Resume length doesn't matter

If you're ever having lunch with a group of recruiters, don't ask how long a resume should be.  Almost no other topic is as likely to cause a debate so heated that the participants consider hurling projectiles.

On either side of the fence, knowledgeable professionals argue their cases vehemently.  But the true answer is that a one-page resume works great -- except when it doesn't.

Advocates of one-page resumes cite the following advantages:

• One-page resumes are respectful of the reader's time.
• One-page resumes are more likely to display only the most pertinent, powerful examples of a candidate's expertise.
• One-page resumes are generally less wordy and therefore easier to scan.

Those who balk at an arbitrary rule on resume length are most likely to mention:

• One page is most likely not enough to represent a long work history, a diverse background, or a depth of technical expertise.
• Some hiring managers associate a one-page resume with a limited work history.  In fact, 61% of hiring managers want to receive a two-page resume for management jobs.
• Limiting your resume to one page limits your opportunity to develop a keyword-rich resume that will respond well to keyword searches in a company's applicant tracking database.

Many candidates' largest challenge is determining how to position themselves attractively for a potential employer, and resume length is only one facet of that strategy, and one of the least important.  Instead, candidates should focus on developing strong, compelling resume content, and allow the content to determine the length of the document. 

Successful resumes have a strong start, with a crisp, focused summary statement.  They eliminate any spare words, nonessential details, and repetitive statements.  And every piece of information on an effective resume is pertinent to a specific job opportunity.

A well-crafted resume for a qualified candidate will be read, regardless of length.