How long should your resume be?

Antonia Calzetti

May 2,2022 at 1:52PM UTC

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How long should your resume be? It is generally been understood that a resume should be no longer than two pages, however depending on what you do that there may be room for negotiation. Below is a guide that explains when a resume of a different length might be appropriate.

When a one page resume is acceptable:

- If it’s your first job since leaving school (as long as all your relevant achievements are included).

When a two page resume is required:

- This should be the default length. This is considered the ‘usual’ length for a resume and is suitable for anyone who has worked in more than one job.

- If you are in the process of changing careers, a resume that is too long might lead to the content being focused on the wrong things. Sticking to the standard length allows you to make more of an impact.

When a three page resume may be appropriate:

- When you have lots of relevant experience i.e. for very senior roles and you have made every effort to keep the relevant achievements in each role as succinct as possible.

- Taking up extra space for a long employment section does not justify an additional page, but adding an extra section or two that is relevant to the job might add relevancy.

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KatMay 2,2022 at 3:42PM UTC
This is contrary to most of the advice I've seen on resumes, especially when I've seen numerous articles that say a person only looks at your resume for about 15 seconds, which is most likely after it's been through an ATS. One page is usually the standard. I don't see how a 2 page resume is going to be read by a recruiter/HR person with so little time to get their attention. Also, aren't resumes supposed to only cover the past 10 years? This is to combat both ageism and focus on your most current/recent skills. My resume is one page because I've been at my current job that long, not because it's my first job-though it's fine if someone wants to assume that. If you're applying for a higher level job or something in academia when a long CV is considered standard, I don't see the benefit of longer resumes.
AnonymousMay 2,2022 at 4:11PM UTC
I think the length of resume has to do with the amount of experience a person has not necessarily the time in their life.
I have seen some college seniors who have had three to four internships, lots of volunteer experience, and part time jobs...which would require more than one page.
I have also seen people who have been in the same position 10+ years so they don't have multiple jobs to add to a resume thus they have one page. Similar to Kat's experience below.
I think the key is to make sure what you are including on your resume is relevant and helps highlight who you are as professional in addition to the position you are applying for. I generally say 1-2 pages based on experience is pretty standard for most people since its recommended to cover no more than the 15 years (unless you've been at the same job longer of course).
Lesa Edwards, Career Coach & Master Resume WriterMay 2,2022 at 4:44PM UTC
As one of fewer than 25 Master Resume Writers worldwide, I agree with all of this! 95% of the resumes I write are 2 pages, and I work primarily with mid-career professionals.
SamanthaMay 3,2022 at 1:36PM UTC
I'm glad to hear this! I'm looking for my 3rd job and I'm having such a hard time fitting everything on one page! I'm trying to cram in experience and feeling like I'm missing something.
Antonia CalzettiMay 4,2022 at 6:08PM UTC
Definitely should not be expected to fit everything on 1 page.
SamanthaMay 11,2022 at 1:53AM UTC
This was advice given by my mom who still has some outdated notions about jobs & job hunting. I will definitely be updating my resume to better fit everything I have done!
Sabrina CortesMay 4,2022 at 1:31AM UTC
The standard is 2 pages max. I'm a Senior Resume Writer and I rarely write a resume that is over 2 pages, even for C-level executives. There are ways to showcase their accomplishments and experience within that page limit. If a resume runs into the 3rd page, you might want to consider adjusting the font, font size, and spacing to get it down to two pages. Recruiters and Hiring Managers don't have time to read (skim) much more than that.
On the other hand, I've written CVs and they are much more detailed than resumes and can be as long as 6-8 pages long. CVs are usually used in parts of Europe and the Middle East.