In an age where employers fly through resumes looking for something that stands out, here is my question - Does a resume have to be one page? If it is two pages will employers throw it away? What if the first page is simply large bullet points that really stand out and the second page is details?

I think it almost gets to a point where you have too many things to fit on a single page. Especially after you have had a few jobs.

Is there a correct length for a resume?

Hi Batman,

I've heard that after beginning a professional career it is acceptable to continue your resume on to two pages. In my experience, it is also acceptable to use addinitonal pages when applying for higher level jobs, such as a VP for a company.

The page with bullets highlighting your work experience is also a good idea, but I would suggest doing so in a professional format. Make sure to have a resume header at the top of the page with all of your contact info. Maybe you could title the section something like "candidate higlights". Resumes are a tricky tool! I always find myself first looking at the "education" sections and then at the headings under work experience. That is normally my first stop when skimming a resume.

Good Luck!

Hi Batman,

I am in HR and it is true that many resumes on their first glance are skimmed to look for the major requirements of the job... education, skills, etc.

I don't have an issue with 2 pages (at most unless it's an executive level position).

I would definately start your resume with a "highlights" or "summary" section (after your name and contact info)that outlines your skills & qualifications for the job. I always read that first.

To keep your resume down, don't feel the need put bascially a bulleted job description under each job you have had. It doesn't need to be inclusive, that is what the interview is for. Just focus on the highlight.
For example:

XYZ Company - 2001-2008
Sales Manager
Reporting to the Vice President of Sales, responsible for all sales activity of XYZ products in North America and a six member sales team. Responsible , pricing, contract negotiations, quotations, Bids, and dispute resolutions.
- Major accomplishment 1
- Major accomplishment 2
- Major accomplishment 3


Hope this helps.

I've done a fair amount of hiring over the years of people from entry level through executives reporting to me, not as a recruiter. I can't speak for others but what I've found in my own job searches and what I can say about my hiring preferences is that whether the resume is one, two or three pages long is less important to me than what it has to say about you. So what am I looking for? Here are my 3 hot-buttons:

1. Current and previous position and its relevance to my needs. What I mean by relevance is what, specifically, measurably, have you accomplished. That gives me a clue as to what you might be able to do for my company.

2. Progressive responsibility. Unless this is your first job, in which case I'm looking for what else you did while in school, I want to see career growth. Demonstrates ambition, drive, maturity.

3. Stability. If you changed jobs every two years, that's a concern because in my field it takes at least six months to a year just to learn what it's all about so I'm not getting the payback in training you in a short time. Don't want an opportunist who will jump at every possibility. Demonstrates dependability, tenacity, motivation.
Hope this helps.

Wow, thanks all of you. I cannot describe how helpful this is. Really, this is great information and it will help me with me resume. Thanks again all.

I have a piece of advice for resume content as well. If you work in areas that deal with sensitive information, do NOT include the sensitive information in your resume.

This may seem like a no-brainer, but this happens too often. Usually it occurs in situations where someone does not believe that the information is sensitive. For example, many people in the Information Technology field will include the names of their previous companies on their resume in addition to all of the software, version numbers, network devices, configuration types, etc... This is very dangerous because many attackers and phishers search job sites to find info about a company that they are going to attack.

So my piece of advice is to respect your other companies and show them that you value their information. I'd recommend in these situations that you should put "Company Confidential" for the company name or do not tell exact software, versions, etc...

I can tell you from personal experience that companies appreciate it!

Hope this helps!