The 1,000-Word Rule for Crafting an Impactful Résumé

There's a simple guideline to use to know if your résumé is too wordy.

➡ 1,000 words or fewer. That's it. I usually try to stay around 850.

If the résumé is too wordy, the great stuff gets lost.

If there isn't enough white space or the font is too small, it's too hard to read.

Recruiters don't want to know everything you've ever done, they want to know the best of what you've done, the scope and scale, how you achieve goals, and what you bring to the table for the role *they* are hiring.

If you need to reduce your résumé length, here are some ideas. (You can also book our résumé review and we will happily cut it for you, link in comments.)

✔ Remove ‘the,’ ‘an,’ ‘a,’ etc., unless you need it to understand the phrase.

✔ Remove the phrases ‘for the organization’ and ‘for the company’  - not needed.

✔ Remove extra phrases in the same sentence. Change “Built a from b to c to d for e” to “Built a from b to c. Impact = d.” It’s good to show impact, but break up the phrases.

✔ Remove helping verbs, ie change “Supported the growth of” to “Grew…” or "Assisted in the development of" to "Developed." (If you're bad at taking credit, take particular heed of this one.)

✔ Change ‘responsible for’ to ‘led, managed, directed, spearheaded, etc.’

✔Stop using 2 verbs. “Created and developed” “Launched and implemented” “Designed and drove” etc. (Sometimes is fine! Just not always needed. If you have 3 verbs, definitely remove 1.)

✔Stop naming departments, ie ‘collaborate with Marketing, Sales, Business Development, HR, Finance, and Legal” takes up valuable space and it isn’t about you. Use “collaborate cross-functionally” or “collaborate across organization” or just “collaborate to [meet X goal]. 
         
Streamlining your résumé will ensure that recruiters read what you want them to read - and if you fill your résumé with highlights germane to what you're applying for, you are much more likely to secure an interview.

🎯 Need help with your job search? I’d love to talk with you. I’ve been an Executive Résumé Writer for 7 years and I know what works. Here’s how to get more info:

➡️ Executives and mid-career leaders seeking an executive role, who want a full 100% done-for-you résumé and LinkedIn profile, book a call with me here to talk about my executive packages.

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Curious and want to learn more but not ready to book? Follow or connect with me on LinkedIn and message me with questions.

I’m here to help.

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