What is the ideal resume length for an ATS?

1 Why resume length matters

The length of your resume can influence how the ATS ranks your application and how the recruiter perceives your suitability for the role. A resume that is too long can be overwhelming, boring, or irrelevant, while a resume that is too short can be incomplete, vague, or unprofessional. The ideal resume length should be concise, clear, and targeted to the specific job you are applying for. It should highlight your most relevant achievements, skills, and experiences without leaving out important details or adding unnecessary fluff.

2 How to determine the ideal resume length

There is no definitive answer to what is the ideal resume length for an ATS, as different systems may have different preferences and limitations. However, a general rule of thumb is to aim for one or two pages, depending on your level of experience and the complexity of the job. If you have less than 10 years of experience, one page should be enough to showcase your skills and accomplishments. If you have more than 10 years of experience, or if you are applying for a senior or specialized position, you may need two pages to demonstrate your value and expertise.

3 How to optimize your resume length

To optimize your resume length for an ATS, you should focus on quality over quantity. Begin by selecting a simple and readable font, such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman, and using a standard font size of 10 or 12 points. Use consistent and clear headings, aligned to the left or center of the page. List your achievements, responsibilities, and skills with bullet points and include keywords and phrases that match the job description and the industry. Quantify your results and impact with numbers, percentages, or metrics. Utilize white space, margins, and line spacing to create a balanced and neat appearance. Avoid using fancy or decorative fonts, too many different sizes or styles of font, long paragraphs or sentences, jargon, acronyms, abbreviations, vague or generic statements, graphics, images, or colors that may not be compatible with the ATS.

4 How to edit your resume length

Once you have created your resume, you need to edit it to ensure that it meets the ideal resume length for the ATS. To do this, review your resume and identify the most important and relevant information for the job you are applying for, then remove any information that is outdated, irrelevant, or redundant. Prioritize your resume sections and place the most important ones at the top of the page. Tailor your resume to the specific job and employer you are targeting by using the job description and company website as guides. Additionally, proofread your resume and check for any spelling, grammar, punctuation or formatting errors that may affect its readability and professionalism; a spell checker, grammar checker or resume review tool can help you catch and correct any mistakes.

5 How to test your resume length

Once you’ve finished editing your resume, you should test it to measure its performance on an ATS. For instance, you can use an online tool, such as Jobscan, Resume Worded, or SkillSyncer, to scan your resume and compare it with the job description. Additionally, a PDF or Word converter can help you ensure that your resume is compatible and consistent with the ATS and the recruiter's preferences. Moreover, enlisting the help of a friend, colleague, or professional resume writer can give you honest and constructive feedback on any errors, gaps, or areas of improvement that you may have missed.