One page resume or a multi-page resume? What will get you the job? I will share my experience in preparing my resume. Hope it gives you some idea of how to approach yours.
The very first resume I prepared was an export from a local job site. I created a profile filled in a web form with my work experience, education. There was an option to export to an MS Word file.
I used this format for quite some time. Any time I applied for a job I used this version. I did not get shortlisted for many roles. The resume was 9 pages long.
A few years ago, my manager suggested I use a single-page resume. I took his advice and revised my resume to one page.
For an opening in one of the IT companies, I applied with a one-page resume. I did get shortlisted because of my skills rather than it being a one-page resume. I know this because the recruiter requested a resume that has more details. I sent my more detailed resume which was 6 pages long which satisfied the recruiter.
That’s when I realized I needed a resume formatted that catches the recruiter and hiring manager’s attention on the first page. I revised my resume now to start with a page that summarizes my experience and the role I am looking for. The subsequent pages provide details of the roles I have held and finally my education history.
The idea was to ensure the summary gets the recruiter’s attention. My resume is not perfect but I have recruiters complimenting on my format. Some of my junior teammates were happy when I reviewed my resume with them. Hope you too get a perspective to improve your own resume.
Let me share some points.
This way on the very first-page one can assess if your role is suitable.
Let’s get into the details.
Page 1
- Header
The first page has a header with my name, credo, and my contacts (email and mobile).
- Title
The title of the first page has my primary areas of interest.
- Summary
I then follow up with a summary, this is where I have the following details
-
- Overview of my experience
- What my ideal role would be.
- How my experience can add value to the new role I am applying to.
- I also try to describe the complexity of my work and experience and how I have resolved complex issues.
- Apart from the regular scope of work, I also state the knowledge sessions and mentoring I have with the team I work with. Addressing knowledge gaps, the sessions help improve their efficiency have which can make their work easier.
- Self-improvement initiatives, such as new skills or projects are stated.
- I close it off with my articles published on Marketing in Asia.
Page 2
- Core Competencies
These are keywords/buzz words of my competencies to ensure searches will get hits.
- Working Knowledge
Here I list applications or processes I have working knowledge on. These are applications I can use but am not an expert.
- Career Highlights
All the accomplishments that I think are highlights are stated. I also list the complex issues that I champion.
Page 3
- Work experience
This page will list all my workplaces and the roles and responsibility I held in the companies. The start and end dates are also listed. This can take as many pages as needed. Keep to the point so as to make it readable quickly.
Page 5
- Projects Delivered
As I have worked on projects, I list all the projects I have delivered. As these are internal projects, I did not have a dollar value associated. If you have a dollar value include that.
Keep the description concise this is so with just a glance you should be able to have a picture of the work you have completed.
Page 6
- Education, Certifications and Training
Finally, I list my education and the certifications I have held.
If the recruiter has read this far your chances get better.
- Technologies
Finally state the specific applications, tools, and technology I worked on.
Final thoughts:
There are many resume formats that you can find out there, find a simple template.
Ensure fonts are easy to read, that means no fancy fonts.
Keep it clean, no fancy colours. This will allow recruiters to read your resume.
When sending resumes, keep a copy of the version you send in your applications. I do this by naming the resume “Suresh Solomon-Resume-Technical-Architect-Jan2022-Recrutier1.pdf”.
In the event I change the resume I have a copy I can refer to. It also helps you list the number of jobs you have applied for over the years.
If you need some validation, the best will be to apply for a job via a recruiter give them 2 copies of your resume and ask for their feedback. You should usually get some
To validate you can send 2 versions to a recruiter for a role you apply to, and gather input.
I have attached my resume for you to review.
