Learn when to use a one-page or two-page resume, best practices for each format, and how to make the right choice for your career stage.
Yes, a resume can be two pages — but whether it should be depends on your experience level, industry, and the specific position you're applying for. The ideal resume length is the minimum needed to effectively showcase your relevant qualifications.
Our intelligent resume builder handles length considerations for you
Our AI analyzes your experience level and career field to recommend the optimal resume length specifically for you.
All resume templates are tested with major Applicant Tracking Systems to ensure maximum readability regardless of length.
Receive tailored formatting suggestions based on your industry standards and recruiter preferences.
Our smart editor helps you identify which experiences and skills deserve prominence on page one.
For many job seekers, a concise one-page resume is ideal and preferred by recruiters
If you're a recent graduate with limited professional experience, a one-page resume is typically sufficient to showcase your education and internships.
Professionals with fewer than 10 years of relevant work history can generally fit their key accomplishments on a single page.
When transitioning to a new field, focus on transferable skills and relevant experience that can be concisely presented on one page.
For networking events and job fairs where quick exchanges occur, a one-page resume is easier to scan and makes a stronger first impression.
In certain scenarios, a two-page resume allows you to effectively showcase your qualifications
Seasoned professionals with extensive relevant experience may need two pages to effectively communicate their value and career progression.
Those with multiple degrees, certifications, or specialized training may require additional space to showcase their educational qualifications.
Professionals in technical, scientific, or academic fields often need more space to detail relevant projects, publications, or specialized skills.
Senior managers and executives may need a second page to highlight leadership accomplishments, notable projects, and strategic initiatives.
If you have significant achievements, awards, or measurable results across multiple roles, a two-page format allows you to showcase these accomplishments.
Professionals with publications, research, patents, or speaking engagements often benefit from a second page to list these credentials.
If you opt for a two-page resume, follow these guidelines to ensure it remains effective
Place your most impressive qualifications and relevant experience on the first page, ensuring critical information isn't missed.
Ensure your name and contact information appear at the top of both pages in case they get separated.
Add page numbers (e.g., Page 1 of 2) to both pages to maintain organization and flow.
Use the same fonts, margins, and styling throughout both pages for a cohesive, professional look.
Keep entire sections on the same page rather than splitting them between pages, which can disrupt readability.
Ensure all content is relevant and valuable. Don't add filler just to reach two pages.
See how job seekers found success with the right resume length
"Woberry's guidance on resume length was a game-changer for me. As a senior manager with 15+ years of experience, I was struggling to decide between a one or two-page format. Following their advice, I created a well-structured two-page resume that highlighted my achievements strategically. I received interview requests from 4 out of 7 applications!"
Michael T.
Marketing Director
"After years of being told 'one-page only,' I was hesitant to create a two-page resume despite having specialized technical experience. Woberry's detailed advice gave me the confidence to expand my resume properly. The tailored format helped me land my dream job at a Fortune 500 tech company."
Priya S.
Software Engineer
"As a recent graduate, I was trying to stretch my limited experience to two pages because I thought longer was better. Woberry's clear guidance helped me create a focused, impactful one-page resume that got me 5 interviews within two weeks. Their advice on what to include vs. exclude was invaluable."
Jordan L.
Entry-level Financial Analyst
Struggling to fit your experience into the right length? Try these proven strategies
Remove outdated experience (15+ years old)
Eliminate redundant information across job descriptions
Focus on achievements rather than responsibilities
Use concise bullet points (aim for 1-2 lines each)
Remove references (provide separately upon request)
Eliminate obvious skills and generic objective statements
Combine related positions at the same company
Adjust margins slightly (no smaller than 0.5 inches)
Tailor your resume for each application by removing irrelevant experience. This not only helps with length but also creates a more targeted, effective resume.
Steer clear of these common pitfalls when determining your resume's length
Reducing margins and font size to squeeze everything onto one page often results in an unreadable resume. Readability should never be sacrificed.
Adding outdated or irrelevant positions just to fill space dilutes your message. Every item should strengthen your candidacy for the specific role.
Using different formatting on each page creates a disjointed impression. Maintain consistent styling throughout your entire resume.
Unless you're in academia or creating a CV, exceeding two pages is rarely necessary and may indicate an inability to prioritize information.
Resume length expectations can vary significantly across different industries
| Industry | Recommended Length | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | One to two pages | Tech resumes should highlight specific technical skills, projects, and accomplishments. Experienced professionals may need two pages to detail relevant technical projects and skills. |
| Finance & Banking | One to two pages | Focus on quantifiable achievements and relevant certifications. Senior professionals with extensive experience may require two pages. |
| Healthcare | Often two pages | Healthcare professionals typically need space to list licenses, certifications, specialized training, and clinical experience. |
| Creative Fields | One page + portfolio | Keep the resume concise and direct readers to your portfolio for examples of your work rather than describing projects at length. |
| Academia & Research | CV format (multiple pages) | Academic positions typically require a curriculum vitae (CV) rather than a resume, with detailed sections for publications, research, and teaching experience. |
| Entry-Level (Any Industry) | One page | Recent graduates and those with limited experience should focus on education, internships, and relevant skills on a single page. |
Yes, a resume can be two pages, especially for professionals with more than 10 years of relevant experience, multiple degrees or certifications, or those in specialized technical or academic fields. The key is ensuring both pages contain valuable, relevant information that strengthens your candidacy.
A one-page resume is ideal for recent graduates, professionals with less than 10 years of experience, those changing careers with limited relevant experience, or when applying for positions that specifically request a one-page resume. It's also preferred for networking events and career fairs.
Format a two-page resume by including your name and contact information on both pages, placing the most important information on page one, using clear section headings, maintaining consistent formatting throughout, and ensuring each page is properly numbered (e.g., 'Page 1 of 2'). Never split a section between pages.
Yes, recruiters will read a two-page resume if it's well-organized and contains relevant information. While recruiters typically spend only 6-7 seconds scanning a resume initially, they will read further if your experience matches their requirements. The key is making both pages substantive and easy to scan.
Condense your resume by focusing only on relevant experience, removing outdated positions (generally those over 15 years old), eliminating redundant information, using concise bullet points, adjusting margins and font size appropriately, and removing references (which can be provided separately upon request).
Yes, resume length typically correlates with career level. Entry-level candidates and those with less than 10 years of experience usually need only one page. Mid-career professionals with 10-15+ years of relevant experience may require two pages. Executive-level candidates might use two full pages to showcase their leadership experience and significant accomplishments.
The strict one-page rule has become more flexible in modern recruiting. While brevity is still valued, the focus has shifted to relevance and readability rather than arbitrary length restrictions. The right length is the one that effectively showcases your qualifications for the specific position without including unnecessary information.
Modern ATS software can handle multi-page resumes without issue. The more important factors for ATS optimization are using relevant keywords, proper formatting, standard section headings, and avoiding complex tables or graphics that may not parse correctly. Resume length itself is not a significant factor in ATS scoring.