How long should the résumé be?

The answer is a bit of a riddle: Long enough to convince the hiring manager to interview you, and not a word longer.

In the days before online résumé submissions and applicant tracking systems, the one-page résumé myth was born. Today, that myth persists, but surveys and conversations with hiring managers consistently find that a one- OR two-page résumé is appropriate, as long as the information being shared supports the length. Thus, most new college graduates may have a one-page résumé, as they don’t have the depth of experience of a senior executive, who could have a two-page résumé (and perhaps even three).

However, for every “rule” there is an exception. If the information you are including on the résumé will help the hiring manager, it should be on your résumé. Thus, a college student who has worked numerous internships, completed significant classroom projects, held student leadership positions, had relevant work experience, and participated in industry associations could easily have a two-page résumé.

No matter the length of the résumé, the focus should be on highlighting the candidate’s accomplishments, not basic work responsibilities. Use section headers — such as Work Experience, Education, and Awards & Honors — to make information easy to find.

What should be immediately apparent to hiring managers, no matter the résumé length:

• What sets you apart from other candidates
• Your key strengths and accomplishments
• What kind of position you’re targeting

If the résumé passes the initial screening, the additional detail provided on the résumé will help the hiring manager decide whether to schedule an interview.

Michelle A. Riklan, ACRW, CPRW, CEIC
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