Should a resume only be one page?

[modernhippie_]

I sent my advisor my resume, and she expanded it from one page to two. She included detailed information on all my clinical rotations (ive done 900 hours by graduation) and included specific information like how many beds each facility had, etc.

I thought resumes look more professional if they are consise, about one page long. I included clinical experience, total clinical hours, one relative job experience at a dr's office with listed job description, certifications including ACLS and PALS, and one reference who is the MD that I worked for, a first place prize I won for presenting a research study on osteosarcoma and the relative nursing process, and the fact that I am an SNA member. Anything else I should add/take away? Is two pages ok or one?

[caliotter3]

I have 41 years in the field (42 come sept 15th) and still find the 1 page short and sweet is the best approach with the "hook line' "will discuss at length my experience during interview if employer wishes"..Employers have told me that the experience when posted shows professional endurance and the "love of nursing" and that the willingness to discuss that shows openess and pride! One page has worked for me and using the 'hook" phrases makes them very interested for the interview.

How do you format your hook line into the resume itself?

[Double-Helix, BSN, RN]

Honestly I think it matters less now than it did a few years ago. Almost everything is online now, and you're most likely submitting a resume through email or an online application. On the screen, you just scroll through it. It doesn't matter whether your resume is one page or two when it's on the computer. So if you're submitting electronically, don't stress to get it down to one page. If you need the extra space to really sell yourself and highlight your experience, then do it.

[llg, PhD, RN]

It depends on the circumstances.

If you are a new grad with little to say, then 1 page is just fine.

But if you are experienced and/or applying for an advanced position, I would hope you would have more to say than would fit on 1 page. Cutting out important content to keep it that short can be risky. Though sometimes, it's a good idea to have a couple different version -- a 1-pager as an introduction, plus a longer version to submit as a follow-up once you have gotten their attention.

[newtinmpls, BSN, RN]

I can see the advantage to having the whole CV (and I'm not even going to try to spell it) available, including CEUs and articles written and so on. However if you can't summarize to one page - that says something about your writing skills - I know for me it's a major pain to limit anything. I have a big mouth on many levels. So I look at it as a challenge. I can always say MORE..

Dian

[Gold_SJ]

In my experience having a two page resume is fine. I've been offered (with God's grace) every job I've applied for and can't see how it's feasible to outline your skills, job experiences and awards in one.

At the same time I'm from Australia so managers may have different expectations for what is considered an appropriate resume.

I do believe in a concise well thought out cover letter however. I think it speaks volumes on your interest and knowledge of the organisation you're applying to. A specific cover letter I think will win out over a generalised one majority of the time.

Either way best of luck! There's been some really interesting opinions from both sides.

[aea_11]

i heard that even if you submit two pages, most managers and/or HR will only look at the first page--so my advice, but sure to put your best information on the first page!

[Patti_RN]

I agree with Jolie--one page, unless you have a significant, long, complicated and impressive work history. Even then, unless there are many different facets to your skills, one page should suffice. People get bogged down in outlining their accomplishments from high school, the honor society they belonged to in college and that they coached Little League 15 years ago. These may be stepping stones that were important in finding a place in college, then a first job, then a better job, but they have little value to the person reading your resume today.

If, for instance, you're now a CRNA, the person reading your resume knows that you did have critical care/ ICU experience, you do have a BSN, and you did graduate from high school. Don't belabor those points; it doesn't matter to the anesthesia group that you were a member of the National Honor Society back in high school, or that you were the captain of your junior varsity soccer team. So, briefly sketch your educational and employment history but focus your details on your most recent degree, your recent experience, and your recent awards, volunteer work, etc. All this should fit nicely on one page.

If you can't separate the wheat from the chaff on your resume, you appear that either you're living in the past, or that you're full of yourself, or that you're not sure what the job entails and what the manager is looking for.