The Length of Your Resume

The length of your resume is less important than its substance. Remember when you were told, especially as a child, that it wasn't what you wore on the outside, but what kind of person you were on the inside? Well, to some extent, that is exactly the same with your resume.

What you write on your resume is more important than how long it is.

How long should your resume be? The length of your resume should be in direct proportion to your success in reaching your career goals and in pursuing related educational objectives. What does that mean?

Well, it means:

• Don't pad your resume


• Be honest


• Only list what applies to the position you are seeking


• Add enough white space to allow natural breaks in reading


• Never use two words when one will do


• Do not list references


• Target your resume to the job and the company


• Use action keywords

Write your resume in such a way that the reader knows exactly what you want and your credentials support that goal. Anything more becomes tedious and takes away from the impact of your true purpose. Anything less and your goal become unsubstantiated by your past experience and education.

Most resume experts, myself included, suggest you keep your resume to two pages. If you can fit your skills and accomplishments on one page, that is even better. Just remember that the goal isn't to provide your life story. Make sure you are using only what best supports your career goals.

The resume cover page is in addition to the resume. It is not counted in the suggested resume length above.

The length of your resume is - as long as it need to be to get the employer to take notice.

If you are interested in getting some help with your resume, you will love this resource that I have put together over the past few years. Actually, it was originally copyrighted in 1991, but I have revised it many times since then. I just had a panel of 10 individuals read and review it and they just raved about it.

"How to Write a Professional Resume"

Thanks for reading!

~Carla Vaughan