Should a Resume be One Page or Longer? See what HR Managers prefer

How Long Should a Resume be in 2023?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to whether it is better to have a one or two-page resume. The resume length can vary depending on your individual circumstances.

However, in 2023, the consensus among recruiters and career experts is that a concise resume serves you best.

Why?

Hiring managers typically get dozens of resumes. They spend only a few seconds reviewing each one before deciding whether to invite you for an interview. Therefore, the shorter your resume is, the better. However, don’t consider it an inflexible rule. In reality, the length of your CV depends on your experience and the job’s needs.

What is more, a study by ResumeGo showed that a 2-page resume can be even better for most candidates, regardless of their career level.

Let’s go deeper.

A Resume length by industry 

When deciding whether to extend your resume beyond one page, consider the industry and position you’re applying for. Some fields, such as academia or research, may expect longer resumes to provide a comprehensive overview of your accomplishments and publications.

On the other hand, industries like marketing or design often value creativity and brevity, so a concise, 1-page resume may be more effective.

A Resume length by career level

1. Entry-level or early career, like college students, recent graduates with no experience should preferably create a single-page job resume. However, as you progress in your career, you accumulate more relevant experience. Then a second page in your CV (or more) may be necessary to adequately highlight your potential.
2. For mid-career professionals with 5 to 10 years of work experience, a two-page CV may be appropriate. You can include more detailed descriptions of your work history, accomplishments, and additional skills.
3. Experienced professionals, like senior-level job-seekers, with extensive work experience (like 10 or more years), hard-hitting achievements, and a diverse skill set, need more space to effectively showcase your qualifications. In such cases, it’s okay, even recommended, to extend your resume document to two or even three pages.

However, even with a longer resume, you should still provide only relevant information and keep it as concise as possible. Avoid including unnecessary details or irrelevant experiences that may distract recruiters from your most important qualifications.

How Far Back Should a Resume Go?

Traditionally, a resume should cover about 10, maximum to 15 years of professional experience. For entry-level job seekers or those with less than ten years of experience, it may cover their entire work history.

Remember, when you write your resume, the aim is to highlight your most relevant and recent experiences that align with the position you’re targeting. Irrelevant or outdated job roles can be left off. So, in determining how far back your resume should go, consider relevance and the value it adds to your current job application.

When to Use a One-Page Resume?

A single page resume is ideal for recent graduates, entry-level applicants, and individuals with limited work experience. 

Additionally, if you are applying for a job in a field where brevity is valued, such as journalism or advertising, a short resume can demonstrate your ability to convey information concisely and effectively.

When you choose a combination or functional resume format, a concise resume is ideal for highlighting your key strengths and qualifications effectively in these cases.

Finally, when a job ad specifically requests a single page resume, even if you have extensive experience, ensure that it remains one page. Failing to do so may result in your application being rejected.

Should a resume be one page for ATS?

Good news – Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) don’t mind if your resume is more than one page. They don’t penalize for length. But remember, a person might also read your resume. So, sticking to one or two pages is a safe bet. This balance can help your job application succeed.

How to Fit a Resume on One Page?

If you decide that a one-page resume is the right choice for you, here are some tips to help you cutting your resume down to single page:

1. Start with a concise summary or objective statement that captures the essence of who you are and what you can offer to potential employers.
2. Tailor your resume to the job offer. Prioritize the content that directly relates to the job you’re applying for and focus on your most relevant work experience, accomplishments, and skills. Cut out any outdated or irrelevant information.
3. Consider listing your skills on one line.
4. Utilize bullet points to present your skills, allowing for quick and easy reading. Minimize the number of bullet points. 
5. Use digits instead of spelled-out numbers.
6. Use industry-accepted acronyms.
7. Consider omitting unnecessary sections, such as references or hobbies, unless they directly relate to the job you are applying for.
8. Use a clear and legible font, keeping the font size between 10 and 12 points to maximize the use of space.
9. Play with layout. Consider using multiple columns to add different sections of your resume on the same line. Consider slightly reducing the margins and adjusting line spacing to get some extra space. 
10. If you use MS Word resume templates, save your CV in PDF format before applying.  

Whatever you do to limit your Curriculum Vitae to 1 page, keep your resume professional, tidy and readable.
Remember, the goal is to provide the recruiter with a snapshot of your qualifications, so be selective and prioritize the most important information. 

What Should be on a One-Page Resume?

Include the following sections:

1. Contact Information. Provide your name, phone number, email address, and optionally, your LinkedIn profile.
2. Short Summary or Objective Statement. It tells what you bring to the table as a candidate.
3. Professional Experience. List your previous jobs in reverse chronological order, including job titles, company names, dates of employment, and a description of your responsibilities and accomplishments.
4. Skills. Highlight your relevant skills and competencies that are directly related to the job you are applying for.
5. Education, if possible. If not, include it on the second page. Add your highest level of education, along with the institution’s name, degree, or certification earned, and graduation year.

What to Leave off a One-Page Resume?

1. Irrelevant or old work experience (older than 10 to 15 years).
2. High school information, unless it is the highest education level.
3. Irrelevant hobbies and interests.
4. References. Everyone has references. If a company wants them, they will ask you for them.
5. Address. City name would be enough.
6. Excessive details, long lists or additional sections.
7. Outdated or non-essential certifications.
8. Your professional headshot.

Should a Resume be One-Page Front and Back?

Although double-sided printing can be eco-friendly, better print your resume on single-sided pages to ensure optimal readability and user-friendliness. If an employer explicitly asks for double-sided printing, then comply with their request.

One-Page Resume Examples

Go and see more one-page resume templates.

What Should I Include on the Second Page of My Resume?

On the second page of your resume, you should continue your work experience section and include education and skills if they didn’t fit on the first page. You can also add details about trainings and certifications, projects, achievements, professional associations, and relevant hobbies.

IMPORTANT: Ensure that your contact details are visible on both pages of your resume so that the HR manager can easily access them at any time.

Can a resume be a page and a half?

Indeed, a one-and-a-half-page resume is often viewed as a minimum for a professional appearance. You can even aim for a full two pages if you possess sufficient relevant information. On the other hand, if your resume only spans a single page with just a few lines, it might lack a professional appearance. Unless it extends to at least one-and-a-half pages, consider condensing it to a single page for optimal presentation.

Elon Musk One Page Resume – If You Want, You Can

Elon Musk’s one-page resume is a great example of simplicity and effectiveness. If you ever doubt whether you can condense your resume, just think of Elon Musk. He managed to summarize his impressive career on a single page.

His short resume shows that it’s possible to be brief and still make a strong impression. Remember, keeping things short can sometimes be the best strategy.

Two-Page (and three-page) Resume Examples

Key Takeaways

• Resume length depends on experience, career level and industry you’re applying to.
• One page is ideal for entry-level candidates.
• Two pages may be acceptable for mid-level professionals.
• Senior executives can have longer resumes.
• Conciseness is crucial regardless of length.
• Relevant information should be prioritized.
• Tailor resume length to job requirements.
• Use formatting techniques to optimize space.
• Consider industry norms and cultural expectations.
• Quality content matters more than page count.