I recently reviewed a CV that was longer than some university thesis papers – seven full pages of everything from primary school achievements to detailed hobby descriptions. The applicant was genuinely puzzled when I suggested trimming it down. "But how will they know everything I can do?" they asked. Here's the thing: they won't read it to find out.
Remote work hiring moves at startup speed, not government office pace. International recruiters are juggling candidates from Lagos to London, and they need to make quick decisions. Your seven-page novel isn't getting the slow, contemplative read you're hoping for – it's getting a frustrated sigh and a swift move to the "maybe later" pile (which, let's be honest, is recruiter speak for "never").
Think of your resume like a movie trailer, not the full film. The goal isn't to tell your complete professional story; it's to create enough intrigue that they want to see more during an interview. That means ruthlessly cutting anything that doesn't directly support your case for this specific role. Your 2015 casual job at a bottling company? Probably not relevant for a remote software development position. Your complete educational transcript? Save it for the interview stage.
The one-page rule (two pages maximum for senior professionals with 10+ years of experience) forces you to prioritize your strongest selling points. Every line has to earn its place by either showcasing a relevant skill, demonstrating measurable impact, or proving you can handle remote work challenges. It's like editing a WhatsApp status – you've got limited space to make maximum impact.
Here's the litmus test: if someone can't understand your value proposition within 30 seconds of looking at your resume, it's too long or unfocused. Remember, the goal is to get invited to the interview, not to answer every possible question upfront. Ready to transform your novel into a bestselling short story? Start browsing opportunities at remotehuntr.co.ke and put your newly streamlined resume to work!
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