How Long Should Your Resume Be?

Do you obsessively 172-point-font your resume to make it the perfect length, only to have someone tell you to cut it down by a third? Relax—it turns out that there's no "right" length for a resume. In fact, your resume could be one page or five, and it would still be acceptable. So how long should your resume be? As long as it takes to showcase your skills and accomplishments. Here are a few tips to help you decide how much information to include on your resume.

Length of Resume

Stick to the Essentials

Your resume doesn't need to include every job you've ever had. You should only include the job experiences relevant to the position you're applying for. First, you can put down all your prior experiences with accomplishments and significant responsibilities. Then you can choose only the relevant experience to include in the resume for each position you are applying for. You may have different versions of your resume, and it's just great. In any case, stick to the basics: Include your name, contact information, education, work experience, and skills you would like the hiring manager to know.

Use a Standard Page Size

Resume paper comes in different sizes, but most employers prefer resumes on standard 8.5-inch by 11-inch paper.

Keep it to One or Two Pages

If you can fit all of your relevant information on one page, that's great! But if you need two or more pages, that's also fine. Just make sure that everything is easy to read and that the most crucial information is at the top of the page.

How to Format Your Resume

When formatting your resume, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Your resume should be easy to read. Use a simple font such as Times new roman or Arial, and avoid too much decoration or clutter.

• Make sure the information is easy to find. Place the essential information at the top of the page.

• Keep your resume concise. Only include information that is relevant to the job you are applying for.

• If you have any special skills or qualifications, make sure to highlight them.

Following these tips will help you create a resume that stands out from the competition and catches the hiring manager's attention.

What to Include on Your Resume

There are a few things you should always include on your resume. Your name, contact information, education, and experience are the basics. You may also want to include your skills and any awards or honors you have received.

Your name should be at the top of the resume, followed by your contact information. Make sure to list your email address and phone number so that potential employers can quickly get in touch with you. You may also include your LinkedIn, Twitter, or other social media addresses.

Underneath your name and contact information, list your education. Include the name of the schools you attended and the degree you earned, and any relevant honors or awards you received.

Next, list your work experience. Include the company's name, as well as the position you held and the dates you worked there. If you have any relevant skills that you acquired in this position, be sure to list them.

Lastly, list any relevant skills you have. This could include foreign language fluency, computer programming languages, software programs you are familiar with, or some soft skills such as leadership or communication.

When putting together your resume, it's important to remember that the goal is to show potential employers that you are the best candidate for the job. Make sure to highlight your strengths and downplay any weaknesses.

When putting together your resume, it's important to remember that the goal is to show potential employers that you are the best candidate for the job.

If you're not sure what to include on your resume or need help formatting it correctly, there are plenty of resources available online. Many resume writing services can help you create a resume that will stand out from the crowd.

Whatever route you choose, be sure to put together a resume that will make you shine and help you land your dream job.

Conclusion

So there you have it—your resume doesn't need to be a certain length, and it doesn't need to follow any specific formatting guidelines. Just make sure that you include all the essential information and make it easy to read. And most importantly, tailor your resume to the position you're applying for.