Your Resume Isn’t About Page Count—It’s About Impact
Anne Stamer, Senior College Counselor
For years, job seekers have been told that a one-page resume is the gold standard. While brevity has its merits, the landscape of job applications and expectations has evolved, especially for recent graduates.
The Traditional One-Page Resume has long been favored for its conciseness and ease of reading. It's particularly beneficial for those with limited work experience, such as recent graduates who are stepping into the job market. A single page can succinctly highlight education, a few internships, and relevant skills without overwhelming the recruiter.
However, it is not the size or length of your resume that you should be focusing on, but the content AND the number of words.
The Reality of Resume Screening:
Recruiters spend 7-30 seconds looking at a resume and look at between 100-200 resumes a day. A resume that isn't scannable by the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) and the recruiter reduces your chances of getting an interview.
Remember, your resume is about them, the recruiter, not you. It should be tailored to what the recruiter is looking for by aligning with the job description, using relevant keywords, and ensuring clarity and readability. The goal is to make their job easier by presenting your qualifications in a way that quickly demonstrates your value.
What is an ATS and How is it Used?
ATS, otherwise known as the Applicant Tracking System, is a software application designed to help employers manage the recruitment and hiring process efficiently.
98% of Fortune 500 companies use ATS.
70% of large companies (typically those with more than 500 employees) use ATS.
20% of small and mid-sized businesses (up to 100 employees) use ATS.
75% of recruiters use ATS or other tech-driven recruiting tools.
What are the Key Functions of ATS?
Resume Screening: ATS systems automatically screen resumes submitted for job applications. They search for specific keywords, skills, and qualifications that match the job description.
Organizing Applications: ATS organizes and stores applicant data, making it easy for recruiters to manage large volumes of applications.
Candidate Tracking: The system tracks candidates through various stages of the hiring process, from initial application to final hiring decision.
Why do Employers use ATS?
Efficiency: ATS streamlines the hiring process, allowing recruiters to manage large volumes of applications more efficiently.
Consistency: Automated screening ensures that all applications are evaluated consistently based on predefined criteria.
Better Matching: By identifying the most relevant candidates, ATS helps employers find the best match for the job.
Page Size Is Irrelevant:
If you are applying for a job online, you should focus on your content, readability, and ATS optimization rather than page length. Recruiters and hiring managers are more interested in how well your resume matches the job description than whether it fits on one page. Instead of obsessing over length, concentrate on:
Relevance: Ensure your resume includes only job-related experiences, skills, and achievements.
Keyword Optimization: Use terms that align with the job description to improve ATS compatibility.
Readability: Use clear formatting, bullet points, and concise descriptions to make your resume easy to scan.
Impact: Highlight measurable results and accomplishments rather than listing responsibilities.
Additional Considerations for Recent Graduates:
As a recent graduate, you may need more space to showcase experiences that add value to your application. A longer resume can be beneficial when it effectively highlights the following:
Extensive Internships and Work Experience: If you have had multiple internships, part-time jobs, or co-op experiences that are relevant to your field, be sure to dedicate enough space to showcase your skills and achievements in each role. The more relevant experience you demonstrate, the stronger your resume will be.
Significant Projects or Research: Academic projects, senior theses, capstone projects, or published research can demonstrate expertise in your field. If these experiences are relevant to the job, a second page allows you to provide important details that prove your qualifications.
Extracurricular Involvement and Leadership Roles: Employers value leadership, initiative, and teamwork. If you've held leadership positions in student organizations, volunteered in meaningful roles, or participated in industry-related activities, showcasing these experiences can make you a more competitive candidate.
Certifications and Technical Skills: If your industry requires specific technical skills, certifications, or software proficiency, ensure these are listed and easy to find on your resume. A longer resume can accommodate additional certifications and skills that increase your value.
Awards and Honors: Recognition for academic excellence, leadership, or contributions to your field can strengthen your resume. A dedicated section for awards and honors can add credibility to your accomplishments.
How a Career Coach Can Help with your Career Planning
A career coach can be instrumental in helping you navigate the quickly changing job market and achieve your professional goals. College Flight Path is excited to let you know that we have launched our career coaching services to support you.
Our career coaching can help with:
Resume and cover letter optimization for Applicant Tracking System (ATS)
Job search strategies
URL customization
Strong Interest Inventory and career debrief
Interview preparation and confidence-building
Presentation preparation
Career goal setting and professional development
Salary negotiation and career advancement strategies
Ready to begin, fill out our contact form to get started.
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Article References
Nath, B. (2024, December 30). Key Applicant Tracking System STATS YOU NEED to know [2025 updated]. Geekflare. https://geekflare.com/guide/ats-stats/
Bajaj, A. (2022a, September 16). How many companies use an ATS [industry market share in 2024]. Gohire. https://gohire.io/blog/how-many-companies-use-applicant-tracking
Johnivan, J. R. (2024, December 16). Applicant Tracking System Statistics (updated for 2025) - SSR. RSS. https://www.selectsoftwarereviews.com/blog/applicant-tracking-system-statistics
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