Length

There are many theories about resume length but despite what you may have read or been told, there are no real rules governing resume length. Different employers look for different things on a candidates resumes. Generally speaking, you usually should limit yourself to a maximum of two pages. However, don’t cut the meat out of your resume simply to make it conform to an arbitrary standard. Conversely, do not feel you have to use two pages if one will do.

Career Summary

A Career Summary can be useful as the first item on a resume, but it should not be lengthy – limited to about four lines. The Summary should emphasize the career growth from the start to the present without much detail of individual jobs. Most employers want to see growth in the individual’s business skills, because they want to hire persons who show the ability to grow with their jobs. Be certain to show in the Career Summary the existence of post graduate degrees and/or business academic degrees that have been earned.

Job Entries

The entries of past/present jobs should concentrate on the career development learning and experiences, along with the basic job functions which should be stated in the broadest possible terms. Each career job entry should be as concise as possible. Highlight the key functions, rather than listing all of them. The last job or two should be elaborated upon the most, with the oldest or early career jobs being described more briefly. Always proof read for spelling and punctuation two or three times slowly.

Grammar and Spelling

Grammar and spelling are highly important. Poor grammar and spelling mistakes will doom a resume to the trash basket.

Miscellaneous Information

In order to keep the resume focused and concise, leave out personal hobbies, family information and other information not related to the career field.