How Long Should a Resume Be?

Writing a resume is not really an art, but you must possess some basic writing skills to draft a neat, professional, and an organized one. Many people get confused about what should be its length; what to include, what not to include, etc.

There is no one answer to all these questions. The length of the resume is subject to your achievements, expertise, previous experience, knowledge, skills, etc. There is no strict rule for the same. However, one must try to draft a precise resume by using short and apt words.

"Less is more" is what stands true. A crisp resume is most likely to get quick attention, and hence has a higher chance of getting shortlisted. This is the reason why some people, conventionally believed that it should not exceed one page. However, this is not feasible for someone who has something more to include, which is important to get a job.

In such situations, it is completely alright to have a lengthier resume, provided you have made it interesting for the reader. The golden rule is to include the essentials only. Given below are some of the things that should be included:

• Your Name
• Address
• Contact Details
• Objectives
• Qualifications
• Achievements
• Work Experience
• Key Skills

These things form the main content on which your selection for the job depends. Hence, instead of speculating about its length, putting the aforementioned things using the right language and format is important. Apart from this, you must also know what not to include in it.

• Write a strong objective in a few lines that would give out a positive impression about you, and will also highlight your confidence.
• Avoid unnecessary superfluous language or one-liners, which are nothing more than fillers. For example, instead of writing paragraphs on your achievements with detailed descriptions, use bullet points.

• Consider suitable styles and formats. For example, instead of writing qualifications in a line, you may put it in a table, which represents the whole idea at a glance.
• Make sure that all your achievements and accomplishments are measurable and not vague. Also, the skills included should be practical and factual.

• Mention all your strengths and capacities in an assertive language without boasting about yourself.
• Ensure that the layout is sound. Avoid excessive margins and white spaces. Also, pay attention to the font size; it should be readable and standard.
• If only a line or two goes on the next page, then try to edit it tactfully.

• Get your facts right and provide the reader with exact factual information.
• Once drafted, edit it and try to summarize the content without losing its meaning or essence.
• Read it entirely at least twice and check if it represents you and your passion for the job correctly.
• Lastly, make sure that there are no spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors.

All these things will help you to draft a meticulous and concise resume that reveals a disciplined and dedicated professional lying within you.