Should your resume be just one page long and should you be brief or very detailed with your work history?

Answer 1

You can go to 2 pages if you need to, but keep it concise and limit your work history to the most recent and relevant. Often, employers get so many resumes that they give them a quick once-over to see what jumps out at them (titles, maybe the first bullet point under the title) and move on. Keep the details of your work history action oriented and demonstrate what you did that set you apart from someone else who might've had that job. But you don't need to get tedious. Use "general administrative duties" instead of "photocopying, filing, answering phones, etc."

Whatever you do, do not include info that isn't pertinent to the job to which you are applying (i.e. your hobbies, family status, etc.).

Good luck on your job search!

Answer 2

As a general rule, a resume should be no longer than 1 1/4 pages in length. Why? Because that should be enough space to tell me about your background and want me to call you in for an interview to get more details.

The KEY with a resume is that it doesn't tell the employer everything. It highlights the "major" things and is designed to get them to call you in for an interview. The interview then probes deeper into the resume details.

As for work history, the only thing an employer really needs to know is 3 things:

1) Where did you work?
2) When did you work there?
3) What was your job there?

A functional resume only lists the company names, employment dates, and job titles. What you did on those jobs is mixed in with the section focusing on your skills and experience.

A chronological resume gives some details about your actual functions at each place you worked. Not everything, but quick highlights to say "I did this and I did that."

Which way you go is a personal choice, and really depends on how much experience you have. If you have little or no experience, then the functional resume is the better route to go because it focuses more attention on what you're capable of doing.

If you've got enough experience in the field or that job, then you can use the chronological.

Either way, the work history section should definitely tell me where you worked (only list jobs relevant for the position you want), briefly what you did (job title at the very least), and when you worked there.

If the employer wants to know more, they can ask during an interview!

Answer 3

Your resume needs to be long enough to give all pertinent information about yourself : full name, address, phone, dob, ss#, marital status.
It should contain thorough employment information,
at least three verifiable personal /character references but many employers would rather have five or six,
educational information including any specialized courses,
a list of specialized machines or specific skills which you are prolific in operating.
You will probably have two or possibly three pages not including a cover letter wherein you honestly smooze as to why you would be an asset to the company to which you are applying.
Make sure each page is labeled ie: resume of Your Soulmate page 1, 2.
Don't forget to spell check and sign your cover page.

Answer 4

It's kind of popular nowadays to have a 2 page resume if you have a lot of specific work history to the job you are applying for. If not...the only DETAILED work experience should be the jobs that specifically relate to the job you are applying for.

Answer 5

Keep it as short as possible. Target everything you write in your resume to the position you are seeking.

Here is an article that might help, too.

Answer 6

One or two pages is acceptable. The length is more a function of demonstrating/explaining your career development and achievements. If you require two pages, that is O.K.

Answer 7

it doesn't matter if it's one or two pages. as long as you don't put too many work experiences. Just put the relevent ones or else it may look like you can't keep a job if there's too many.