If you've ever wondered how long your resume should be, you're not alone. Some people swear by the one-page rule, while others insist two pages (or more) are fine.
So, what’s the truth?
👉 Does a longer resume hurt your chances?
👉 Is a one-page resume better?
👉 What if you have tons of experience—do you cut stuff out?
Let’s break it down and finally settle the debate on resume length!
📌 The One-Page Resume Rule—Is It a Myth?
You’ve probably heard that your resume must fit on one page—but that’s not always true.
💡 A one-page resume works best if:
✅ You’re a recent graduate or have less than 5 years of experience.
✅ You’re changing careers and need a concise overview of transferable skills.
✅ You’re applying to entry-level roles where recruiters scan resumes quickly.
💡 BUT if you cut important details just to fit on one page, you might be hurting your chances.
📌 When Two Pages Are Better
If you have 5+ years of experience, a two-page resume is totally acceptable (and often expected!).
✅ Mid-level & senior professionals need space to show accomplishments.
✅ Technical roles (like IT, engineering, or research) require detailed skills.
✅ Industry professionals with multiple jobs or promotions shouldn’t cut key experience.
⚡ The key? Make sure every word adds value.
If page two is just fluff, cut it down. But if you need the space to showcase your expertise, use it!
📌 What About Three or More Pages?
Warning: Most recruiters won’t read a 3+ page resume.
But there are a few exceptions:
✅ Executives & senior leaders with decades of experience.
✅ Academics, scientists, & researchers who need to list publications.
✅ Federal/government jobs that require detailed work history.
For everyone else? Keep it shorter and more impactful.
📌 How to Cut Down Your Resume (Without Losing Value!)
If your resume is too long, here’s how to trim it without losing impact:
1️⃣ Cut Older, Less Relevant Jobs
- If it’s over 10-15 years old? You probably don’t need it.
- Exception: If it’s highly relevant or impressive, keep it!
2️⃣ Ditch the “References Available Upon Request” Line
🚀 Recruiters assume this. Don’t waste space saying it!
3️⃣ Remove Irrelevant or Overused Skills
❌ Everyone knows how to use Microsoft Word & Email—skip it!
✅ Focus on industry-specific and high-value skills.
4️⃣ Cut Generic Job Duties—Show Impact Instead
❌ Bad: “Managed social media accounts.”
✅ Better: “Increased engagement by 50% through strategic content marketing.”
5️⃣ Shrink Margins & Font (But Keep It Readable!)
- Margins: Reduce to 0.5 inches (but no smaller).
- Font: 10-12 pt in a clean style (Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman).
📌 The Perfect Resume Length: Final Answer
🎯 One page → Best for entry-level & early-career professionals.
🎯 Two pages → Ideal for mid-career & experienced professionals.
🎯 Three+ pages → ONLY for executives, researchers, or government roles.
Bottom line? Focus on quality, not page count. If you can fit your experience in one page without losing impact, great! If you need two pages to tell your story, don’t be afraid to use it.
Need Help Trimming or Expanding Your Resume?
Not sure if your resume is too long or too short? Let’s fix that.
I’ll help you cut the fluff (without losing important details), optimize your resume to fit the perfect length for your industry and make sure every word counts so you actually land interviews.
💡 Ready to get your resume noticed? Let’s make it work for YOU.