Ask a Resume Writer: How Many Pages Should a Resume Be?

Is there such a thing as a “one-page rule” when it comes to resumes, or should everyone be using a two-page resume these days?

Can your resume be two pages long, even if you’re a new grad or entry-level job seeker?

When writing your resume, it can be a challenge to figure out how many pages it should be, what to include, and what to leave out.

We asked Laurie Ballow, Certified Advanced Resume Writer at iHire, for her advice on this topic.

Should a Resume Be One Page?

“When trying to decide how many pages should be in your resume, aim for one page if you can pull it off,” Ballow began. “Concision is key! Stand out for the right reasons with a resume that’s short, sweet, and to the point, and only include details that will help you get hired.”

Almost all resumes should have these core sections: contact info, title, summary, key skills, experience and achievements, and education or professional development/training.

“If you’re able to fit all of that within one page, that’s ideal. Again, busy employers will appreciate that your resume is concise and easy to read quickly,” continued Ballow.

Can a Resume Be Two Pages?

“Most mid-career professionals and beyond will likely need a two-page resume to cover their experience,” Ballow said. “Even if you only go back 10 or 15 years, it may not be possible to adequately cover all of your positions and achievements in one page.”

Entry-level job seekers may actually need a two-page resume to market themselves effectively.

“If you’re a new grad with numerous internships, rotations, school projects, or volunteer roles that are relevant to the jobs you’re applying for, including that experience in detail on your resume could help you stand out,” explained Ballow. “If you can’t squeeze it all in within one page, that’s okay!”

Regardless of whether you use a one-page or two-page resume, always tailor it to the job you’re applying for and ensure at least some of your experience history is on the first page.

“Adjust the title, summary, and key skills to match the job’s requirements and list your career history in reverse-chronological order so employers can readily find your current or most recent position,” Ballow continued. “If you have a two-page resume, make sure the first page really shines.”

When Should a Resume Be Three Pages or More?

“Some professionals will need to go beyond a two-page resume. For example, highly experienced and accomplished executives, professionals with advanced degrees, healthcare practitioners, and scientific researchers may use longer resumes than most,” said Ballow. “And hiring managers expect this.”

Often, these resumes have additional sections that other job seekers won’t need to cover, such as numerous industry-specific credentials, awards, technical skills, and presentations, patents, and publications.

“Once your resume goes beyond two pages, also consider using page numbers in the header or footer after the first page,” Ballow added.

Quick Tips for Making Your Resume Shorter

If your resume is just barely spilling onto a second or third page, there are some quick tricks to making it shorter.

“First, start by removing any positions you’ve held more than 15 years ago as well as any skills or credentials that are irrelevant or dated,” Ballow advised. “Next, try adjusting your font size and style, condensing the space between sections, and making your margins a bit narrower. Just be sure your resume is still reader-friendly.”

Once your resume is good to go, explore our database of curated and verified jobs to find and apply to your next great opportunity! If you could use more resume guidance, check out our Resource Center or build an interview-winning resume in minutes with our AI-powered tools.