When you are a job seeker, everyone has advice for you on how to write a résumé. Many advice columns, unfortunately, are extremely general and fail to account for the real differences in position requirements. A prime example of this phenomenon is the cliché that “everyone should have a one page résumé.” That generic statement is actually counterproductive for some candidates.
When More Actually is Better
A 2-page résumé demonstrates career progression. You do not need to remove certifications or use an odd format. Here are 3 instances where it is beneficial to use a longer résumé.
- Leadership positions– If you apply for a leadership position (say as a Director of Nursing), Human Resources gatekeepers and decision-makers want to see a track record of leadership. You need to include bullet points that demonstrate where you built teams, reduced costs, or developed programs. A longer résumé shows a record of success that justifies a higher income leadership position.
- Physician/Surgeon jobs– For corporate positions, companies care that a person earned a degree. Academic honors come off the résumé as soon as the candidate gains 3 years of professional experience. The healthcare field is much different than the corporate world.
Physicians need to list board certifications, state licenses, and information about their specialty. Residency, fellowship, education, publications, and career history are also important for physician résumés (or CVs). It takes 2 pages to properly present all of that information for physician jobs.
- Several Employers in Your Past– Résumé writers have different opinions on how many employers an applicant needs to include on his or her résumé. My view is that you should include at least 3 positions and cover up to 20 years of career history. Your résumé is a marketing document; it is not the same as a job application.
When to condense an employment history: If you held several contract positions through a staffing agency, list the name of the agency and your dates of employment with that organization. Do not list each short-term position separately: It will make you look like a job hopper.
One Page Résumés Have Their Place
A one-page résumé makes sense for some candidates. If you have less than 10 years of professional experience, a one-page résumé succinctly highlights your relevant achievements and skills. Likewise, people who hold the same position for a long period of time (ex. someone who works a Medical Assistant at the same practice for 20 years) are well served by a short, to-the-point résumé.
Two pages is not only fine, it is necessary for certain professional and leadership positions. Senior level positions command a higher amount of income and prestige. A two page resume allows you to showcase the credentials and achievements that show you are worth it.
