Recently, I was speaking with a client who insisted that her résumé needs to be only one page. A friend of hers enrolled in a one-day course that stressed the importance of every résumé being one page.
MYTH...
So I viewed her original résumé condensed to one page with an appealing design and articulate summary, yet lacking in the two critical factors employers want to see –– value as well as leadership accomplishments -- both qualitative and quantitative.
It is not uncommon to encounter such résumé myths that can are widely debated among people that hear or read about "best résumé practices on the internet.
There is no firm résumé length rule.
There are, however, key factors to consider when deciding upon résumé length: candidate's experience, target position, and audience.
Focus on what is important -- your best selling points and emphasize what you bring to the table.
I debunk this myth while addressing your frequently asked questions about résumé length with some helpful tips:
✔️ Note that the one-page résumé myth persists, despite the fact that most hiring managers are in accordance with a two-page (or longer, even) résumé, if appropriate for the candidate’s qualifications.
✔️ Avoid putting a lot of weight on what recruiters say about résumé length.
Recruiters only place about 25% of candidates in new jobs, and not all recruiters subscribe to the one-page “limit.”
✔️ The one-page format is unique to the printed page, because résumés submitted online are not affected by page limits. Approximately 30% of résumés are only stored electronically ––they are never printed out.
✔️ Traditional college students and those with five years or less of experience may be able to fit their résumés onto one page, but not always. It depends on the candidate’s focus, employment background and level of experience, skills, scope of accomplishments, and education/training. Two pages is the standard length. However, sometimes three pages is common and acceptable for executives.
✔️ Make sure everything you include in the résumé — regardless of length — is relevant to your job target and what the hiring manager will want to know about you and your unique value. This includes especially the results that you have produced relevant to the career focus and employer.
✔️ Remember balance –– an overly condensed one-page résumé can be as ineffective as a four or five-page long-winded résumé or CV. Conciseness and relevance in content is key to setting you apart!
✔️ Networking résumés or infographic résumés are usually one page and are designed to give a quick, yet eye-catching snapshot of your offerings.
The bottom line:
If your résumé nicely fits on one page, but fails to demonstrate focus, value or breadth, then it will get quickly skipped over by the employer, which fuels fewer job search results.
Your résumé needs to be created as a brand marketing tool that captures the attention of employers quickly.
If your résumé draws the employer’s or recruiter’s eye to the most key elements: content and visuals, formatting, style, layout, and design, then your résumé will catch attention and be read, which will lead to securing the interview!
Let’s work on dispelling these résumé myths by implementing a solid Master-level résumé strategy into your career action plan.
Read more here about the Creative Horizons Communications Master-Level Résumé Strategy or visit www.creativeresumestrategist.com.
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