Rules of Resume Story Length: Perception or Reality?
I am acutely aware of the varying opinions on what constitutes a Branded and High-Impact executive resume. I also appreciate the recommendations by some of my colleagues, that an Exec Resume must be limited to absolute brevity at 2 pages.
I’m of the belief that an executive resume can be 2 or 3 pages (some, even upward to 4 pages!), as long as the first page creates almost a ‘standalone’ snap-off story (not reliant on pages 2-3). With a writer’s/journalist’s training, I understand the design and word-smith strategies to be both content driven and crisp. As long as the executive’s story is written in a glimpseable format with the takeaway highlights and value prop tightly knit and showcased throughout, then the length becomes less relevant.
Often, executive recruiters tell me they LOVE the stories that I tell on behalf of clients – and they crave such content — not to rule the candidate OUT, but to help rule them in [i.e., provide substance behind the results ($$##%%) and nuance behind the leadership strategy that compels them to want to meet that person.]
Posted by Jacqui Barrett-Poindexter, MRW
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6 Responses to “Rules of Resume Story Length: Perception or Reality?”
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Seems like the length of a resume discussion has been around forever.
I just read a post on the CFO Linked In group by a resume writer who said a resume should NEVER be more than one page – no ifs, ands, or buts about it. YIKES! How does an executive with 25+ years of experience ever hope to compete with that kind of restriction.
With the Blackberry and Twitter driving messaging today, I do believe executive 2-page resumes are quite powerful. That said, I rarely create ONLY a resume for my finance executives. Instead, I add an addendum that highlights leadership initiatives fashioned in a way that allows them to attach 1 or more pages to the resume if they choose to do so and if it is appropriate to do so.
You’re spot on too – it’s all about value. When value is clear and compelling, especially above the fold on the first page, length is secondary.
Hi Cindy,
Yep, an ongoing conversation for sure.
I agree that 25+ years’ executive experience + a tight, 1-page resume restriction does not = an adequate opportunity to compete.
As well, I respect the various ways to peel the apple when it comes to parsing out resume content; e.g., your advocacy of a powerful 2-page resume + at-the-ready addendum document makes good sense.
Bottom line, we agree on the ‘value’ aspect – clear, compelling, above the fold on page 1 < this is where the initial grab should be, pulling through to the supportive, substantive stories.
Thanks for stopping by, Cindy! Thoughtful comment.
PS – By the way, I've quality tested one of my 3-page resumes on my 'new' Droid, and the glimpseable impact made even me smile
Jacqui
Impressive about the Droid, Jacqui. Deb has been having battery issues with hers. Wonder if after a week of hard use you’ll see any difference. Have a fabulous time – the warm temps and sunny skies await you!
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