resume and cover letter stuff

[LoveTrains]

I am working on updating my resume and crafting a cover letter for a job opportunity. It is a role where I think I have very transferable skills and its not necessarily a big leap for me, but one that isn't exactly 100% in my current field. 

Is a two page resume OK? I have been out of college for 10 years.

How about a cover letter? Is a two page cover letter OK or does it need to be one page?

I haven't had a new job in five years so I'm out of the game!

[raangoli]

I keep my cover letter as short and to the point as possible. With a two page resume, I'd use the cover letter as a chance to hit on the things you really want the recruiter/manager to really take away about who you are and what you'd bring to their company.

[msmerymac]

Following AskAManger's advice, I wrote a kick-ass and targeted cover letter for my last application. And then realized it was way too long, which was also the advice I got from friends, lol. So I cut it down a lot, but I really needed the push to edit myself. I was all, "*grumble, grumble* this is fine!" But it will probably surprise no one that I tend to be verbose.

Keep the cover letter to 1 page, less than 500 words. Try to really target unique things you can bring that you aren't already stating on your resume. If you increased online sales at your current company by 30% over a 2 year period, put that on the resume, not in the cover letter.

Resume can leak over onto a second page, but take off the objective (if you have one) and personally I would limit work experience to the last 3-4 relevant positions.


ETA: You and I are around the same age. Also, I haven't been on a real job interview in 6 years, so I'm super nervous for the one coming up.

[Deleted]

I have a two pager, I don't think multi page is as big a deal in higher ed. though.

Definitely use the cover letter to highlight how your experiences and skills relate to the posting. I had a pretty easy time changing careers last year and I think my cover letter really helped my application (my CWer told me she kept putting mine on the top of the pile every time she gave them to someone else to review because it was really good )

[LoveTrains]

Ok thanks ladies. I edited my cover letter down to one page but kept the two page resume.

I submitted the app! Fingers crossed.

[Susie]

I wouldn't let both resume and cover letter spill onto a 2nd page. A 1 pg cover letter + 2 pg resume seems ok to me for 10 years out.

[drloretta]

A 2-page resume is fine as long as the information is relevant. DH and I both have 2-pagers.
A 2-page CL seems incredibly excessive. It should just provide a taste of what they're going to see on your resume.

[cosmos]

Good luck!

[vanillacourage]

I agree with Susie.

Good luck!

[crashgizmo]

LoveTrains, I think you are in the non profit world as well? I am 10 years out and have a 2 page resume. I always keep my cover letters to 3 paragraphs, definitely not over a page.