How long should resumes be? The Emotional Struggles of Crafting a Concise Resume

Throughout my time working with students and clients on building resumes, there was always a point of struggle in building the resume when I said something to the effect of “the resume needs to be 1-2 pages.” Very honestly, most argued with me and some never came back because it was too hard to hear. 

It makes sense. I have done this work now for over 15 years and when I have to choose what goes on the resume for a job, it is tough. I am proud of what I have done, so much of it is very relevant and it feels hard to hit the delete button. It’s hard, but it’s necessary. The way I would frame it for the person (if they stayed or came back 🙂) is that you are doing it for the potential employer. It’s a “help them help you” situation. They want to interview you. They want you to be the right person to solve their problems. They want to get this task off their list and fill this role. So, help them by showing them enough of what they need to see in order to bring you in for the interview. 

Imagine a person sitting with a stack of 300 resumes, all 6 pages long. (there are industries like higher education and government roles where the longer the better, but those are specific situations which we can cover in another post). Visualize that person (or maybe at one time you were that person) staring at that pile and thinking, how am I ever going to get through this? How can you help them get through it? By making your resume succinct and relevant- showing them exactly why you are qualified for the role in 1-2 pages. 

I think as job seekers we all can understand this, so why is it so hard to trim down the content of our resume? Why do we resist?

Over time I have realized there are three pretty common reasons that hold people back from crafting a tailored, relevant and concise resume.

Fear of Omission

The fear of omitting crucial details can be paralyzing for job seekers. We worry that a shorter resume might not do justice to our qualifications, leading us to want to include every bit of experience we’ve ever had. The result? An overwhelming, information-packed document that's likely to be overlooked because it makes the hiring manager or recruiter responsible for finding the necessary information. 

How to Overcome the Fear of Omission:

• Trust the interview process: Remember that a resume is just the first step. Interviews provide an opportunity to discuss your background in more detail. 
• Prioritize relevancy: Tailor your resume to match the specific job you're applying for. Include experiences and skills directly related to the position, no more, no less.
• Consider the job description: Focus on what the employer is looking for through the language they use in the description. Highlight the qualifications, keywords and qualifications that match their requirements.

Attachment to Achievements

We put a lot of effort into our achievements, and it's only natural to become emotionally attached to them. Over time we might come to see our accomplishments as part of our professional identity. This can lead to the inclusion of an exhaustive list of achievements on the resume because it is hard to separate the two once we believe they are one in the same. 

How to Deal with Attachment to Achievements:

• Select relevant achievements: Choose the accomplishments that align most closely with the job you're pursuing.
• Focus on the outcomes and emphasize the impact of your achievements. Quantify results where possible to demonstrate their significance.
• Keep a master list: Create a master list of all your achievements. When crafting a resume, select the most relevant ones from this list.

Perceived Self-Worth

We as candidates can begin to associate the length of the resume as a way to demonstrate self-worth. As we add to our list of accomplishments and experiences we start to believe that a longer resume makes us appear more valuable and accomplished. 

How to Shift the Focus from Length to Value:

• Highlight the most valuable and relevant skills: Showcase your most valuable skills and experiences that directly contribute to the position you're seeking.
• Quality over quantity: Employers value concise and well-organized resumes that quickly convey your qualifications in a way that is easy for them to see, quickly. 
• Let your accomplishments speak for you: Rather than relying on length, let the substance and impact of your achievements demonstrate your value as a candidate.

In the quest for an effective resume, it's important to recognize and address the emotional challenges that can come with crafting a concise and relevant document. By overcoming the fear of omission, dealing with attachment to achievements, and shifting focus from length to value, it is possible to create a resume that will be read and put in the “yes” pile. The more we embrace the benefits of a shorter, more focused resume, the better our outcomes. Always remember a resume is the introduction to the company, the decision maker and the role, so clarity and relevance are key.