When it comes to resume writing, there are plenty of myths out there. One of them is that you resume has to always be one page. Otherwise, it will impact your ability to land an interview.
While this might be true in some cases – like if you’re an entry-level worker without any experience – in many cases, it’s perfectly reasonable to submit a resume that’s two pages. For instance, if you’ve been on the job or in a certain field for five years or more, you’ve accomplished a lot and have many skills and achievements to highlight. Just make sure whatever you’re including on when writing your resume is most relevant to the position you’re applying to.
Likewise, when you have a lot of experience, there are other important assets to highlight. These can include certain credentials, as well as online or continuing education. In addition, if you’re an active volunteer in your community, this will showcase your character and make you a more memorable candidate, as a result. Oftentimes, these details, along with your work experience and education, simply won’t fit on a single page.
However, all that said, your resume still needs to be as concise and clear as possible. So if you have job titles that aren’t relevant or duties that don’t make sense to include, cut them out. Remember, a hiring manager only takes a few seconds to scan every resume they receive. Yours needs to quickly convey your strengths as a candidate.
Another important consideration in resume writing is including enough white space and formatting it properly. This includes with bullet points and bold-faced fonts. These will often take up more space. But it’s better to have a well-formatted, well-organized and easy-to-read resume that goes to two pages than one that’s cramped and tight on one page.
In addition, if your resume is two pages, don’t worry about having to fill up that second page completely. While it shouldn’t only have one or two lines on it, it’s acceptable if only half the page has content. At the end of the day, you should be focused mostly on telling a compelling a story that highlights your most relevant strengths.
Have more questions about creating a powerful resume?
Contact ResumeSpice. As resume writing experts, we know how to set yours apart, so you get noticed by hiring managers and called for an interview. Find out more by reaching out to our team at 832.930.7378 or by contacting us online.
