How many pages should an ideal resume contain?

An ideal resume typically contains one page, especially for early to mid-career professionals. This length allows candidates to present their qualifications, experience, and skills succinctly while making it easy for employers to review the information quickly. A one-page resume encourages candidates to prioritize the most relevant and impactful details, ensuring they capture the attention of hiring managers who often have limited time to review each application.

For those with extensive experience, such as executives or individuals in academia, a two-page resume may be appropriate to adequately cover their qualifications. However, if a resume extends to three or four pages, it may become overwhelming and less effective, as it often contains unnecessary details that detract from the main points. The key is to keep the resume concise, ensuring clarity and focus on the qualifications that best match the job being applied for.