Is your resume too short?

Business guru and one of my favorite bloggers, Guy Kawasaki tells us Everything You Wanted to Know About Getting a Job in Silicon Valley But Didn’t Know Who to Ask.  His advice includes some tidbits you probably already employ like showing up early for the interview, demonstrating passion when speaking about the job and company, and researching the competition.  He also offers some less obvious advice like preparing a strong and memorable answer to the standard ice-breaker “How are you?” and utilizing the first interviewer to better prepare yourself for the rest of the interview day. 

I mostly agree with Guy’s advice except for his recommendation that your resume should only be one page long, regardless of your experience or expertise.  “If you can’t … pitch yourself in one page, your idea is stupid and you suck, respectively,” writes Guy.  Whoa, harsh.  And wrong.

The one-page resume is not the golden rule anymore.   It’s not nearly as hard to scroll down in Word as it was to flip to the next page, I guess. :)   A two or three page resume is fine these days; in fact, if you compress your experience to one page for the sake of keeping folks like Guy happy, you may not effectively market your skills to the majority of your audience.

Utilize that 2nd or 3rd page if you need, but keep the juiciest information on the first page … even the top 2/3 of the page to ensure a quick glance in Word gets your point across.  Depending on your industry and your specific background, the information you choose to include on the 1st page can vary.  Think about what you want potential employers to know most about you.  Is it your most recent employer or work experience?  What about education?  Maybe it’s a list of skills or accomplishments?  Highlight that information first, and then use the next couple pages to clearly and concisely cover your other key accomplishments.

But remember:  concise is the key.  Use only the space you need, and don't go overboard. :)  Even the most experienced executives don't need more than 2-3 pages. 

Posted by Gretchen Ledgard

Comments

[Louise Fletcher]

I completely agree Gretchen. I detest this one-page advice. It's fine for some people but most people need 2 pages and it's nuts to try and force everything into a too small space.

[Canada Goose]

Prefer Canada Goose Jackets in Canada Goose Jacket online store, more experience for winter life ! With winter coming, the Goose Down Jacket Canada and Women Canada Goose Chiliwack Parka BLACK with authentic quality will be the best choice for you.
Winter coming, everyone is starting to shop around for a warm winter coat. But the big question is: which one will keep you the warmest without making you look like an abominable snowman? Today´s article highlights for you two coats that meet these important criteria: Canada Goose Men's Yorkville Bomber and Canada Goose Outlet Trillium by Canadian Goose.
From Canada Goose Sale, Canada Goose Parka inspired by the label´s iconic Canada Goose Women Expedition design. It´s fitted with plenty of internal and external pockets as well as a versatile removable down filled hood, secure Velcro collar and storm flap protection over the front zipper. The cut is a bit slimmer than we´re used to seeing on vests and outerwear pieces alike, which definitely works in your favor when traveling from work to play and vice versa.

[Cat Boots]

CAT Footwear is the world's leading footwear companies in the rankings. They are an experienced, when it comes to make Cat Shoes and Cat Boots, they are proud of the Caterpillar brand owners and their mission is to provide the market with the latest developments in the shoe department of a comfortable, durable shoes. Their area of expertise in their shoes, Caterpillar Boots with special features is just to make sure every footwear will be comfortable to wear as the first priority. Some models have steel toes, and some do not, they have given, to some extent, the inner surface can easily be removed, put back some of the special archs orthopedic support, not slippery. Surprising to know that these features bootshave to prevent electric shock, and thermal insulation of the action.

There are Ladies Caterpillar Boots, while other prominent women's shoes, Caterpillar will be moving within the raised floor, allowed the wearer to replace the floor the other Mens Cat Boots. Orthotics are custom. These boots will provide comfort and protection, women were not the case. Whether you want to put your shoes when working or when you are climbing, this is the best choice, you can. Women's Caterpillar Shoes in different designs, and provide price will vary depending on your choice. ...