Can my resume be longer than one page, or should I strictly keep it to one for recent graduates?
Attention recent grads and job seekers: You’ve probably heard the old career advice that’s been circling around the water cooler – keep your resume to one page, or risk your job application getting lost in the void. But is this really the one-size-fits-all rule we should be living by, or is it time for a resume revolution? Let’s unpack this!
The Great One-Page Resume Debate: Myth Busted!
Once upon a time in the land of job hunting, there was an unwritten law that if your resume exceeded one page, it was destined for the paper shredder. But times have changed! While one-page resumes can be a neat bow on top of a job application for entry-level positions, it’s not the golden ticket it once was. The one-page resume is not a cookie-cutter template that fits all; it’s more like that pair of skinny jeans from high school – sometimes they fit like a glove, and other times… well, let’s not go there.
When to Stick to One Page:
If you’re a recent graduate with a few internships or part-time gigs under your belt, a single page can pack a punch. According to Indeed, your one-page resume can showcase your skills and achievements without overwhelming the recruiter with a novella of your work history.
But Here’s the Plot Twist:
The one-page resume rule is not set in stone. Monster, a global leader in connecting people and jobs, asserts that if you have extensive internships, projects, or extracurricular activities that are relevant to the job, it’s acceptable to stretch to a second page.
The Two-Page Resume: An Epic Journey of Your Achievements
When you’ve dipped your toes in internships, student organizations, volunteer work, and class projects, you’re not doing justice to your experiences by cramming them into one page. A two-page resume can be your career storybook, allowing you to illustrate your accomplishments, skills, and potential.
Liz Ryan, CEO and Founder of Human Workplace, writes for Forbes that, “your resume is a marketing document. It’s not your life story.” So, if your life story – or rather, your professional story – has enough substance and plot twists to fill a little more space, then by all means, let’s turn the page!
The Resume Saga Continues: What Do The Experts Say?
Career experts often debate the ideal resume length, but the consensus leans toward a more flexible approach. The Muse, a go-to destination for the next-gen workforce looking for career advice, recommends that the length of your resume should be based on your experience and the type of job you’re applying for.
A Two-Page Resume: Not a Rookie Move Anymore
Let’s get real – you’re not a one-dimensional character, so your resume shouldn’t be either. If you’re struggling to keep your resume to one page, it’s okay to embrace a second. Glassdoor, one of the world’s largest job and recruiting sites, suggests that a two-page resume can be very effective, especially if you’re applying for senior positions or roles that require technical expertise or extensive experience. Although you might not be targeting those roles yet, your internships and extracurricular activities can be worth the extra space if they’re relevant.
The Final Verdict: It’s About Quality, Not Quantity
Your resume is like the trailer to the blockbuster movie that is your career. It should be long enough to pique the interest of hiring managers but short enough to leave them wanting more. Remember, it’s not about filling two pages; it’s about making two pages count. If you have the content that merits two pages and adds value to your candidacy, then go for it!
In the wise words of LinkedIn, if you’ve got the experience, “it’s fine to spill over onto another page.” But, the key is relevance and impact. Every line on your resume should have a purpose. If it doesn’t add value, cut it out.
The Bottom Line: Craft Your Resume Length to Your Story
So, here’s the takeaway for all you rising stars and future CEOs: the length of your resume should mirror the depth of your experiences and the
requirements of the job you’re after. Whether it’s one page or two, your resume is your spotlight moment – make every word count!
Before you start typing, consider what you’re trying to convey. Is it possible to do so in one page? Great! If not, don’t be afraid to gently flip onto a second. Just be sure every sentence justifies its place on the page.
Now Go Forth and Conquer!
Armed with this knowledge, go forth and tailor your resume with confidence. Whether it’s concise or comprehensive, your resume is the opening chapter to your career story – make it an epic read!
References:
- “Resumes: When to Graduate to a Two-Page Resume” by College Recruiter
- “How Long Should Your Resume Be?” by CareerBuilder
- “The Right Length for Your Resume” by The Muse
- “The One-Page vs. Two-Page Resume Debate: What’s the Right Length for Your Job Application?” by Indeed