With global unemployment rates at their highest levels in decades, I thought this might be an appropriate time to revisit the topic of resumes. I am frequently asked for advice on how to improve a resume. Without a doubt, the most common question I receive is: Should I limit my resume to one page?

I understand why job seekers eagerly pose this question. Ask any recruiter, human resources professional, or hiring manager, and you’ll likely get different answers from each. In fact, Karen wrote a post last year discussing her thoughts on resumes for entry-level job seekers. She follows the rule of thumb that resumes should be kept to one page until you reach about five years of experience, at which point the resume can expand.

I think the answer to this age-old question depends. Variables such as the candidate’s breadth of experience, their level ( entry level or more senior?), and the employer’s application requirements should dictate how much detail should be included. Now, would I ever recommend a junior-level candidate send out a resume that is five pages in length? No. However, I do think there are some “entry-level” candidates who can break the one-page rule. Many college students complete a number of internships before landing their first “real job,” and if that is relevant experience, it should be included. Everything on a resume should add value, and candidates should be wary of repetition. If a candidate follows that rule, the meaningful content will dictate the appropriate length of the resume. It’s a judgment call, but if an applicant has done research on a potential employer and examined the job description, it should be pretty evident what information is vital to include.

Here is a great post from the Fistful of Talent blog that discusses the topic of one-page resumes and offers the opinions of a number of talented human resources professionals. Below, I have included a short video that the Fistful of Talent blog contributors put together on this topic. Enjoy!

-By Guest Blogger Andrea of Fleishman-Hillard Human Resources