Will a Long Resume Kill My Chances?

Many job seekers are worried about how long their resume should be. Whether a long resume will kill your chances at getting the job truly depends on a few main factors. Chances are it is better to submit a long resume to an employer than it is to turn in one that is too short. Consider how long your resume should be when applying for a new job using the following criteria.

Level Of Experience

A resume that is a page long is perfect for an inexperienced worker. However, using a long resume to apply for an entry-level position can make a candidate appear overqualified. By default, most senior professional workers will have a great amount of experience to place on their resume. By making your resume too short, you could end up downplaying a lot of your professional experience that has the power to grant you an edge over other candidates. A long resume allows senior professionals an opportunity to highlight their vast career experience and shine in print. If you are applying for a high-profile position or one that requires a lot of experience, a long resume is a bonus.

Job Opportunity

Some positions require a longer resume than others. If you are applying for a simple, entry-level role, chances are that you don't need a long resume to snag the job. If a long resume allows you to sell yourself better for the position, then don't hesitate to add more pertinent information. Writing a long resume can also give you the chance to include keywords from the job description.

Remove Additional Pages

If your resume is more than two pages long, it is important to cut it down to improve your chances. Employers typically look at resumes for no more than 30 seconds before determining if someone is a good fit or not, so resumes that are over two pages are less likely to be read by the hiring manager. If you believe that the hiring manager may be impressed by your education and training, feel free to mention your degrees and significant qualifications in the beginning to build an excellent resume. Reread the information in your resume to determine how to condense it without losing anything of value. Remember that an excellent resume must be free of all spelling and grammar errors, and should only contain information relevant to the job for which you are applying.

Take multiple factors into consideration to help you decide how long your resume should be. Remember to put the most important information first to catch the attention of a hiring manager. Some employers are annoyed by a long resume while others will expect them from the best candidates. A general rule is to keep your resume as clean and concise as possible.

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