How Many Pages Should a Resume Be?

Your resume is one of the most important documents in your career journey. It serves as your professional introduction, showcasing your skills, experience, and achievements to potential employers. But with all the elements to consider, one common question many job seekers face is: How many pages should a resume be? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the ideal length for a resume, along with tips and best practices to help you create a resume that stands out, whether you’re using a tool like My Perfect Resume or starting from scratch. Let’s discuss in more detail.

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The Ideal Length for a Resume: How Many Pages Should It Be?

The ideal length of a resume typically depends on your level of experience and the type of job you’re applying for. However, the general rule of thumb is that a resume should be one to two pages long. Here's why:

One Page: A one-page resume is usually recommended for candidates who are early in their careers or have less than 10 years of experience. This is especially true for recent college graduates, those changing careers, or people with shorter work histories. A concise one-page resume will allow you to highlight your most relevant experience and skills without overwhelming hiring managers with unnecessary details.
Two Pages: If you have more than 10 years of experience or have worked in multiple roles, a two-page resume is perfectly acceptable. This length allows you to showcase your accomplishments, professional growth, and a wide range of skills. However, it’s essential to ensure that every detail included is relevant to the position you’re applying for. A two-page resume should only include the most important information, as hiring managers often spend only a few seconds scanning each resume.

When is a Resume More Than Two Pages Appropriate? For most candidates, two pages is the sweet spot. However, some highly experienced professionals, such as those in executive or senior leadership positions, may have resumes that extend to three pages or more. In such cases, the resume might include detailed accomplishments, leadership roles, and strategic initiatives over a long career.

Ultimately, your resume should be as long as necessary to clearly communicate your qualifications but not so long that it becomes overwhelming or unfocused.

Tips for Creating a Concise, Effective Resume

Regardless of whether you’re going for a one-page or two-page resume, the goal should be to create a document that showcases your skills, experience, and value while respecting the hiring manager’s time. Here are some tips to ensure your resume is both concise and effective:

Prioritize Relevant Experience When writing your resume, be sure to highlight your most relevant work experience. If you’re applying for a specific job, tailor your resume to match the qualifications and skills listed in the job description. Use My Perfect Resume or tools like Resume Genius to help you create a resume that matches the skills and requirements of the role.
Use a Clean and Organized Layout The layout and structure of your resume matter just as much as the content. A clean and organized layout with clear headings and bullet points will make it easier for hiring managers to quickly scan your resume.
Focus on Achievements, Not Just Duties While it’s important to list your job duties, don’t forget to emphasize your achievements. Use metrics and numbers when possible to demonstrate the impact you’ve had. For example, instead of saying “Managed a team,” say “Led a team of 5 to exceed sales targets by 20%.”
Choose the Best Font for Resume The best font for a resume is one that is both professional and easy to read. Stick to classic fonts like Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri in sizes ranging from 10 to 12 points. Avoid using overly decorative or hard-to-read fonts, as this can distract from your qualifications.
Use a Template for Structure A Google Doc resume template can help you structure your resume without having to start from scratch. Templates often include pre-set sections for your contact information, work experience, education, and skills, ensuring you don’t forget any important details.

Key Skills to Put on Your Resume

Your resume should highlight the most important skills for the job you’re applying for. These can include both hard skills (technical abilities specific to your industry) and soft skills (interpersonal qualities). Let’s take a look at some skills to put on a resume that will make you stand out.

1. Hard Skills

Hard skills are specific, teachable abilities that can be measured. For example, if you’re in IT, coding languages like Python or JavaScript might be crucial hard skills to showcase.

Some good skills to put on a resume (depending on your field) include:

Data analysis (Excel, Google Analytics, etc.)
Project management (using tools like Asana, Jira, or Trello)
Marketing and SEO
Software development and programming languages
Graphic design (Adobe Suite, Sketch, etc.)
Financial analysis and modeling
Legal research and writing

2. Soft Skills

Soft skills are equally important but harder to quantify. These are qualities that help you interact with others in the workplace and solve problems. Some best skills to put on a resume are:

Communication skills
Problem-solving
Leadership abilities
Time management
Teamwork and collaboration
Adaptability
Emotional intelligence

Using a resume skills example from your previous experience or job descriptions can make these skills more concrete. For instance, you could demonstrate problem-solving by describing how you identified and resolved a major issue during a project.

ATS Resume Checker: Why It Matters

In today’s job market, many companies use ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) to screen resumes. These systems help employers manage the high volume of applications they receive. An ATS resume checker can ensure your resume is optimized to pass through these systems and reach the hands of a hiring manager.

ATS works by scanning resumes for specific keywords, skills, and qualifications related to the job description. To improve your chances of passing the ATS, make sure to:

Use standard resume sections (e.g., Contact Information, Work Experience, Education).
Include relevant keywords from the job description.
Avoid using graphics, images, or complex formatting that could confuse the ATS.

Tools like Resume Genius or ATS resume checker tools are incredibly helpful in making sure your resume is ATS-friendly.

How to Write a Resume and Cover Letter Together

Your resume and cover letter work together to tell a complete story about you as a candidate. While your resume outlines your experience, skills, and achievements in a structured format, your cover letter is an opportunity to personalize your application and explain why you’re a perfect fit for the role.

Here are some resume tips for writing a compelling cover letter:

Tailor it to the job: Just like your resume, your cover letter should be tailored to the job you’re applying for. Mention the company by name and refer to specific responsibilities or projects that excite you.
Showcase your enthusiasm: Use the cover letter to convey your passion for the role and how your experience aligns with the company’s needs.
Be concise: Keep your cover letter to one page. It should complement your resume, not repeat the same information.

The Difference Between a CV and a Resume

It’s important to understand the difference between a CV (Curriculum Vitae) and a resume. A resume is typically a one- or two-page document used for applying to jobs in the U.S., while a CV is a more detailed document that provides an extensive overview of your academic background, research, publications, and professional experience. CVs are often used when applying for positions in academia, research, or healthcare fields.

In most cases, employers in the U.S. expect you to submit a resume, not a CV, unless specifically requested otherwise.

Conclusion: How Long Should a Resume Be?

The length of your resume should strike a balance between showcasing your skills and experience without overwhelming the reader. For most candidates, the ideal length is between one and two pages. Here are the key takeaways for ensuring your resume is effective:

Tailor Your Resume: Customize it to fit the job you’re applying for, using relevant keywords and emphasizing your most important skills and experiences.
Use Tools to Help: Leverage tools like My Perfect Resume, Resume Genius, and an ATS resume checker to ensure your resume stands out and is ATS-friendly.
Highlight the Right Skills: Include both hard and soft skills that match the job description, and provide examples of your accomplishments.
Keep It Concise and Organized: Whether your resume is one page or two, make sure it’s clean, readable, and free from unnecessary clutter.