Is My Resume Too Long?

Many job seekers find themselves asking “Is it ok to go beyond one page on my resume?” The answer is: sometimes!

In this blog post, we will discuss some things to keep in mind when deciding how long your resume should be. We'll also provide some tips on how to keep the length of your resume in check, as well as make sure your resume is easy to read and highlights the most important information about your career!

Don't make your resume a chore to read

When it comes to resumes, there's a lot of debate about how long they should be. Some people say that a one page resume is enough, while others think that you can go beyond one page if you have a lot of experience to share. Ultimately, it's up to you to decide what feels comfortable and looks the best.

Keep your resume short, but not too short

Resumes should be a snapshot of your career, not a novel.

If you're just starting out, it's probably best to keep your resume to one page. The key is to make sure that one page of your resume is packed with relevant information that will help you land the job you want.

However, if you have more than seven years of experience, you can use two pages. You don’t want to make the mistake of leaving off information that could be critical to landing the job just because you’re trying to fit it all on one page.

If you're still not sure whether your resume is too long or too short, ask someone else to take a look at it for you. A second pair of eyes can be helpful in spotting any areas that need to be cut down or expanded.

Tips for shortening your resume

Pick a good resume template.

Resumes should be visually appealing as well as easy to read. That's why it's important to choose a resume template that is both professional and stylish.

Here are some things to look for in a resume template:

• A simple design, without graphics or tables, will make the best use of space and help keep the length of your resume in check.

• Highlight the most important information at the top of your resume, so that a potential employer can easily see your skills and experience.

• Consider using a summary or career highlights section to showcase the most relevant aspects of your career first.

• Break the resume up with sections and headings to make it skimmable.

There are a lot of great resume templates out there, so take some time to find one that you like. There are different resume formats for different fields and different experience levels. You can also find professional resume templates on sites like Etsy!

Remember, first impressions matter. So, make sure your resume makes a good one.

Remove content that isn’t relevant.

Many people think that their resume needs to be a comprehensive catalog of your career. This simply isn’t true. There’s no rule that says you need to list every responsibility or every experience you’ve ever had. You want to focus on the skills and accomplishments that are most related to the job you’re applying to, and remove the rest.

First, take a look at the job description and see what skills are required for the position. Then, match those skills with your own experience and list them on your resume. If you're not sure what skills are required, take a look at job postings for similar positions. This will give you an idea of the skills that are in demand for the position you're interested in.

Keep in mind that not all skills need to be listed in the skills section. In fact, you can and should sprinkle them throughout your bullet points in the experience section as well. This will help show off your relevant skills in context and make your resume more well-rounded.

Condense or “roll up” older positions.

Many times, our early experience is in a different field or area from what we’re doing now or hoping to do in the future. In these cases, those positions are simply not worth the real estate!

If you have experience that’s beyond the number of years they’re looking for in the job description, you can simply omit those roles. For example, if they say ten years of experience and you have twelve, but the first two were in an entry level position, you can just leave that off! This also helps fight the perception of some more experienced candidates being perceived as “over qualified.”

If you spent five years in another field before changing directions, you can list those positions in a separate section called “Additional Experience” and include the titles, companies, and dates, but don’t write any bullets for those positions.

If you’re worried that you’ve excluded information that could sway the hiring manager’s decision, you can always include a link to your LinkedIn profile where they can see your full range of professional experience.

Make sure your resume is easy to read.

Use white space to your advantage.

Resumes that are too long can be daunting for a hiring manager to read. So, if you do have a lot of experience, make sure to use plenty of white space on your resume. This will make it easier for hiring managers to find the information they're looking for.

Use clear, concise language and clear bullet points to make sure your resume is easy to read.

Avoid using jargon or acronyms that might not be familiar to the person reading your resume. And, don't forget to proofread! Nothing will make you look unprofessional like a typo on your resume.

Cut down on the time it takes to write a professional resume

Resumes can be time-consuming to put together, especially if you're starting from scratch. We know you don't have all day to spend on your resume, so here are some tips to speed up the process.

Use an online resume builder to save time.

Online resume builders can help you create a professional resume with ease. Plus, they often come with built-in templates and tips to help you create the perfect resume.

There are a lot of great resume builders out there, so take some time to find one that you like. Some popular options include Resumonk, Zety, Jobscan, and Enhancv.

Consider using a professional resume writing service.

If you're not sure how to make your resume look its best, or simply don't have time to write a resume yourself, consider using a professional resume writing service.

A good resume writer can help land your dream job faster. They will be aware of recent trends, and can create a custom tailored resume that will show your skills and experience in the best light. A professional resume writer can also use special tools to help your resume beat the applicant tracking system.

Make sure to do your research. You want to find a professional resume writer that's a good match for you. Some large resume writing services will create a resume without ever speaking to you, which makes it hard to showcase your strengths and personality.

If you want a more tailored approach, consider a smaller boutique resume writing service.

Hire This Mom can help with your job search

If you want a custom tailored resume from us, you can now book directly from our store! Check out some of our 6-figure resume examples, including some resumes with a career gap or no education that landed offers at top companies.

We can also help with cover letters, and provide interview preparation and career coaching as well.

Takeaway

We hope these tips help you as you decide how long your resume should be. Remember, the most important thing is to make sure your resume is easy to read and highlights the skills and experience that will help you land the job you want.

Don't forget, your resume is just one part of the job application process. Once you've got your resume in order, make sure to brush up on your interview skills and practice before your big day.

Good luck!