Resume Length What’s the right Choice
You're ready to update your resume and have a whole bunch of great information to use for it. You've held many positions and want to make sure that you do not leave out a thing. After all, you really want to "show your stuff". Do you use a two or maybe even three page layout so that you can cover everything? It's a debatable question.
Resume "experts" offer many opinions on the subject, but ultimately, it's up to you! I personally believe that long resumes overwhelm the reader at times and although it may include a great list of experience, a long resume can create overkill on the eyes which can cause you to lose your reader altogether.
That's why I prefer to use a one-page "functional" resume. A resume should be used to highlight what you believe to be your top experiences, not tell your life story! If done correctly, it will get the reader's attention and make them want to meet you and that's the idea. You don't want to give them so much that there's nothing to discuss when you get to the interview.
Functional resumes may include the following headings: objective, highlights of qualification, related experience, work history, skills, education and professional affiliations. Be careful to put your entries into the correct category. Do not include items in multiple spaces as it takes up valuable space!
Use the condensed "functional" resume if you're not sure what would be most appropriate. However, there are times when a more extensive "chronological" resume can be helpful or desired. To be prepared for either situation, create both! Have one straight and to the point functional resume and one "full on" chronological resume full of all of the details of your career. You can usually tell by talking to someone if they are looking for the "full on" version. You might even bring the latter to an interview and offer it for the interviewer's "further consideration".
In addition, you can always drop a few extra tidbits in your cover letter. So there you go! Go with your gut. You need to be happy with your decision, so go with what feels right and get the job you want!
