The answer is the shortest length that will win an interview.
Resumes that focus on the fewest words presented in an orderly, easy-to-read
manner, win interviews.
People who read resumes search for key pieces of information,
things that motivate them to want to interview. It follows that content and
presentation are key to winning an invitation to interview. Length is a
variable outcome.
Know your audience.
Those who review resumes to fill positions like professor or
research scientist, and certain government positions, etc., often want volumes
of detail and are very willing to read it carefully. They may need detailed
pedigree data like publications, dissertations, presentations or information
that can be used to assist vetting for various levels of secret clearances.
However, those reviewing resumes for people in the majority
of disciplines are not looking for that level of detail. They simply want to quickly
discover information that motivates them to want to interview. They are not
interested in voluminous information and typically budget mere seconds to scan
the many resumes they receive. They don't read, they glance at resumes. In
these situations the emphasis should be on making it possible for the reader to find key information quickly.
One length does not fit all.
When a resume is first read, what the candidate wants is not
important to the reader. What's important is information that responds to the
hiring manager's needs. Excessive length usually means rejection, often without
even reading the resume. If one page will get an interview, fine. The ideal is
probably two. Beyond two one risks rejection unless applying for positions like
those described above that require extensive information.
From a logical perspective, readers may interpret excessive
length as simply an indication that the candidate is unable to express thoughts
crisply and succinctly or is desperate, using a "hard sell" approach
to cover up something.
The takeaway is this: Resume content and how content is
presented always trumps length. Understanding the audience of readers is
necessary for drawing the right balance between content and length.
Visit bit.ly/1TEqj93 and send your resume to kl@hoochresumes.com for a FREE analysis.
