How Many Resumes Should You Have?

If you’re on the job hunt, then you need to know how many resumes you should have. You don’t want to find yourself in a sport without a resume and sitting across an interview table and face that awkward situation.

But how many resumes should you have? And what exactly are we discussing exactly? How many versions of a resume, or how many copies of a resume? And if you are only going to be sending out resumes via email, then what is the point of having multiple hard copies.

Copies vs Versions: What’s the Difference?

There is a difference between a copy of your resume and a version of it. So, let’s clear up the difference so we can cover both.

A copy of your resume is jus that, an identical copy. When I talk about copies of a resume, it’s about the actual paper copies of the resume that people will want to look at.

When we’re talking about versions, that is a different topic. Different versions of your resume are just what they sound like. They are different—sometimes slightly, sometimes completely different.

A different version of your resume might have different job titles, different work history, or completely different formatting. In short, the resume will have different content depending on the version of the resume.

For instance, one resume might list your prior experience as an Executive Assistant while another might list your former experience as an Office Manager. The reason to change titles has everything to do with tailoring your resume to a specific job. In this case, the individual would likely be applying to different job openings. One might be an Executive Assistant role, and the other might be an Office Manager role.

So, in short: Copies are just that, Versions are completely different in content.

Should You Have Resumes in Different Formats?

Yes, you should have resumes in different formats. The formats you need to have your resume in include Word and Adobe. Those are the two most commonly used file formats for resumes.

Nowadays, when you send out a resume, you are going to be sending it out in word format or as a PDF.

So, you need to have your resume in at least two formats. One is word and one is PDF.

It’s simple to create two versions of your resume. The best way to create the two versions is to create the resume in word using a resume template formula. Then, after the resume has been saved and looks the way you want it to, the next step is to save a copy as a PDF.

So, you should most definitely have two formats for your resume: Word and PDF.

There’s no real reason to have additional formats. In fact, if you send resumes in formats that are different than Microsoft Word or PDF, then the odds are that no one will look at it. You’re likely going to end up with your resume either in someone email trash bin, or an ATS system will fail to parse it and no one will ever look at your resume.

How Many Different Resumes Should You Have in Total?

I suggest only having one version of your resume. Having too many versions of your resume can lead to confusion. There are people who have different resumes for each job they apply to. The problem with that is that they undoubtedly end up sending the wrong resume to the wrong job posting.

Unless you are the type who can use an Excel Spreadsheet and make sure that you keep track of all data and make no mistakes when sending out the form, then it’s better to only keep one version of a resume.

So, what then do you do when you want to apply to a job with a different job title? Well, the best approach that I have found is to tweak the job titles slightly when applying and then not saving that resume.

You should have 1 version of your resume. If you make tweaks, and you do wan to save them, make sure to clearly label the file so that you don’t mistake them.

How Many Resumes Should You Bring to a Job Fair?

This has to do with hard copies of a resume. When you go to a real job fair, not a virtual one, you should definitely bring copies of your resume. But how many should you bring?

The good news is that most job fairs should have that information listed on the advertisement and advance promo materials. Basically, bring two copies of your resume for every employer you are interested in speaking with. Now, of course if you want to meet with a hundred employers, you’re not going to lug around 200 resumes.

But you’re not going to meet with 100 employers. Time constraints are simply too much.

Depending on the size of the event, most job fair organizers suggest 30 to 40 copies. I would always err on the side of bringing more copies. I think that a good number of resumes to print and bring would be 50. This way, you’re sure not to run out.

Remember, you don’t want to ever tell someone at a job fair that you can’t give them a resume because you’re running short! That’s a sure way to not get a job.

How Many Job Resumes Should You Send Out?

There is no good answer for this question. It all depends on how you are applying to jobs and what sort of jobs you are applying for.

If you’re looking to get an entry level job, and you have no connections that can get you in somewhere through nepotism or favoritism, then you’re gong to have to send out a lot. Especially if you’re just looking for any sort of general work.

The more refined your job search, the less resumes you need to send out.

It’s also important to learn how to find a job without sending a resume. These tactics include sending out messages and connection requests on LinkedIn as well as networking with people.

Don’t feel shy about using connections to find work. Why? Because most people get their jobs through family, friends, or associates.

The majority of low and mid-level jobs are staffed through family jobs and connections or company internal hires. Job advertisements for corporate level entry level jobs, sadly, are for the most part show advertisements for compliance purposes. The real candidates have already been chosen internally.

Temp agencies know this since they are constantly contracted to fill short term roles for permanent employees. And the companies often advise the agencies that they will not hire permanently, though this information is always disguised from the applicants who are sending their resumes into the job posting.

Sadly, recruiters lie and companies certainly do when advertising jobs. So always make sure you do proper research before moving forward with the interview.