Should a Resume Be One Page?
When a resume should be one page, when it can be two, and how to keep only the most relevant achievements to get the job.
Sarah
Head of Content
Nov 18, 2025
Are you staring at your screen, agonizing over whether to cut that last bullet point to achieve the perfect one-page resume? You're not alone. For decades, it has been considered the gold standard in job searching. But in today’s digital hiring landscape — ATS scanning, LinkedIn profiles, remote work — is this rule still valid, or is it just outdated advice?
The short answer is: It depends.
This article will break down who should stick to one page, who can confidently expand to two, and how to make the final decision that gets you hired.
Why a One-Page Resume Is Still the Standard
Before we challenge the rule, let's understand its foundation. The one-page guideline was born out of necessity in the age of paper applications and high-volume, manual hiring. A short format ensured speed and clarity.
The "Six-Second Scan" Myth
You’ve probably heard that recruiters only spend six seconds reviewing a resume. That statistic is misleading.
Modern recruiters rely on Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to identify relevant skills and keywords before even opening the document. So the true benefit of a shorter resume is not speed — but clarity, relevance, and easy navigation.
Why Recruiters Prefer Brevity
Clarity: Less fluff = stronger impact
Relevance: Only job-winning experience remains
Communication skills: A concise resume reflects strong prioritization
A focused one-pager demonstrates that you understand what matters most for the role.
If trimming feels impossible, SuperCandidate can instantly tailor your resume to each job, removing anything that doesn’t help you get hired.
When Two Pages Are Better
Not all careers fit neatly into one page. A two-page resume is recommended if:
You have 10+ years of relevant experience
You’re targeting senior, leadership, or executive roles
Your industry requires technical or project depth (IT, healthcare, science, engineering)
You’ve delivered major accomplishments — budgets, teams, product launches
You hold multiple certifications or publications
The keyword is relevant.
Page two must strengthen your application, not repeat general tasks.
If the second page doesn’t increase your chance of an interview — go back to one.
Ideal Resume Length by Career Stage
Career Level | Ideal Resume Length |
Students / Recent grads | 1 page |
Early professionals (<10 years exp.) | 1 page |
Senior / Executive professionals | 1–2 pages (if relevant) |
Academics, Research, Medical | 2+ pages (CV format) |
How to Fit Your Resume on One Page (Without Losing Impact)
Keep what gets you interviews — cut what doesn’t.
Show achievements, not tasks
Use short, results-driven bullet points:
❌ “Managed social media”
✔ “+42% engagement in 6 months”
Shorten older or less relevant roles
Group early jobs under: Additional Experience (2015–2019)
Optimize your layout
Clean 2-column structure
Short bullet points
Remove outdated sections (like “Objective”)
Be smart about hobbies
Keep only hobbies that add professional value: If space is tight → remove the section.
Tailor every line to the job
Customize your CV based on what the employer wants. If a bullet point doesn’t help you get this job → delete it.
No guesswork needed: SuperCandidate automatically customizes your CV to match each job description and boosts your chances in ATS screenings.
Conclusion
There’s no strict rule for resume length. One page works best for most candidates, while two pages make sense for those with deeper experience.
What matters most?
Relevance
Clarity
Results
Because in the end, the best resume is not the shortest — it’s the most compelling.
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