The Truth About Resume Length & What Recruiters REALLY Want to See
The "One-Page Rule" Is Dead - Here's What Matters Now
Gone are the days when job seekers had to cram their entire career history onto a single page. As someone who works in this industry, I can tell you with confidence: that there is no universal "right" length for a resume. What matters far more is how readable and skimmable your resume is.
The 6-Second Reality Check
Here's a sobering truth about the job search process: recruiters spend an average of just six seconds scanning each resume. Yes, you read that right—six seconds! With hundreds or even thousands of applications to review, recruiters simply can't read every word. Instead, they're quickly scanning for specific qualifications and experience that match their requirements.
Why "Less Is More" Actually Means "Clean and Clear"
At Work It DAILY, we see so many job seekers make the same mistake: trying to fit everything by using tiny fonts, minimal margins, and cramming every inch of the page with text, bold formatting, and fancy graphics. But here's the thing: this actually makes your resume less likely to get read, not more impressive.
The Secret to a "Skimmable" Resume
Your resume should be as dry as toast (in a good way!). Think of it as a marketing teaser—you want to include just enough information to get those mental checkmarks from recruiters and make them want to learn more. This means:
Clean, standard formatting
Appropriate font size (no squinting required)
Plenty of white space
Clear, concise bullet points
Length vs. Readability: The Real Battle
Whether your resume ends up being one, two, or even three pages doesn't matter nearly as much as how easily it can be digested. A well-formatted three-page resume can be more effective than a cramped one-pager. The key is making every word count and ensuring the layout guides the reader's eye to the most important information.
The Proof Is in the Numbers
When we surveyed recruiters and showed them our recommended resume format compared to typical resumes they receive, the results were striking: 74% preferred our clean, readable format. Why? Because they could quickly find the information they needed without struggling through dense paragraphs or confusing layouts.
Ready to Transform Your Resume?
If you're feeling overwhelmed about getting your resume just right, I've got great news. Work It DAILY offers a free Resume and LinkedIn Bootcamp that will teach you exactly how to create a resume recruiters love. In just 30 minutes, you'll learn how to transform your resume from "meh" to "wow" using our proven techniques.
Remember, your resume is often your first impression on a potential employer. Don't let poor formatting stand between you and your dream job. Take the first step toward a stronger resume by downloading our free Resume and LinkedIn Bootcamp today. Your future self will thank you!
You’ve got this!
Cassidy O’Donnell
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