Resume Clutter – What You Should Cut From Your Resume

Did you know your resume could be too long? You may think you need to include all of the information from your background to give an employer a clear picture, but that’s not true. It can be confusing to decide what should and shouldn’t be included on a resume. The most important thing you can do is keep it concise and focused. If your resume is currently longer than two pages, it’s time to edit it down. Here are a few ways to tell if your resume is too long and what you should cut.  

Focus on the Quality of Information 

The most important thing you can do is ensure that your resume is sending the right message. Make descriptions short, informative, and relevantTell the reader why your experience is important and how they would benefit from hiring you. Creating a laundry list of skills you have is no longer enough to attract a hiring manager’s attention.  

How Long is Too Long?  

Universally, one to two pages for a traditional resume is about right. Any longer than that and your reader will begin to tune out. Don’t make it longer just because you think it should be. It’s okay to leave off jobs you had more than 10 years ago if they’re not essential. Include only the most important information so they give you a call to learn more.   

Check the Formatting  

The format will also affect the overall length of your resume. Bullets take up less space than paragraphsAnd you may want to look at the most common types of resumes to determine which is a good fit for your specific experience. They include:  

  • Functional: Focuses on accomplishments  
  • Chronological: Focuses on dates of employment 

Write for the Reader 

Most importantly, you need to write to the person who will read this resume. For example, you may have a lot of specific skills that someone in your industry would understand, but the first person to read your resume may not be an expert. Leave out too much jargon that will keep you from being considered.   

Is your resume too long? Nextaff Temp Agency in Overland Park can talk to you about your goals and help you find your next job. 

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Meet Shane...

Shane’s journey with Nextaff began in 2019, when he established a successful franchise in the Kansas City metro area. His experience as a Nextaff franchise owner provides prospective buyers with a completely transparent view of the Nextaff Franchise Opportunity. Prior to his time at Nextaff, Shane led large sales teams in the Financial Services and Medical Device industries, further developing his expertise in leadership and business management.

Do you play sports?

Basketball! I was fortunate enough to play college basketball all 4 years and in 2013 we won the NCAA DII National Championship.

What do you love most about your current role?

Getting to know prospective franchise buyers. I love hearing about their goals and dreams they want to achieve through entrepreneurship.

What is your favorite color?

Orange! Yes, it is one of Nextaff’s main colors but it was my favorite before coming to Nextaff. In the franchising world, I’m known as “Orange pants guy”.

Meet Cary...

When it comes to operating a staffing firm, Cary has worn every hat.  From recruiting, to sales, to management, to ownership, he has been involved in every aspect of running a successful staffing business.  He has successfully led three separate companies to the Inc. 500 and Inc. 5000 lists, which puts him in an elite class of staffing entrepreneurship.  Combining that experience with a strong passion for entrepreneurs makes Cary an ideal leader for driving the Nextaff vision. 

Describe yourself in three words.

Loyal, Driven, Creative

Is there a mantra or affirmation you live by?

Do what you said you were going to do.

Do you have a celebrity doppelganger?

Back in the day, it was John Cusak.  “I want my two dollars!”