Résumé Length: How Long is Too Long?
Dear Deb,
Q. I had a spirited debate with my colleague last week about résumé length. He thinks a résumé should be only one page no matter what. I, on the other hand, feel that it is okay to have even a 6-page résumé if you have a lengthy career history. Is there a rule about resume length that you adhere to at Careers Done Write? I have read many of your articles online and would be interested in your professional opinion. – TN, California
A. While there is no hard and fast rule of thumb, you should think of a résumé like a skirt: It should be long enough to cover the topic, but short enough to keep things interesting. A high level executive may need extra space to cover important details, where as a junior level candidate will be fine with a 1-page document. Most senior level resumes average 2 pages or 3 at the most. Longer documents are sometimes necessary when including publications and citations.
I don’t know that there is any case where I would recommend a 6-page résumé for the simple reason that a résumé is an introduction. If you were writing a synopsis of a book or an abstract of a research study, you would have to consolidate the information and focus on the most relevant aspects. So it is with a résumé.
You want to tell just enough of the story to pique interest. Additional details can be provided during the interview. If you overwhelm your reader with too much information, he or she is will lose focus quickly and move on to the next candidate.
If you have a question for Debra Wheatman, please email debra@careersdonewrite.com or visit us at http://careersdonewrite.com.