One of the most common questions about the resume is "How many pages should I have?"
The answer: It depends! There are so many factors that play a role in resume writing. Here are a few:
If you're in your 20's one page will do. Chances are, you most likely don't have enough experience to justify a second page. Employers want to see relevant experience, so every job you've held since the newspaper route you had as a child isn't going to be applicable for the job you're applying to now. Be strategic in the way you position your skills.
If you’re older than 30, two pages are fine—but don’t risk more than two. Hiring managers spend less than 30 seconds on your application at first glance, so chances are they won’t read beyond the two pages. Your resume should highlight relevant skills, not delve into detail.
Some additional ideas:
Avoid three pages no matter how much experience you’ve had. Being able to synthesize acquired skills is a great personal branding tool.
Avoid paragraphs. Instead opt for bullet points that can be quickly skimmed. Speaking of bullet points….
Avoid tiny font. Always recognize that either the reader struggles or the writer struggles. I guarantee you, the reader (i.e., hiring manager) isn’t going to struggle with your resume, they will move on. Do your best to meticulously craft each word and bullet point for specificity and conciseness.
These are just a few of the "unwritten" rules about a written resume.
