how long should a resume be?



Most recruiters would be happy to see a resume of two pages. However, the appropriate length can vary based on your level of experience and the specific requirements of the job you're applying for.

Here are some guidelines:

Entry-Level or Recent Graduates: If you're just starting your career or have limited work experience, a one-page resume is ok. Focus on highlighting relevant skills, education, internships, and any other experiences that demonstrate your qualifications.

Mid-Level Professionals:

For individuals with a few years of work experience, a two-page resume is often acceptable. Include details about your work history, achievements, and skills. Be concise and prioritise information relevant to the job you're applying for.

Experienced Professionals:

Senior-level professionals with extensive experience may have a longer resume, but it's still essential to keep it focused and relevant. Limit it to two pages if possible, emphasising the most recent and significant accomplishments.

Here are some general tips:

Prioritise information:  Place the most important and relevant details near the top of your resume.

Tailor your resume: Customize your resume for each job application by highlighting the skills and experiences most relevant to the specific position.

Be concise: Use clear and concise language. Avoid unnecessary details or overly long paragraphs.

Font size and formatting: Use a readable font and maintain consistent formatting throughout your resume.

Remember that hiring managers often have limited time to review each resume, so keeping it concise and tailored to the job can increase your chances of standing out.

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✅ Resume Advice: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What should I include in my resume?

A strong resume should include:

• Contact details (phone, email, LinkedIn)
• A short professional summary or objective
• Key skills or areas of expertise
• Work experience (with achievements, not just duties)
• Education and qualifications
• Optional: certifications, relevant volunteer work, or awards

2. How long should my resume be?

Ideally, your resume should be:

• 1 page if you're early in your career
• 2 pages if you have 5+ years of relevant experience
  Avoid going over 2 pages unless you're in a technical or academic field.

3. Do I need a cover letter with my resume?

Yes - when possible. A well-written cover letter gives you the chance to:

• Introduce yourself
• Explain why you're interested in the role
• Highlight specific achievements or skills
  Always tailor it to the job and avoid generic templates.

4. Should I tailor my resume for each job application?

Absolutely. Tailoring your resume:

• Increases your chances of passing through ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems)
• Shows employers you’ve read the job ad
• Helps you highlight the most relevant experience

Even small tweaks - like adjusting your skills section or summary - can make a big difference.

5.Should I include all my work history?

Focus on the past 10–15 years of relevant experience. If earlier roles are important, include them in a brief “Earlier Career Summary.”

6. What’s the difference between responsibilities and achievements?

Responsibilities = what you were hired to do
Achievements = what you actually did and accomplished

For example:

• Responsibility: Managed social media channels
• Achievement: Grew Instagram following by 40% in 6 months

Focus on achievements - and quantify them when possible.

7. What skills should I put on my resume?

Include a mix of:

• Technical skills (e.g. Salesforce, Adobe Creative Suite, Excel)
• Soft skills (e.g. communication, leadership, adaptability)
  Tailor them to the job you’re applying for, and back them up with examples in your experience section.

8. Can I use a resume template?

Yes - just make sure it’s clean, professional, and ATS-friendly. Avoid overly designed layouts with columns or graphics if you're applying online.

9. Should I include references?

It’s not necessary to include references on your resume. Instead, you can write:
“References available upon request.”
Have your reference list ready to provide if asked.