Resume Length?

[The_Dude]

What is an accepetable length for a resume??

i'm writing one so i can switch colleges in my university.

[absorbentishe]

One page is optimal, but if you need to go on a second, that should be okay. Just try to keep the most current info on it.

[clavus]

I see a number of professional resumes. Two pages is fine, if you have something to say.

Completely depends on your target.... Sounds like for your purposes a page would suffice.

[SexyCat]

I have heard that as a rule of thumb, unless you have extensive experience (10+ years) one page should suffice.

[davsch13]

Should be able to do it in one page, at the very least, make sure that everything you want them to read is on the first page. Also, make sure to include a cover letter. Many places (not sure about universities, but employers for sure) will screen based on the cover letter without even reading the resume... Make sure you outline your abilities in the CL and how they relate to the position/school, etc.

[Rodney]

Agreed. Two pages max, mention everything that you think is most important on the front page.

If you've got stuff on page two that you really want them to read, include some kind very short statement about what you have to offer and what your goals are on page 1. If they're interested in what you say there, they'll be sure to skim page two to catch all the details.

[Kaos]

This is what pisses me off...

Everytime I go to make a new resume, all the acceptable "rules" for writing one completely change.

But last time I heard, 2 pages maximum and only if you have pertinent skills/employment skills that need to be there.

My favourite (sarcasm) has got to be when I was told to add at the beginning a "Career Objective". WTF, my objective is to get a job...but cant' put that on there.

[rogue49]

Depends on your experience level & your industry.
In the technical world, 3 pages is not looked on badly.
You just can't get everything you know or have done on anything less.

Try to focus your resume on the job you're sending it to, and its requirements.
Make sure that you describe what you know,and what you did, in detail,
so the person knows how you utilized your knowledge.
Both of those alone can help reduce it or enlarge it.

For people just starting out, maybe one will do.

[warrrreagl]

It also depends on your field. If your major is education, a resume is called a curriculum vita, and can run up to 20 pages. EVERYTHING is listed in a c.v., and expansive detail is expected.

[G5_Todd]

with all the training and schools i have attended mine could be a few pages.....

for an intial interview i would keep it down to one page....


its not a bad idea to keep a second more detail one running for new training and more detailed info....

[Magpie0001]

I once did a week long course just on C.V. building. We cal Resume's are called Curriculum Vitaes over here. Kaos is right, theyre always changing. I guess its different over here coz when I did the course we were told to make 3 pages. De La Soul were right, 3 is the magic number, If possible put your work history in 3's too, if you have bullet points, put them in 3's also. People react more strongly to objects grouped in threes.
But, as I said, it may have changed & Its probably different in the states.

[Jesus Pimp]

One page, short and concise. Most HR like to scan for keywords before actually reading resumes thoroughly. Plus usually if they have to handle more than one page they'll toss it in the waste basket.

[Peetster]

I see many professional resumes. I don't look at page 2. In fact, if there is a page 2 I barely scan page 1. If you can't prioritize your experience down to a page, then you can't prioritize.

A resume won't get you hired. It's a tool to get a foot in the door and secure an interview. Short and powerful works far better than expansive and gassy.

[The_Dude]

well, there is no interviews conducted here.

"Please attach a resume and cover letter on why you would like to be considered for application"

[Mad_Gecko]

Generally I accept 2 pages, anything longer gets pretty much skipped.

1st page - Who and What experience (Synopsis)

2nd page, When and Where.

Also, I have seen a few with photos on the front page, makes them stick out a bit.

I haven't written one for ages, but when I do I will have a professional write it for me, generally it's worth the fee.

[punx1325]

Keep it too 1 page. This is something for ppl to quickly browse so you can catch their attention. You want to make yourself look as impressive as you can in as few words possible.

[Derwood]

HINT:

Don't put anything on your resume that you wouldn't want to get hired for. In other words, don't go nuts with a section of "other skills". SOOO Many people list shit like "Fluent in MS Word, Excel, blah, blah, blah." My theory is that if you don't want to sit in front of computer entering numbers into Excel, don't put it on your resume.

If Excel is mandatory part of your job, however, then by all means list it.

[sadistikdreams]

resume... what?

I went to (blank) to resume (blank).

The (blank) place is for resuming (blank).

(blank) (blank) (blank) resume (blank) (blank) (blank).

[tikki]

One page. references on a second page if they want them.

[james t kirk]

Originally posted by warrrreagl
It also depends on your field. If your major is education, a resume is called a curriculum vita, and can run up to 20 pages. EVERYTHING is listed in a c.v., and expansive detail is expected.

Agreed,

In my field, they want to know EVERY project you have ever worked on, who the client was, contact info, dollar value for the project, when it was, etc etc.

My resume is around 10 pages. In fact, I have different ones to appeal to different clients even.

No hard set rules other than be clear and concise and set in reverse chronological order.

If you are gettting out of school, list your education first, then your summer job experience working at McDonalds

If you have been working for a few years in your career, list your career experience first, then your education.

After 20 some odd years, the experience is what counts

[Brian Fellows]

The 2 page combo with references on the second page has always worked for me.

[Arrow]

make sure it is well organized and formatted, i didnt get a job because my resume was incorrectly done

[acostello]

Resume length is a function of 3 things - 1) Discipline 2) Experience 3) Achievements

Discipline/Industry: In research/academia/medicine One lists all publications,research work/medical work. So a few pages on just journal publications is not unusual.

Experience: If one has moved around either the same company, or many Co. one needs to show that w.r.t progressive responsibilities etc.

Achievements: More relevant in management as well as results-oriented career-paths like Adv., Process re-engineering, Legal etc..

In some creative fields a portfolio is also a must - In fact, architects and advertising folks tend to have a hugh portfolios which are considered more important that a resume.

[triplefivesoul]

Just over 2 pages w/o references.

I always put "References available upon request" at the end of my resumes.

[Mupwah]

one page the second is a waste of paper as it does not get read

[onetime2]

Mine is three pages. No way I can get my experience down in two let alone one. My understanding is that 3 pages is acceptable if it is needed.

[sportsrule101]

I've heard
no more than 2, but if your just graduating try to keep it to 1

[MacGnG]

a single complete page.

[Buk]

There are alot of really great suggestions here. Its been my experience as a employer that if the resume is too many pages it gets automatically placed at the back of the pile, my day is just too long and there are too many people who are qualified to waste my time reading about what medals someone won in Boy Scouts when they were 13.

I usually don't pass over resumes unless they are 4 or more pages long though, so I wouldnt worry too much.

[amge]

I just re-did my two page resume to one. I think it looks better. And it's too the point. I don't think HR is interested in reading a lot.

[ccvirginia]

i like to spread feces on my resumes before I mail them in. Usually works out ok for me.

[Liquor Dealer]

Originally posted by The_Dude
What is an accepetable length for a resume??

i'm writing one so i can switch colleges in my university.

I wouldn't think that would be necessary - just tell you advisor you want to change - As for the length of a resume - use the tried and proven KISS method - Keep It Simple Stupid!

[Fandl]

Generally speaking one page is prefered. That being said if the job requires a lot of certifications or qualifications two would be appropriate.

However; what really irks me is when folks apply for a position and meet none of the job requirements.