Should I use both the front and the back of a piece of paper for my resume - or just the front? (resume)

EXPERT ANSWER

Oct 17, 2018 - 02:44 PM

When preparing your resume, you will likely be submitting the document in digital format, so the “back of a piece of paper” will not be relevant. If you do submit your resume on paper, opt for two separate sheets of paper instead of using the back of the first sheet. That is if your resume must extend to two pages.

These days, most recruiters and hiring managers will not expect a hard copy resume—which is a resume on actual paper—to have a back page. The other big issue with using two sides of a piece of paper is that when you print on two sides, sometimes the print comes through on the other side. Should that happen, it makes the content much more difficult to read. This will hamper the quality of your resume content, which is something you definitely don’t want to have happen. It will also make you look unprofessional.

If you must submit a two-page, hard copy resume, make sure your name and contact information appear at the top of both the first and second pages. If the pages become separated for some reason, it will be easy for the reader to connect the two pages and know that the second page belongs to you.

A word on resume length: If you’re a recent graduate, your resume should be a single page. If you have 5-10 years of work experience, your resume can extend to two pages. Only those applying for highly senior or VP-level roles should consider a resume that extends to three pages.

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GiveRecruiter

Aug 22, 2018 - 04:47 AM

Your resume is a personal marketing document, so it's vital to perfect every aspect of the page. As your setting your skills, accomplishments, work history, and education on the page, keep your format in mind. You might wonder how long the document should be. If the information extends beyond a single page, should you use the front and back of the paper or just the front?

The short answer is that it's best to stick to a single page of information. Hiring managers spend about six seconds per resume, so information on the second page may never get a glance. The most important aim of the document is to get an interview. If you can do that in the space of one page, stick to that content. If you must take up more than a single page, use the front of two separate pages and take up at least a third of the second page.

Rather than simply cutting chunks out of the document, review expert resources and articles such as this one and this one for the most effective ways to refine your content. Remember that the length of the document isn't as important as the content. Don't skimp on details. Clearly list your most impressive skills and achievements. Keep that information accurate and describe in terms of numbers and statistics.

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