How Long Should a Resume Be?

Most college career centers suggest that for new graduates the resume be one page. However, that suggestion isn’t universal. Experienced professionals now use two pages to showcase a broader career, as long as all information contributes to the role they’re applying for.

When a one-page resume makes sense

A one-page resume is preferred by a very small set of companies–far less than 1%. Other than that, in general, the one-page resume is reserved for new graduates only, because most new graduates don’t have enough real world experience to fill even one page, and the rest of the content would be unhelpful fluff.

Best practices for keeping it concise:

• Focus only on jobs or internships that are related to your field
• Cut old or unrelated experience
• Summarize your accomplishments in three to five bullets per role
• Use active, direct language (e.g., “Led,” “Built,” or “Managed”)
• Remove “References available upon request”, interests, and high school information if you’ve graduated from college

When a two-page resume is appropriate

If you’ve been in the workplace for a few years,  or you’re applying for leadership roles, a two-page resume may be the right choice. It gives you space to showcase job duties, results, team leadership, strategy, and certifications.

Include on a two-page resume:

• Key achievements across each role
• Project outcomes
• Quantified metrics to show impact
• Advanced degrees and licenses
• Volunteer or board leadership

Note: Two pages are not an invitation to list every job you’ve ever had. Keep the content focused and job-specific.

Common mistakes with resume length

Many candidates worry more about fitting everything in than presenting the most relevant information. Here are a few common errors to avoid:

• Squeezing too much into one page
  Overcrowding makes your resume hard to scan. Leave enough white space for readability.
• Listing outdated or irrelevant jobs
  A part-time high school job or a temp role from 15 years ago is likely not necessary unless it is directly relevant.
• Prioritizing responsibilities in bullet points
  Impact and result statements should come first to engage the reader.
• Padding the resume with buzzwords
  Skip vague traits like “motivated” or “team player.” Show it with results instead.

How to decide the right length for you

There’s no one-size-fits-all resume. Here’s how to gauge the right length for your career stage and target role.

Consider your career stage

Entry-Level or Recent Grad
One page might be the most concise route. Include internships, relevant coursework, and campus leadership roles.

Mid-Level Professional
One to two pages. Highlight promotions, project ownership, and measurable achievements.

Senior-Level or Executive
Two pages are preferred. After that the reader tends to lose focus. Focus on strategy, outcomes, and the scope of leadership.

Tailor to the job description

Read the job posting closely. A longer resume with more impact makes sense if it’s a senior role. A one-pager with a link to an online portfolio may be better for more creative or design positions.

Customize your resume for each application:

• Use keywords from the posting
• Emphasize your alignment with the employer’s needs
• Cut content that doesn’t support your candidacy

Formatting tips to maximize space

Whether you use one page or two, formatting makes a big difference. A well-structured resume doesn’t just look cleaner — it’s easier for employers and applicant tracking systems (ATS) to read.

Make every line count:

• Start with action verbs: “Initiated,” “Reduced,” “Launched,” or “Improved”
• Quantify results: “Increased revenue by 15%,” “Directed 12-person team to improve communication,” or “Reduced onboarding time by 30%”
• Avoid dense paragraphs: Use bullet points with no more than two lines each
• Be selective: Only include what strengthens your application
• Keep it clean: Use one readable font (10.5 to 11 point), standard margins, and consistent formatting

Avoid flashy design elements like graphics or columns unless you’re in a creative field and not submitting through an ATS.

Your resume’s length should reflect your experience, not your life story. Your resume length is based on your current career level, the job requirements, and your ability to present a clear, focused picture of the value you bring.

If in doubt, err on the side of clarity. A sharp, easy-to-read shorter resume will always outperform a longer one packed with filler.