How long should my resume be?

eris08, BSN, RN · May 14, 2015

I learned in college and from current employer that it is highly recommended for the resume to be one page long with relevant work experience. A CV is different since this tends to be longer. The reason why a resume is short is because employers get a high volume of applicants and do not have time to look at multiple pages. They mostly quickly glance and see the relevant experiences to the job that you are applying to.

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · May 14, 2015

Sheesh - 4 pages? That's more like a CV. Typical new grad resumes are 1 page - 2 pages for experienced staff. Hiring managers are very busy people. They want a brief, well-crafted document that only includes salient information. Not a semester-by-semester summary of all clinical rotations & purple prose about the singular importance of that fast food job.

OTOH, do not underestimate the importance of a compelling cover letter. THIS is the document in which you make your sales pitch that sets you apart from the herd. Be sure to address it to an actual person and include information which indicates you have actually taken the time to investigate the hiring organization. This creates the impression that you want to work in that specific company. Much more memorable than a one-size-fits-all form letter to "whom it may concern".

RN403, BSN, RN · May 14, 2015

I agree, one page. Mine was two pages when I first started applying and didn't start getting call backs until I worked it down to one page. Short and to the point. As another poster said you can sell yourself in your cover letter...or at the interview. Good luck!

turnforthenurse, MSN, NP · May 14, 2015

I was always taught no more than a page, especially for new grads. You can "add" pages if you have more experience/more degrees on board.

dah doh, BSN, RN · May 14, 2015

New grad = 1 page; don't list every clinical experience unless it's pertinent for the unit you are applying to; list awards & certifications; list other jobs briefly to explain 2nd career or show that you can multi-task; don't forget an awesome cover letter that showcases you

Experienced nurse = 1 or more pages is ok

OCNRN63, RN · May 14, 2015

One page. No one cares about your clinical rotations (and they do not count as experience, as one poster claimed). If you happened to get clinical excellence in an area you enjoyed and want to pursue, then you can mention the clinical award.

Agree with the others. If you're a new grad, one page. If you're a nurse with many years of experience, two pages.

WookieeRN, BSN, MSN, RN · May 14, 2015

You can do as many pages as you want, but don't expect an HR manager to read anything after the 1st page. I know I didnt.

pre-nurseshan · May 14, 2015

What about if you did clinical rotations at the hospital you're applying at? And if so, do you only include that specific experience? That seems a little disjointed, but I'll take your word for it if you say that's what's best.

Lev, MSN, RN, NP · May 15, 2015

1-2 pages. Make sure to include clinical experiences with focus on rotation pertinent to job you're applying for. Specific focus on senior practicum/capstone if you had one. First page should contain most info.

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · May 15, 2015

Trust me, as a hiring manager I didn't have time to give resumes more than a cursory glance, but I did read the cover letter. That told me pretty much what I wanted to know about the candidate, and if it didn't grab my attention in the first paragraph, I never bothered with the rest and the materials went in the "No" file in my desk drawer for six months, later to be put through the shredder. I'm sorry to be so blunt about it, but that's real life. Make your cover letter compelling and your resume brief, and you'll probably get an interview at the very least. Then you get a chance to really sell yourself and show the employer what you have to offer.

_zoubisoubisou_ · May 15, 2015

okay, thank you all for the info. I didn't think I needed such a long resume, but good to ask.