One of the most important decisions you have to make while crafting your resume is to choose how many pages to use. Many people believe a resume shouldn’t be longer than one page, but is that really the best option? In this blog post, we’ll try to answer the question “should a resume be one page long,” explore the pros and cons of this approach, and help you decide which option is the best for you.
What Is a Resume and What Is Its Purpose?
A resume is a document that provides an overview of a person’s experience and qualifications. It gives potential employers insight into the candidate’s skills and accomplishments. While you don’t have to prepare a resume for every job application, employers often expect it.
Resume Length
Most resumes are one or two pages long and include several sections, such as contact details, objective or summary statement, work history, education, and skills.
The most typical resume is one page long. Many candidates opt for this format because employers generally don’t have the time to review lengthy documents, especially when considering multiple candidates. In addition, this format also allows you to be more selective about the information you include.
However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if you have a lot of experience or credentials in a particular area, you may need two pages. Moreover, certain professions, such as academia, typically require longer resumes.
If you are still unsure about the appropriate length for your resume, you can always consult a career counselor or use one of the resume builders we reviewed.
What To Include in One-Page Resumes
When creating a one-page resume, the key is to include only the most essential information. This means providing a clear and concise overview of your work history, educational background, and skills.
While you may be tempted to mention every detail of your career history, remember that your goal is to capture the reader’s attention and give them a snapshot of your most relevant qualifications. Therefore, try to focus on including only the experiences directly related to the job position you’re applying for.
Regarding your educational background and skills, again, only include the necessary information. For example, there is no need to list your high school diploma if you have extensive experience in your field.
By following these tips, you can create a one-page professional resume that will leave a strong impression on your potential employers.
How To Make a Resume Fit on One Page
For most job seekers, creating a resume is an exercise in balancing between including too much or not enough information. How do you distill years of experience down to just one or two pages? Then again, if your resume is too long, it risks getting lost in the shuffle.
While both sides have advantages, you will most likely make a better impression if you can fit the resume on one page. Here are a few simple tips to help you achieve this:
- First, focus on relevancy. Include only the information directly relevant to the position you are applying for. This may mean leaving out older job experiences that are not directly related to your current career goals.
- Second, use white space wisely. A cluttered and crammed resume is hard to read and will likely be passed over. Use appropriate spacing to make your resume more readable and eye-catching.
- Third, be concise in your descriptions. According to statistics, recruiters need only seven seconds to scan your resume, so be as straightforward as possible. For example, you can use bullet points and action verbs to communicate your point efficiently.
- Finally, don’t be afraid to get creative. If you have to include plenty of information on a single page, you may need to get creative with formatting to make everything fit.
Pros and Cons of a One-Page Resume
A single-page resume has several advantages over the traditional two-page format:
- It’s more likely to hold the recruiter’s attention.
- It’s easier to navigate, making the key information more accessible.
- It highlights the most relevant information, allowing the reader to quickly identify whether the candidate is a good fit for the position.
- It conveys confidence and professionalism, which can help impress a potential employer.
While one-page resumes may seem like the easier option, you should consider the disadvantages before making the final decision.
One of the most common problems with single-page resumes is that they are sometimes too condensed, making it difficult for employers to get a clear sense of the candidate’s skills and experience. Moreover, the job seeker may have trouble including important keywords and details that could help them stand out from other candidates.
Ultimately, a single-page format does offer plenty of benefits, but it’s not always the ideal option. That’s why it’s vital to carefully weigh what information you need to include in your resume and check what format is the best for the job you want.
The One or Two-Page Resume Debate
There has been a lot of debate lately about whether a resume should be one page long. Some argue that you need to be able to effectively sell yourself on a single page in today’s competitive job market. They also say employers simply don’t have the time to read lengthy resumes while evaluating multiple candidates.
However, those who oppose the one-page limit claim that it doesn’t provide enough space to highlight a candidate’s skills and work history adequately. They also point out that specific fields, such as academia and research, require more detailed resumes.
In the end, there is no right or wrong answer to this issue — it boils down to the specific job you’re applying for and whether you can efficiently condense your relevant experience into one page or not.
Should a Resume Be One Page? | The Takeaway
In the end, does a resume have to be one page long? This is ultimately up to the job seeker to decide. Regardless of the length, following general tips and advice from experts will help make sure that your resume is concise and easy to read.
If you’re having trouble condensing all of your experience onto one page, remember that it’s better to have a shorter, high-quality resume than one filled with unnecessary information. So don’t be afraid to trim extraneous details and focus on what matters most: the qualifications for the job you want.