Resume Question, Advice Please

[jwp_145]

Hello, quick question about a resume that I was hoping someone could give me some advice on...

I have a basic standard resume. I try to keep it clean to the point. My question though, how important is it that you keep it to one page? As it stands right now, with just the most pertinent stuff on it, it is about 1.25 pages long. Should I remove stuff so that it only takes up a single page? How important is that?

I could PM it to someone if they were able to advise me on it.

Thanks in advance.

Joseph

 

[moxiepilot]

All i can say is it depends.

I just finished trying to help another JCer on their resume - I'd be happy to help you too. (Maybe I've found a new business?)

I have come into the same issues, since my accomplishments and cross transferrable skills can exceed 1 page (no more than 2) if need be.

However, with some creative restructuring and a little brevity, you can get it back to 1 page. Remember - the resume and cover letter are to get you the interview, to further explain the details.

Quantify the important stuff, put a few teasers of accomplishments in the body of the cover letter, and fill in the rest on the phone or at the interview

 

[poser765]

I've always "heard" that most employers spend around 15 seconds on a resume. Longer resumes tend to be, not overlooked, but given less attention maybe.

I keep all mine short and to the point. Hit on the important things. No need to list every job you've had since high school, that you were the Senior Patrol Leader of Boy Scout troop 69, or you have a level 60 Night Elf Mage with Epics.

 

[tonyw]

As it stands right now, with just the most pertinent stuff on it, it is about 1.25 pages long. Should I remove stuff so that it only takes up a single page? How important is that?

One page is the standard. I've seen resumes from people with 20 years of work experience that fit into one page, so yours can too.

 

[Niuflyer22]

In my experience a single page is really best. One place to try is careerbuilder.com they offer a free resume review. The suggestions they give are kind of general but it's a good start.

 

[tgrayson]

Should I remove stuff so that it only takes up a single page? How important is that?

I have over 20 years of relevant experience in my field and I have two pages. I keep it that short by only including the last seven years on the resume. I have reviewed many resumes from people with half my experience that have seven pages, which I find absurd. I also find it annoying because the signal to noise ratio is very low.

If your experience level is low and you've only had a few jobs (I've had something like 20), there is simply no justifiable reason to have more than one page. You'll do your reviewer a favor by making it an easy read for him. Make it quality, not quantity.