How Many Pages Should Your Resume Be?

Summary: Find out the answer to this often asked question about resume length in this Q & A article.

Question: Should a resume be one page long, or is it okay to have two pages or more?

 

Answer: There has been great debate over what the proper length of a resume should be. I align myself with the theory that if it can be, a resume should be 1 page, as recruiters and managers have short attention spans due to the sheer volume of resumes they review. Your resume is your personal advertisement, but it doesn’t have to be comprehensive. If you feel the need to write down everything you’ve done in your entire career, you’re not thinking about the reviewer who just needs to know what’s relevant to the position you have applied for. I am also of the school that you should draft different resumes for different positions you are applying for, assuming always that the resume is an accurate reflection of your skills and experience.

Many people use a summary statement, which states your experience in a nutshell so that recruiters know your focus and skills. However, I have not seen the legal field (law firms in particular) embrace the summary statement. I would stick with the norm for lawyers, and not include one.

Most people don’t read what you did 10 plus years ago and thus, some experts say don’t go beyond 10-15 years of experience. You should rightfully put the focus on your most recent accomplishments, as they will be most relevant to the position you are seeking.

While most people agree that shorter is better, some candidates will need longer resumes. If you’ve got a lot of varied experience or a long career, you will need more space to tell your story. But, that being said, I think most experts would agree that 3 or more pages is too much. If you are at the 2-3 page level, you need to stay focused on what’s most relevant to the prospective employer. Leave off information that doesn’t help win you a job interview. That list would include old positions, outdated accomplishments, old training, hobbies or personal information. Obviously though, a one-page resume that’s too dense with information is less desirable than a well-organized two-page resume that is easy to read. Most experts would all agree that the key to an effective resume is choosing elements carefully.

What do you think makes an effective resume? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

See the following articles for more information about resumes:

• How to Write a Legal Resume
• Top 5 Tips for Creating Your Attorney Resume
• 12 Resume Mistakes that Might Cost You an Attorney Job
• What Law Firms Look for in a Lateral Resume