Directory Image
This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using our website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

What should be the word limit of an effective resume?

Author: Cenza White
by Cenza White
Posted: Aug 13, 2021

You've probably heard that a resume should be no more than one page long.

But what if you have a lot of experience? What if you simply can't fit everything you've accomplished on a single page?

With that comes a question:

How long a resume should be?

It depends on the type of your job you are referring to, but in most cases you must stick to one-pagers only. Follow resume writing tips accordingly and make sure you are following the proper format.

So, here's the deal. There's a good chance you won't need to read more than the first page.

Unless you have more than 20 years of experience, a single page should suffice. Your resume should be a condensed version of your most current and relevant work experience.

It isn't meant to be a comprehensive account of everything you've ever done in your life.

Here's what you'd include in a resume for a mid-level professional (maximum of one page):

  1. Contact Information Section
  • First name
  • Phone number
  • Email Address
  • Location
  1. 2-3 work experience entries
  2. 1 or 2 education entries
  3. Skills section
  4. Languages section

How to fit a resume on a single page?

Here are some tips on how to turn your resume into a concise one-pager:

  1. Use an online resume builder

Choose a free resume template that is optimized for length and let it handle the rest. You won't have to fiddle with fonts or formatting because the resume maker will fit everything onto one page for you.

  1. Focus on only the relevant information

Yes, it's that time again. It's critical that you read the job description attentively and understand the key talents that your potential employers are looking for. Don't mention your internship as a social media manager if you're applying for a job as a software engineer. Remove "yoga" from your list of hobbies. You don't need to include anything in your resume if the employer isn't seeking for it.

  1. Customize spacing

If you minimize the document margins space, you may always make place for extra entries. For example, instead of the standard 2.5”, you can set the margins to 0.5”. You can also alter the spacing between bullet points and sections.

  1. Use smaller fonts

Although a 12pt font was once the standard for university papers, that doesn't imply you have to use it on your resume. To gain extra space, use a font size of 11 or 11.5 points. However, make sure that everything is viewable without zooming in!

  1. Remove unwanted headers

Your contact information and resume summary or objective can be included without any headers.

  1. Don’t include your high school name

Unless you used to study in very special school or your employer went to the same school, you need not mention the name of your high school.

  1. Exclude repeated bullets

Even if you had the same job responsibilities in more than one job, don’t include the points again and again.

Resume writing should be done professionally with the help of the resume writing experts. Make sure you are choosing the right expert.

About the Author

After the pandemic many people are looking for job and job change. Recruiters however are not showing leniency. But, one advantage is mass hiring is going on. You can format your resume accordingly and impress the employer.

Rate this Article
Leave a Comment
Author Thumbnail
I Agree:
Comment 
Pictures
Author: Cenza White

Cenza White

Member since: Aug 10, 2021
Published articles: 12

Related Articles