Yes, You Probably Should Have a One Page Resume
Kent R.
"I have always heard that I should keep my resume to one page. How do I convey 20 years of experience without making my resume really cramped or illegible."
I'm a big advocate for one-page resumes. No, they are not always possible or strategic, but I think most people would be surprised at how often they are the best option.
Here are some things to keep in mind when you are considering whether or not a one-page resume is appropriate for you.
If you don't have a lot of experience, a one-page resume in a no brainer. But what about senior level professionals with lots of experience? This is when a one-page resume really becomes powerful. For experienced professionals, a one-page resume is going to differentiate you and will appeal to readers. I know from my work sitting aside hiring teams that it’s a real breath of fresh air when an executive delivers a really concise one-pager. It's a very good look.
Your resume doesn't need to be comprehensive. So, it doesn't really matter if you've got 20 years of experience because it's very likely that your older experience isn't even appropriate for your resume. Remember, your resume should present your most recent and relevant experience. Everything else can be communicated on LinkedIn. The goal is to pique their interest with your resume and allow them to learn more about you via LinkedIn (I recommend including your LinkedIn URL right on your resume).
It is smart to worry about legibility. A cramped, overwhelming resume is a big turn-off for readers. But that doesn't mean you can't deliver a resume that is full. As long as the information you are including in your resume is thoughtfully curated and presented in a very reader-friendly way, readers will appreciate it.
I understand that wanting to create a one-page resume and actually doing it are two different things. If you are struggling to present yourself concisely and effectively, you're not alone. Sometimes you need an outside perspective. If that's the case, get in touch.