Use space according to relevance
A role from last year that matches the target job should get more room than a role from eight years ago that adds little. Resume space is a priority system, not a biography.
A simple rule that works
- Most recent, most relevant role: 4-6 bullets
- Other relevant recent roles: 3-5 bullets
- Older or less relevant roles: 1-3 bullets
- Very old roles: compress or remove
What to do if you have too many achievements
Keep a master resume with everything. Then choose the bullets that best match the role you are applying for. The goal is not completeness. It is fit.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use only two bullets for a role?
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Yes, if those two bullets say enough and the role is not central to your current target.
Should every bullet be the same length?
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No. The strongest bullets are as long as they need to be and no longer.