How long does it take for a recruiter to read a resume?

The length of your resume depends on several factors, including your experience, industry, the specific job you're applying for, the size of the applicant pool, and how far along you are in your career. About 90% of applicants' resumes are one to two pages in length. In some cases, a resume of three or more pages is acceptable.

One page is right for you if:

You recently graduated from school: This is for recent high school or college graduates. Since you don't have a lot of work experience to draw from, your resume can include classwork, school projects, volunteer work, and relevant advanced courses or extracurricular activities. It will be difficult to fill more than one page, so it's better to stick to one.

You have less than two years of experience: If you have less than two years of experience and you are applying for a position similar to your current position, keep your resume on one page. Include relevant work experience or certifications and exclude anything that is irrelevant. It's a Career Transition: If you're seeking a new career path that doesn't require previous work experience, keep your resume to one page. For example, if you have been a clerk for 5 years and are now applying for a job as a waiter, your clerical experience will not matter much. In this case, write a solid one-page CV with your service experience.

Consider a two-page resume if: You are (or have been) an outstanding student: If you have many relevant awards, honors, projects, or work experience that cannot be covered by just one pages will fit, then two pages are acceptable. You have more than two years of experience: If you have been working for two years or more, a two-page resume may be appropriate. Seasoned professionals with many years of experience may find it difficult to limit their resume to one page and therefore require two pages.

Three pages are perfect for you if: Your career requires a resume rather than a resume: A resume is always longer than a resume. If you are a researcher, doctor, or professor, or another profession that requires many certifications and licenses, your resume should be three pages or more. As long as you remember to list only the necessary facts, your resume can cater for all of your experience. You are employed or working for the government: Governments tend to be rigid and bureaucratic. Include all information you believe is necessary to meet your requirements. This may require your resume to be three or more pages in length.