The question of ideal resume length has perplexed job seekers for as long as resumes have been around. You'll find many conflicting opinions out there about whether 1 page, 2 pages, or more is best. This leaves many people confused about what approach to take.
Some self-proclaimed "experts" adamantly insist that 1 page is always the best way to go. However, this advice is often based more on their personal preferences than what actually works well for companies and applicants across different experience levels.
While it's true recruiters only spend a few seconds scanning a resume before deciding whether to continue reading, let's not assume this means they have short attention spans! The key is making sure your resume immediately grabs their interest, which has little to do with whether it spills onto a second page.
Simply cramming everything forcefully onto a single page can be counterproductive. Though it may sound appealing in theory, this one-size-fits-all approach does not account for people at different stages of their careers who have varying amounts of relevant details to include.
On the flip side, rambling on for many pages with excessive wordiness won't do you any favors either. So the solution is not as simple as defaulting to the longest document possible.
The point is, resume length trends come and go. Don't just blindly follow them without applying common sense. The ideal length depends on your specific circumstances.
As recruiting specialists, we stay in close contact with hiring managers to understand their priorities. This guides our advice on resume length. Our aim is helping you make your resume as appealing as possible, not conforming to arbitrary rules.
In general, here's our guidance on resume length:
1 page: Good for students, recent grads, or those with limited experience (around 5 years or less). Gives space to expand on roles authentically.
2 pages: The standard format. Best for mid-level and senior professionals (6+ years' experience). Enough room for key details on skills, accomplishments, optional sections like volunteering.
3+ pages: Fine for academics and project-based roles. Main resume stays concise, with projects as an appendix.
The above are general guidelines. Specific employers may prefer alternative lengths. But these reflect common expectations internationally.
If you want feedback on your resume, Stanley Mac offers a free review service. Our experts will share suggestions to make your document more impactful. Just contact us to get started.
At Stanley Mac, our goal is helping you present yourself in the strongest possible light. With an optimal resume as your foundation, you can land great roles faster. Reach out and let's work together to achieve your career goals.