Question- there seems to be conflicting information. I always believed that a resume was 1 page. I had my resume reviewed by a recruiter and she told me to have 2-3 pages. I'm in an executive HR level position but my HR experience is exclusive to 1 company with promotions. My previous employer also had several promotions. I have over a decade of experience between 2 employers. The guidance was instead of listing responsibilities as bullets summarize the role and list accomplishments.

Question

Question- there seems to be conflicting information. I always believed that a resume was 1 page. I had my resume reviewed by a recruiter and she told me to have 2-3 pages. I'm in an executive HR level position but my HR experience is exclusive to 1 company with promotions. My previous employer also had several promotions. I have over a decade of experience between 2 employers.  The guidance was instead of listing responsibilities as bullets summarize the role and list accomplishments.

Sabrina Knez · Accepted Answer

With extensive experience like what you've explained, you have 'earned' a 2 page resume. 
You want to try and avoid a 3rd page, and there are considerations to be aware of when it comes to including old positions and how much detail you need/should provide.  
Let me know if you need some assistance. Happy to connect!!

VP HR 1 · Answer

You are absolutely right.  It is confusing.  You could have four different recruiters review it and you may get four different perspectives and opinions on it because you’re dealing with humans.
Some recruiters like paragraphs, some recruiters like bullet points some recruiters want to see a lot of numbers and ROI bullets and then others will tell you to have several different versions of your resume focused on different areas of interest.  The latest advice recruiters are giving as you need to modify your résumé for every position you apply for to make it stand out and correlate to the position you’re applying for.
So what are advised to follow ?  I would suggest you make sure that it’s easy to follow, its grammatically, correct and that it gives the reader an understanding of your experience.
And then I would say Network, Network and Network some more.

Luke Osborne · Answer

I think it depends on the avenue in which the resume is being reviewed. Most "people" don't want to read a book to learn about who you are. However, if it is being reviewed by a machine... Then you better put every word in the dictionary on there. Machines look for key words, as do humans. However, with humans we don't want to sort through the BS to find those key words. We want quick, easy, and "wavetop" summaries that helps us to quickly identify candidates. So yes and no. Just know who your target audience is first. Have two versions of your resume for each scenario. I hope this helps.

Vice President 1 · Answer

The one page resume is dead. But so is a 3 pager.  I was in executive search, recruiting and HR and a guideline a mentor told me was 0-10 years: 1 page. 10+ years = 2 pages. 2+ pages, only read if you’re really into this person and there is a cultural norm/reason (industry) where longer resumes are accepted.    Also: definitely must on the combo responsibility and accomplishments. “Responsible for XYZ and implementing 123.  Achieved abc reduction in turnover.”

Consultant 1 · Answer

My resume has been 2 pages for a long time. 
My CV is about 6 pages.  Once you have more than 5-7 years of experience and have career movement, you should start having a longer resume.

HR Executive 1 · Answer

There is no one right answer. Your resume should reflect your experience and accomplishments, but it need not include every single example - save some stuff for the in person discussion.

HR Manager 1 · Answer

If it helps, I have never seen a one page resume for an executive level person

Recruiter 1 · Answer

Based on what you’ve said, think two pages. And when looking at any resume, I look for metrics / impact statements. Positive changes the leader brought to the role.

Love hearing you were promoted. Definitely something you should consider pointing out in the doc.

Senior Sales Recruiter 1 · Answer

You should have a 2 page resume to adequately describe your work, accomplishments and contributions.  After 8+ years you should have more than 1 page  - the one page resume is a pretty outdated idea.

Thermo Fisher Scientific 1 · Answer

Recruiter here. You're right, recruiters have different ideas, but over 1 page is okay, if you are getting more than 3 weed it out, we aren't reading it, we don't have time. List your most relevant roles and tasks and focus on aligning your resume with the job description. A quick introduction at the top with years experience and major skills directly related to role won't hurt. Highlight metrics, we want to see numbers

Recruiting Coordinator 1 · Answer

I had someone submit a 7 page resume. I was always under the impression that 1 page was essential.

Human Resources Vice President 1 · Answer

I have 2. The CV Book full of my greatest hits and accomplishments and The CV one pager. When working with a placement recruiter, I have always sent over both. Every hiring manager is different with their preference.

PS..... former recruiter here. I only looked at the first 3 - 5 bullets under each job. Trend is that is what you are most proud of as accomplishments/contributions

Good Luck!

KPMG 1 · Answer

Recruiter with 20 years experience hiring from the top to the bottom in Global Organizations -    My recommendation:  With your robust background, 2 page minimum but no more than 3 pages.  You might have publications to include, education(bachelors, masters or MBA) certifications(SPHR), etc… that in itself can take up a half a page.  You are in HR and I am sure you have hired people.  Would you actually evaluate the quality of a candidate by how many pages their resume is ?

HR Business Partner 1 · Answer

1-2 pages. With more experience you are probability going to have a 2 page resume. I’ve seen many many resumes and 2 pages is super common and normal. If you have great relevant experience no one cares whether your resume is 1 or 2 pages.

Human Resources Administrator 1 · Answer

Fun Fact: the 1 page resume was started when faxing a resume was necessary and and if it was more than 1 page, your information might get separated or lost in the shuffle. That's why you always wanted everything in one page. The 1-page resume is dead and no longer a necessity. If you have the experience to show off on more than one page, go for it.

Talent Acquisition Partner 1 · Answer

Yes I would take the advice. Always put relevant experience and critique the experience to match the job description. 2-3 pages is ok as long as it’s relevant.

Human Resources 1 · Answer

If you have a lot of experience then 2 pages is fine, especially if the job description includes job duties that are covered by two or more roles that you have had in the past. Also if you had a lot of promotions but the roles were similar, you can group them and just list the from/to dates for each title. That should save you some space. For the bullet points, pick 5-7 of the most important job duties from the description and list 5-7 of the job duties from your experience that most closely match the description. For less related/older roles you could go with 3-4 bullet points or omit them altogether, if really unrelated. Overall it should fit within 2 pages. Consider playing around with the margins and line spacing options a bit as well if just a few sentences are still spilling over into to a 3rd page.

Cnc foundations 1 · Answer

I agree with you. I still like the one page resume. I dislike getting 3 and 4 page resumes. I like a snapshot of your skills and work experience. The interview is to talk through anything else.

HR Business Partner 2 · Answer

Well, if you’re updating your resume sounds like you might be looking for a job. Robyn Story on LinkedIn works with executive resumes. Check her out.

Human Resources Specialist (recruitment) 1 · Answer

In the Federal Govt, most resumes are 3-10 pages. This is normal for the Federal Govt.  Mine is about 6 pages.

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