is it ok for a resume to be 2 pages long?

Question

or is that too much for an employeer to read?

Answer 1

The school of thought that resumes should be one page is basally “old school”. I’ll tell you why. It is not because employers “don’t want to photocopy more then one page”. It is because resumes don’t spend much time on paper.

Here is how the process works in the real life recruitment environment…

1. The candidate applies for the position on-line.
2. The recruiter searches the database. It takes no time to scroll down 2 or 3 pages. (Think about how quickly you cal scroll down this page).
3. The recruiter e-mails the resume to the hiring manager.
4. The hiring manager then reviews the electronic resumes and schedules the interviews.
5. The hiring manager prints (finally) out the resume to prepare for the interview.

As you can see, it isn’t until you get the interview that anyone knows how long your resume is. Think about it, how many resumes do you plan on actually snail mailing? If you do plan on mailing resumes than you are going about your search all wrong.

I would focus on content rather on how many pages that it takes up.

Good Luck and e-mail me at [e-mail] if you have any other questions.

Answer 2

I can tell you from experience, having worked in an office where applications were constantly being submitted, that if you don't catch their eye on page 1, they will not read page 2. In fact, if a lengthy memo came into the office, my boss would hand it to me and tell me to read it and let him know if there was anything he should know.

Each place of employment has one or two key things which are important to it. Learn what they are then design your resume to meet them or convince the employer that if given the chance, you will.

Keep your resume to one page, highlight your good points and mention what you could do for the employer -- that you are dependable, will do what it takes to get the job done, will not quit "with your hammer in the air" (quitting at the stroke of 4:30 or 5:00 when another 5 minutes would finish the job), and that if he gives you a chance, he won't be sorry.

Answer 3

It's hilarious hearing a resume should be "only" one page. It should be as many pages as needed. While you should never pad a resume just so it's "long" with unnecessary dribble, you should also never skimp on your details that make you sellable to a prospective employer. I believe the 'one-page' is a throwback from the 60s and 70s when photocopying wasn't anywhere like it is today so employers frowned on having to do distribute more than one page around. This is obviously not an issue in the slightest anymore.

I can't even imagine a one-page resume unless you just graduated. There's no room for details of any kind and I'm NOT going to interview you to simply find out what you didn't put down. So unless you're applying to be spirtual psychic agency, I suggest you list down each and your skillsets, all your major responsibilities/achievements of past work, and anything else that's relevant. That may take 2-3 pages (norm) or it may take 10 pages. The only rule of thumb is to make sure your full contact info is in the header section of every page in large typeface so it's easy to find.

Answer 4

I was taught that a proper resume had to be 3 or more pages long.

1. A cover letter that reads something like this:
To Whom It May Concern:
I am interested in the job opportunity listed in the Herald Democrat about an Entry Level Office position.
Attached is my resume.
Please Reply As Soon As Possible.
Thank you
John Doe

2. Actual Resume:
Work History, Education, Qualifications & Experiance, Achievements And/Or Awards

3. Three and only three References that are not Kinfolk or previous job supervisors. (people that have known you long enough to know your true character)

On your "actual resume" at the bottom you can put "References, See Attached" or "References, Upon Request" (and donot have the references sheet with it.)

Paperclip, Don't Staple together

2 pages is fine. definitely not to long, even for someone just starting out.
Make it look professional and you could get a professional job
hope this helps and good luck

Answer 5

the cover letter should be 3/4 to 1 page and the resume/experience should be abt 2 pages. however if you are justing starting out, 3/4 and 1 page should do the trick. leave some room of imagination to your potential employers to want to know you more and call you for an appointment

Answer 6

A resume should never be more than 1 page. If you have 2 you have too much stuff on it. Leave off any job that is more than 7 years old, that far back is not really looked at and they would never call (the company is not likely to remember you anyway).

Make the font smaller (not smaller than 8 though or it will be too hard to read)

Answer 7

I am a corporate and consulting recruiter, so i can answer this one for you. It depends on your profession, but most professional positions require you to include as much detail as possible. I review technical resumes that are 8-9 pages long. you need to be detailed and do not miss all functions of all jobs you work.

Take it from a million dollar biller in the Twin Cities market - you need a resume that covers your entire background and don't worry about page length.

Answer 8

I might disagree with Jack. I think it depends on what is on your two page resume. I wouldn't pad it with hobbies, too many references (usually 3 is enough), too long a list of community service, what church you attend, and stuff like that. I'd pretty much stick to the basics: Contact Information, Education, Previous Employment (including address, phone number, supervisor), special skills or training relevant to the job, and 3 or fewer work-related references with contact information. You might even include one or two SIGNIFICANT service projects. If that takes you into two pages, it's okay. In general, though, Jack is correct. Conciseness is next to godliness.

Answer 9

It's best to try to get it all on pne page. YOu would wnt to really accentuate the stronger positions you have had in the past that relate to the job you are trying to get. You don't want to over burden the reader w/ 2 pages, cause they read soooooooo many. Now the only reason i would sy to go ahead w/2 pages is if it is a norm for the particular field you are working in.

Answer 10

thats a but too much, narrow it down to one page if you can. you don't have to put down every job you have ever had and don't put down every little thing you know. Put down the ones that would make the most impact on a potential employers and note your strongest skills. employers skim through resumes looking for key words and skills. when you get an interview you can elaborate a little more on your qualifications.