I think your resume can be 2-5 pages, but what is in the first page matters the most. Usually the first two pages are read and the remaining pages are just scanned.
In my resume book, I had a section called -- “Would the fist page stand on its own?” -
Test
What is this test? Before I answer this, let’s look at the following common question. What is the best length for your resume? Some consider that any resume more than one to two pages is someone who is not an effective communicator and one should be able to sell him or her in one to two pages. Others may argue that for experienced job seekers, a one-to-two page resume may be too crowded. There won't be enough room to include his or her valuable "Can Do's" or "sell". A one-to-two page resume may also look too "entry-level". Both are valid arguments and one needs to find a happy medium. Times have changed and recruiters generally appreciate a 2-5 pager. Even though expectations are divided as to how long a resume should be, many industry experts agree on one thing:
“
You should be able to sell yourself in one page. And also, if the first page looks boring, they will typically skip the rest.”
Others take it even further and say that:
“The first 10-15 lines are the most important. They will motivate a recruiter to read on or to stop. Longer resumes need to be carefully designed to "sell" you up front – in the top half of Page 1”
So, when you write a resume, assume that your first page is going to take the most attention. In general, the first page is read and the remaining pages are scanned. Always verify it to see if your first page addresses the key requirements, sells you well, well balanced, and interesting enough to stand on its own.
