A two-page Resumé?
What is the advantage of a two-page Resumé, and why should you consider creating a Two-Page Resumé?
If you are a mid-level professional, there are several good reasons for creating a two-page Resumé. Perhaps the most important of these is that many companies now use an automated applicant tracking system (ATS) to carry out the initial screening of the Resumés they receive (primarily through digital application processes).
These systems are designed to favor Resumés that use and repeat specific keyword phrases. The bots evaluate the placement and frequency of industry-specific keywords in a Resumé and the length of experience in using particular job skills. It's crucial to apply the keywords from the job description to your Resumé, as this repetition significantly increases the chances of your Resumé being noticed.
Expanding your Resumé to two pages will enable you to repeat these essential keywords throughout your professional experience section.
While the repetition of keywords may seem stylistically awkward and redundant, it's a strategic move that can significantly enhance your competitiveness in the job market. This is one of the best ways to ensure that your Resumé stands out among the scanned Resumés that make it to the stage where the human eye of a hiring manager will consider it.
When to Use a Two (or More) Page Resumé
Rest assured, there are situations where it's not only acceptable but also advisable to use a Resumé with multiple pages:
When You Have More Than 10 Years of Experience
If you have ten or more years of relevant experience with multiple employers or a history of promotions and professional achievements, a two-page Resumé is not only acceptable but necessary. This format provides space to describe the accomplishments and contributions that will set you apart from your competition.
When You Are Applying for a Senior-Level Job
When applying for C-level or senior management positions, you are not only allowed but expected to provide a detailed history of your leadership roles and accomplishments in a two—or even three-page Resumé. This format allows you to showcase your extensive experience and qualifications with confidence.
Tips for Writing a Two-Page Resumé
Place your most important qualifications on the first page: Both applicant tracking systems and human hiring managers want to see a candidate's most relevant skills given pride at the beginning of the Resumé. The best way to do this is to use a Resumé summary to provide a brief synopsis of the expertise and professional skills that make you a strong candidate for the job you're applying for.
Incorporate keyword phrases: Use keywords in your Resumé summary, and then rinse and repeat throughout your "Professional Experience" section. Applicant tracking systems calculate the years you've practiced a particular skill, so industry-specific keywords are repeated in each job description.
Showcase quantifiable achievements: One of the primary advantages of using a two-page Resumé is that it gives you space to highlight your career accomplishments. Do this in the "Professional Experience" section by describing your work responsibilities in a brief paragraph and then providing examples of significant contributions in a three- or four-item bulleted list.
Length of page two: Although you don't have to fill the entire second page of your Resumé, you should have enough text to serve at least half of the page (preferably more). If your text is running short, add more relevant information, keywords, and bulleted accomplishments (ideally, quantified with numbers, percentages, or dollar figures). Play with font sizes and margins. However, if these strategies don't work, you should stick with a one-page Resumé.
Include a skills table of "core competencies" or "key skills" in your Resumé summary to highlight your professional and technical skills.
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Article by Eric Palmer
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With nearly ten years of experience connecting top salespeople with the perfect opportunities, I'm driven by the challenge of finding the ideal fit for both companies and candidates. At MySalesRecruiter.co, I leverage my industry knowledge to streamline your hiring process and ensure you attract high-performing talent that aligns with your team's goals. I believe in a personal approach, understanding that each company and candidate is unique, and I strive to find the perfect match for both.
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