Why a One-Page Resume Matters in Today’s Job Market

One-page resumes have been there for a while but they are crucial in today’s fast-paced job market. So if you plan to make a resume, always ask yourself

“Will this catch my attention in 6 seconds or less?”

1. Why is a one-page resume essential in today’s world?

In this era of “Information Overload,” the explosion of social platforms over the last two decades and the pandemic have inundated us with an abundance of information. People have become used to instant access and quick information, making them less patient and easily distracted. To catch attention in today’s time, you cannot afford to have a resume longer than one page.

Studies have shown that on average, a recruiter spends no more than 6 seconds reviewing a resume, and if the resume goes through an Applicant Tracking System (ATS), it gets viewed even faster. So, your resume should be designed with quick skimming in mind, keeping the perspective of a recruiter or hiring manager in focus.

KEY benefits of a one-page resume:

• Easy to read: Makes it easier for recruiters to quickly skim through.
• Saves time: You save recruiters’ time by presenting yourself concisely and effectively.
• Forces you to focus: Highlight key information, experiences, and accomplishments.
• Avoids redundancy: Eliminates unnecessary repetition and keeps the content streamlined.
• Enhances readability and clarity: For both the writer and the reader.
• Encourages creativity: It challenges you to showcase your best self in a limited space.

Doing the above helps you save and document lengthy descriptions for the interview.

2. How can you showcase your abilities in a limited word count?

To effectively showcase your abilities on a one-page resume, focus on linking your specific role and its day-to-day Key Result Areas (KRAs) to their impact on the team and the organisation’s larger vision. Craft 2–3 impactful bullet points for each experience. Quantify your contributions, whether it’s in revenue generation, marketing success, product development, operations improvement, or any other domain.

For instance:

• Sales: “Headed a portfolio of strategic accounts billing $486K of annual advertising revenue, ranking 2nd in India.”
• Partnerships: “Executed alliances with brands, celebrities, and liquor companies for Viacom18’s cafes across India.”
• Doctors: “Reduced readmission rates by 25% through the implementation of a new patient education program.”
• Researchers: “Published 5 research articles in high-impact medical journals” or “Secured $100,000 in grant funding for a research project.”
• Lawyers: “Won 80% of cases argued in court” or “Secured $1 million settlement in a complex civil litigation case.”

Remember, focus on what’s most important for the job you’re applying for and trim irrelevant experiences accordingly.

3. How should you customise your one-page resume for specific jobs?

Creating a single-page resume that fits multiple job applications can be challenging. While having a master resume with action verbs, quantifiable bullets, and essential information is crucial, you can showcase your suitability for multiple jobs through the skills section.

Categorise your skills into different sections:

• Technical: SQL, MS Office
• Organisational: Communication, Leadership, Team Management, Project Management
• Analytical: Problem-solving, Decision-making, Strategic thinking
• Certifications: Fundamentals of Digital Marketing — LinkedIn Learning

Using transferable skills, you can demonstrate versatility. For example, a doctor’s achievement in reducing readmission rates could also showcase their ability to manage a hospital effectively, improving patient experience.

4. What to do when you can’t do a one-page resume?

If your resume is exceeding one page, prioritise the most relevant information for the job you’re applying for.

Consider the following:

• If you’re applying for your first internship — Education comes first.
• If you’re applying for a mid-career change — Your current job takes precedence over earlier experiences.
• If you’re applying for a senior position (post 10+ years of experience) — Focus on recent and relevant experiences.

Avoid adding a photo, as it may introduce bias. A summary is essential if you’re making a career transition or returning after a long break, but for others, it wastes valuable space and reading time.

5. How to know what keywords or skills to add to a resume (applicable to a beginner or even a professional)?

ATS picks up on keywords, so including them is vital. Keep yourself updated on industry trends, connect with experts, and review job descriptions similar to your role or industry.

We internally conducted an experiment at BYOB with 50 resumes that showed a remarkable 41.62% increase in response rates for one-page resumes, which is the ideal resume length. It’s clear that keeping it concise and skimmable significantly improves your chances of landing interviews.

So, polish those bullet points, quantify your achievements, and trim the excess fat from it to not slim your chances of getting your dream job.