CV.

âThough we generally advise against a resume length beyond two pages, sometimes itâs necessary,â says Jennifer. âSome professions and industries have a different set of standards when it comes to resumes and therefore require more information.â

Change Your Resumes Formatting

If your resume has wide margins and a large font, youâre going to have a hard time fitting all the information you need on two pages. After clarifying the content, read our advice on resume margins and font size, as well as the top 10 resume fonts. This will help your resume appear balanced, relevant, and easy to read.

Many people opt to use templates they find online. The templates you find on Etsy, Canva, or other sites are often very visually appealing and use a lot of white space however, multiple columns can confuse ATS scans so proceed with caution.

âIf your resume includes more than a square inch of white space at any point, adjust your settings. Thatâs valuable real estate! Play with the margins, tabs, and justification settings,â advises Caitlin.

Note: white space refers to spaces without content, no matter what color youâve opted to use or any lines youâve incorporated into your resume.

Finally, be wary of any site or resume builder that offers a subscription service for resume templatesâtheyâre notorious for charging unknowing job seekers month after month. When in doubt, DIY your resume or hire a reputable service.

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One Page For Some Two Pages For The Rest Of Us

Resume length is critical and is one of the few instances where less is more. Here are the rules that wont let you down:

  • If you have five years or less experience, one page.

  • If you have ten years of experience or more,two pages.

Consolidate aging experience, eliminate bullets that tout coordinating, administering, and other actions. Instead, make room for your achievements, goal attainments, and awards.

If your resume is three-pages or gasp, more.you have some editing to do. But try it and see if you dont land more interviews.

Hi, Im Sonja Hastings, Executive Software Sales Recruiter with Optimal Sales Search.

Ive been recruiting for 15+ years and this is my blog where I share sales recruiting insights, ideas, and more.

OPTIMAL SALES SEARCH, 548 MARKET STREET #66514, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94104
  • 888-877-0969

Top 5 One Page Resume Templates From Envato Elements

No BS Resume Advice: One Page Resumes or Longer Resumes | JobSearchTV.com

As mentioned earlier, Envato Elements is one of the best places to find top quality one page resume templates. The templates from Envato Elements have modern designs and can easily be customized to fit your style.

Some of them also include a matching cover letter as well as a business card design. So, you get the complete package to wow potential employers.

Here are some of the best one page resume templates from Envato Elements to build your resume in 2021 and beyond.

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