How long should a resume be? Read up on the subject and you’ll find some conflicting answers. Some swear by resumes that are one page long. Others claim that two pages is an ideal length. For what it’s worth, statistics indicate that an ideal resume falls within 475-600 words, which puts you at about two pages.
But let’s set aside talk of statistics and word length. What really matters when it comes to resume length is your particular situation, where you are in your career and the job you want — and how your resume shows off your best qualifications. Instead of worrying about the “right length” for your resume, focus on getting your resume to its best length, by following these guidelines.
How many pages should a resume be?
Let’s start by setting a few ground rules when it comes to resume length. Unless you’re writing a CV, which accommodates documents three pages long and beyond, the vast majority of resumes are either one or two pages long. Each option has its advantages and drawbacks.
Single-page resumes
The “one-page resume” used to be a must for job applications, but no longer, according to experts like career coach Alison Green. Still, she sees value in one-page resumes, particularly if you don’t have much experience. “It looks a little silly to see someone two years out of school with a two-page resume; it’s rarely needed, and you’ll generally come across as a little self-important or unable to edit,” she notes.
For jobs that don’t require much experience, or place more value on skills and training, one page can still be a perfectly good length for your resume. A little brevity can also help your resume get a full scan by busy recruiters who only take a few seconds to read a resume, on average. For one-page resume examples for every job and industry, visit our resume examples section.
Single-page resume: pros and cons
Pros
- Easier for employers to scan.
- Good for first-time job seekers, or for jobs that don’t require extensive experience.
- Has a more “organized” look than longer resumes.
Cons
- Not enough room to display your work history if you have lots of experience.
- Can be difficult to fit in all your key skills and qualifications.
- Can seem “thin” with content compared to two-page resumes.
Two-page resumes
A two-page resume can fit the bill if you’re an experienced employee who wants to feature numerous work accomplishments and major responsibilities. This jives with a survey that states that employers prefer to see two-page resumes from candidates who are applying to higher-level positions. A two-page resume also allows you to go into more detail about skills, training, certifications and related volunteer or extracurricular activities that match what the job is looking for.
But remember: A two-page resume isn’t a license to fill up the entire space with “fluff” just to make it look good. Feature only experiences and qualifications that align with the job’s requirements.
Two-page resume: pros and cons
Pros
- Good for experienced job seekers who can feature a large number of work accomplishments and experiences.
- More space to elaborate on additional aspects (certifications, activities, skills) that are important for the job.
Cons
- Can seem “overstuffed” if the content isn’t targeted to the specific job.
- Can run the risk of getting “skimmed over” too quickly if employers are only taking a few seconds to read a resume.
5 tips to get your resume to its best length
Like we said earlier, don’t think in terms of the “right” length, but the best length. That means communicating your best, most relevant qualifications and experiences, within the customary span of one to two pages. Use these pointers when putting together your resume, and know that if you get stuck or stumped when assembling, you can use our professional Resume Builder to get the job done.
1. Use the right format for your resume.
Your resume format depends on your career experience and what the job requires. For jobs that require more experience, highlight your accomplishments and major responsibilities from previous jobs using the chronological resume format. If you lack experience, or are applying for a job that places a heavier emphasis on skills and training, use the functional resume format, which breaks your skills into important categories. A combination resume format incorporates elements of both the chronological and functional formats, and is a solid option if you have a good mix of skills and work experience.
2. Use bullet points for your skills and work history sections.
Typically a resume has 8-10 bullet points for skills, and three to five bullet points for each job in your work history section. Keep your bullet points two lines long at most.
In a functional resume, break your skills into subcategories, describing how you’ve used them. If your strengths lie in your experience, highlight more accomplishments and major responsibilities in your work history, using the chronological resume format.
3. Tailor your resume to fit the job.
Above all, the content of your resume should match what the job needs. Always look at the job description, pick out skills and experiences that match your own background and abilities, and emphasize them in your resume. Adding non-essential information will only “bloat” your resume. For more tips, see our article How to Create a Targeted Resume.
4. Limit your work history to the last 10 years.
Unless you’re applying for a job that specifically requires more than 10 years’ experience in the field, highlight only the jobs from the last 10 years of your career. As mentioned above, you should look to provide three to five bullet points for each job that focus on your achievements and most important responsibilities. Consider using more bullet points for more recent jobs, especially if they show that you’re rising in your career. Our work history article provides further examples.
5. Polish up your resume layout.
Oftentimes resume length takes a back seat to how the resume actually looks. As long as you’re using a layout that’s straightforward, readable, and easy for applicant tracking systems (ATS) to scan, length shouldn’t be an issue. Make sure your resume looks its best by paying attention to:
- Minimal images and graphics: Avoid getting fancy with tables, icons, and eye-popping graphics. If anything, they can clutter a resume and confuse readers.
- Spacing and margins: A resume that’s a wall of text is a major turn-off for recruiters. Give your resume room to breathe, and make sure spacing between sections and bullet points is consistent. Our downloadable resume templates are a good place to start.
- Fonts: Simple and professional fonts are the way to go here; just follow our guide to pick a font that employers are comfortable with. If you create a resume using our Resume Builder, our built-in fonts are all employer-ready.
- Avoiding unnecessary sections: You don’t need a “Hobbies and Interests” section, or a skills category for abilities that don’t come into play on the job. Keep your eyes on the prize, and only include sections in your resume that directly speak to your qualifications for the job.
Our Resume Builder can help
Our Resume Builder takes most of the guesswork out of creating a resume that’s the best length for you. Our expert, job-specific suggestions can assist you in filling out each bullet point and section of your resume, and our layout tools can help you adjust your resume’s look, fonts and spacing. Go to our Resume Builder for a full rundown of its capabilities and how to use it.
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Ho Lin
Content Strategy Manager
Ho Lin is a California-based Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and writer with two decades of experience in content strategy, creation, and development. His background includes experience aiding military veterans in their transition to civilian careers. He holds a M.A. in Creative Writing from Johns Hopkins University.
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