Ignore outdated resume rules
background, current objective and key strengths.
As with most aspects of resume writing, the answer to how long should a resume be is that it depends. In general, most resumes, at least those for midcareer professionals, would be two pages in length.
Entry-level candidates and candidates with very few employers/limited work history can get by with a strategically designed one-page resume. Executives or professionals in certain industries like academia can sometimes exceed three pages.
Instead of worrying about a page limit, choose the length that suits your background and interests.
Prioritize your information and place the most important content on page one. Hiring managers spend about four to seven seconds screening a resume, so it is critical to capture their interest immediately. Pull out all of your achievements and place them beneath your qualifications summary, even if your professional experience section falls to page two.
Many job seekers make the mistake of trying to follow step-by-step templates that they find online or through Microsoft Word, but these universal approaches can be detrimental to a successful job search. Not only are these templates generic and overused, they also are often outdated and limiting. If the template includes space for an objective statement and a reference section, know that it is not up-to-date with industry best practices.
An effective resume should differentiate you from other candidates vying for the same jobs. Don’t fall into the trap of using fill-in-the-blank templates out of convenience, time or assumed ease.
Be cautious about inserting your information into a resume format that a friend has used in the past. What has worked for someone years ago may not be the best format for today’s job market.
The level of creativity expected/accepted in a resume varies by industry. When it is appropriate, being creative will increase the effectiveness of your search because it makes you stand out.
While content is important in an effective resume, the formatting and aesthetic play a key role in compelling — or repelling — readership.
While the lack of defined rules in resume writing can be confusing, the ability to be creative, strategic and subjective when writing your resume is a benefit. Your resume is a marketing document and should be designed to sell you. Let your creativity and personality shine through, and don’t worry about outdated rules. Samantha Nolan is a certified professional resume writer and owner of Nolan Branding. Reach her at dearsam@nolanbranding. com, visit nolanbranding.com or call 614-570-3442 or 1-888952-3928. Meet her on Facebook, live on Thursdays at 12:15 p.m. EDT, for an extended discussion of this week’s Dear Sam topic.