Talk Jobs: Should a resume only be one page?

Dear J.T.: Is it true that a resume should be only one page? A friend told me this week that a recruiter told her they don’t look at any resumes longer than one page. How does someone even fit everything on one page? — Austin

J.T.: Great question! The debate over resume length is one I hear frequently. As a career coach with more than 20 years of experience, I can tell you that the length of your resume is far less important than you might think. What truly matters is how effectively your resume communicates your qualifications.

Studies show that recruiters initially spend just 6-13 seconds skimming each resume. During this brief window, they’re scanning for keywords and key qualifications to determine if you’re a potential fit for the role. If your resume passes this initial skim, they’ll take a deeper look. If not, it gets tossed aside.

Given the limited time recruiters spend on the initial review, making your resume skimmable is crucial. The formatting and layout of your resume are far more important than sticking to a strict one-page limit.

Here’s why:

Readability: An overcrowded resume with tiny fonts and dense text blocks is hard to read, even if it fits on one page. On the other hand, a resume that’s too verbose and spans multiple pages can come across as self-indulgent.

Efficiency: Recruiters don’t have time to sift through lengthy resumes. They need to quickly determine if you’re a good fit. A well-formatted resume that highlights your key skills and experiences is much more effective.

At Work It DAILY (workitdaily.com), our resume format is preferred by 74% of recruiters because it allows them to quickly and efficiently assess candidates during that crucial 6-13 second skim. Here’s how you can make your resume stand out:

1. Divide your resume into clear sections such as Summary, Skills, Experience and Education. This makes it easy for recruiters to find the information they’re looking for.

2. Use bullet points to list your achievements and responsibilities. This format is easier to skim than paragraphs.

3. Tailor your resume for each job application by including keywords from the job description. This helps ensure your resume passes through applicant tracking systems (ATS) and catches the recruiter’s eye.

It’s essential to learn how to optimize your own resume. This isn’t just a one-time task; it’s a vital career skill. As job searches and roles evolve, so should your resume.

The key takeaway is that your resume’s readability and strategic formatting are what truly matter. Whether your resume is one page or two, the goal is to make it as easy as possible for recruiters to see why you’re a great fit for the role.

2024 by King Features Syndicate, Inc.