does your resume have to be 1 page

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A Two-Page (or More) Resume is Ok! But Only in These Cases

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One of the most persistent pieces of job-search advice floating around concerns resume length: They should be one page.

Resumes are skimmed quickly, this idea goes, so you don’t want to turn off hiring managers or human resources (or the system) with too much information – or give the impression that you’re not aware of this “basic rule.”

But in fact, this well-worn piece of advice is simply incorrect for a lot of job-seekers.

Let’s say it clearly: a two-page resume is perfectly acceptable. In fact, it’s desirable for many job seekers!

One-page resumes are for folks in certain categories, such as entry-level job seekers, for example. One-pagers are also a good choice for professionals who have worked in the same position or company for many years, who can effectively show their experience and qualifications in that single page.

People who are making a  career change can also use a single page resume, because it may cover the information relevant to the sought-after career sufficiently. If you’re pivoting, you want to zero in on the most relevant information to help hiring managers quickly see why they should open the door for you.

In all these cases, a resume longer than one page might look padded – and that’s one thing that does turn off hiring managers and HR professionals. A resume should never read (or look) as if you’re laboring to fill up space.

Who Should Have a Two-Page (or Longer) Resume?

So what  categories of job seekers  should have a two-page resume? Everyone else! The following groups find a two-page (or more) resume especially helpful.

People with 10 or more years of experience.

If you’ve been working for 10 years or more, you likely need a two-page resume to highlight your achievements and experience, especially if you have a record of promotions and movement among companies.

Senior-level professionals.

If you’re seeking a senior level position, you need to highlight a series of quantifiable accomplishments, along with a record of promotions, significant experience, and (likely) multiple employers.

People in positions requiring extensive certification.

Job-seekers in academia, engineering, information technology, and similar occupations often need to show extensive professional qualifications, including advanced degrees, certifications, technical skills, and publications.

People seeking government positions.

Most government jobs require job-seekers to complete specific applications that ask for extensive detail about past jobs. The resulting resumes are often longer than two pages.

Benefits of a Two-Page Resume

Two-page resumes offer very specific benefits to contemporary job seekers as well.

Make it through the ATS.

First, a longer resume allows you to craft a resume that will successfully make it through the Applicant Tracking System (ATS). ATS are used by the vast majority of companies. They are designed to choose only those that most closely match the job description and weed out the rest.

Your resume will only be seen by a human if it successfully makes it through the ATS scan. As a result, part of your goal needs to be ensuring that your resume meets ATS requirements.

What are those requirements? First, the ATS scans to ensure that resumes  match the keywords  in the job description. You must match the keywords to make it through successfully.

Second, they also scan for the  frequency  of keywords. As a result, successful applicants need to ensure both the existence of keywords and sufficient frequency throughout the resume. Frankly, ensuring keyword frequency without monotony may be hard to do without two (or more) pages.

Offer more in-depth information.

Additionally, longer resumes allow you to present your achievements and qualifications in a winning light. You should always highlight your most significant quantifiable achievements toward the top of a resume in a way that catches reviewer attention.

Remember as well that job seekers with a longer resume can include sections many employers find helpful in reviewing resumes of more advanced professionals, such as an executive summary and list of core competencies.

Improve your resume’s formatting.

Finally, a longer resume allows you to pay attention to readability and presentation. Some job seekers resort to small type and meager margins to make a resume fit in one page.

But small type and narrow margins are  not  good for readability and presentation. In fact, they make resumes hard to read. Many hiring managers may shrink from reading teeny-tiny type all, even if the resume has made it through the ATS.

Human personnel spend just a few seconds skimming resumes. Successful resumes need to incorporate that fact, and be very easy to skim. Easy-to-read type and reasonable margins contribute to readability, as do bullet points and lists.

Specifically, use at least an 11-point typeface in a standard business typeface, such as Arial or Calibri. Each margin should be at least one inch.

When you’re using a two-page resume, part of the presentation should consider the second page, too. Be sure to fill at least one-third of the second page. Why? Because if the second page covers less than that, it may strike a reviewer as a tacked-on afterthought. In fact, if it fills just a few lines on the second page, it may look like a mistake. Make sure it neither looks nor reads that way!

What If Your Resume Is More Than Two Pages?

What if you’re aiming for a two-page resume and it’s running three pages or longer? You’ll need to cut it down. Part of developing a great resume lies in the revision!

Remember, the most important goal of a resume is obtaining an interview, because an interview can actually get you the job. The most important goal-contributing part of a resume is thus the quantifiable achievements, because they tell a hiring manager “this is what I could do if you hired me.”

When you revise, focus on the goal of obtaining an interview. Any information that doesn’t contribute is secondary, and can be pared down. If your resume lists a number of early jobs that don’t contribute to your prospective role, for example, they can be streamlined.

Two-page resumes allow job seekers to present their qualifications, ensure readability, and successfully navigate the ATS. They are especially helpful to those with a decade or more of experience, prospective senior managers, and those in highly specialized fields.

Get an expert to improve your resume! Find the right Resume Writer for your needs today.

Rita Williams

Rita Williams is a freelance writer on a wide range of topics, including careers, human resources trends and personal finance. She works with both job-seekers and companies to educate and inform them about best practices – and shows humor and understanding while doing it.

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• Resume and Cover Letter
• Should a Resume Only Be One...

Should a Resume Only Be One Page?

2 min read · Updated on July 30, 2024

In most instances, a resume should not be only one page.

Contrary to what you may have heard, a resume should rarely be only one page. Most professionals should use a two-page resume — this applies whether you have seven or 17 years of work experience.

Only entry-level professionals — those who recently graduated from college and are just entering the workforce — typically use a resume that's only one page.

In fact, thanks to a recent study that involved nearly 500 recruiters, hiring managers, and HR professionals, even entry-level job seekers no longer have to use a resume that's only one page. According to the research, recruiters were 2.3 times as likely to prefer resumes that were two pages over resumes that are only one page, regardless of a candidate's job level. That means if you recently graduated from college and have a number of relevant internships, co-ops, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities to boast about, then you may have enough information to warrant a second page. If you don't have those “resume boosters,” then you're better off using a resume that's only one page. 

Click on the following link to learn more about how to determine the optimal resume page length .

People also asked:

Can a Resume Be More Than One Page?

• Is It OK to Have a Two-Page Resume?

How Many Pages Should Be in a Resume?

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One Page Resumes: Your Complete Guide Being Concise and Impactful (With Examples)

3 key takeaways

• Why you should consider a one-page resume
• Examples of one-page resumes (and why they're effective)
• How to use the Teal AI Resume Builder to format a one-page resume template quickly and easily

One-page resumes—they might sound too good (or too short) to be true. 

But knowing how to showcase the incredible things you’ve done and all that you’re capable of in one concise, impactful document could be the key to grabbing attention and standing out from the competition.

Why consider a one-page resume?

In today's job market, the one-page resume has become increasingly popular. And just as the sun set on the VHS resumes of the 1980s, gone are the days of listing every job and responsibility and exhaustively detailing all of your skills.

The market is saturated with so many job seekers. Many of whom are extremely talented.  This means hiring managers and recruiters are inundated with countless applications. They simply don't have the capacity to navigate lengthy documents. A concise and well-structured one-page resume allows them to assess your qualifications and how they align with an open role—quickly. 

When should a resume be one page?

Should a resume be one page? That depends. One-page resume templates aren't always the best option for every candidate or every role. But there are specific scenarios where they're particularly beneficial. If you find yourself in any of the following situations, a one-page resume format might be ideal.

• For recent high school or college graduates or professionals with limited work experience
• For anyone in the first 1-5 years of their career 
• In fields that value brevity
• In industries that prioritize concise communication (like communication or public relations)

Understanding one-page resume format 

Learning how to make a resume one page often comes down to two elements: the sections you include and strategic formatting. 

One-page resume sections 

When creating a one-page resume, it's crucial to include the following sections: 

• Contact Information: Your name, city, phone number, email address, LinkedIn URL, and portfolio link (if applicable) 
• Professional Summary: A concise introduction highlighting your key qualifications and one or two notable bullets that showcase impact.
• Work Experience: Showcase your relevant work experience in reverse chronological order, emphasizing bullets listed as bullet points that align with your desired role.
• Education: Mention your educational background, including degrees, certifications, (and any notable academic bullets if you're a recent graduate). 
• Skills: Highlight your core skills and competencies directly relevant to the job you're applying for. Consider tailoring this section to match the keywords mentioned in the job posting.

Pro Tip: The Teal Job Application Tracker pulls keywords and other important language from the job description to help you tailor your resume for every role. 

One-page resume template format

So, keeping those necessary sections in mind and with limited space, how can you make the most of your resume template format? 

• Use concise language: Be clear and succinct in your descriptions, avoiding unnecessary details or excessive wordiness. 
• Prioritize relevant information: Focus on the most recent and relevant experiences, skills, and bullets that align with the job you're applying for.
• Choose a clean and readable font: Opt for a professional and legible font style, keeping the font size between 10 and 12 points.
• Utilize bullet points: Use bullet points to highlight key points and bullets, making your resume easier to scan and read quickly.
• Reduce margins and spacing: Adjust the margins to save space without making your resume appear cluttered. Do your best to keep your resume margins between 0.5" - 1." 

The formatting tool within the Teal AI Resume Builder can help you quickly and easily optimize your resume's physical structure by customizing elements like font, margins, template style, and more in one location with a single click.  

Does a resume have to be one page? Debunking the myth

Much like any "general recommendation," the one-page resume guideline isn't always applicable. 

Every job seeker has different a different skill set, professional experience, and expertise. And where one candidate might exclusively have academic projects to showcase, another might have 20+ years of straightforward work experience in the same career with progressing responsibilities.

So while a single-page resume might be great a great option for some, there are particular situations and circumstances where your experience might impact, “ How long should a resume be ?”

A multi-page resume might be more appropriate if you:

• Have a career in academia, scientific research, or government  
• Have more than 15 years of experience
• Are an executive leader
• Are a C-suite level applicant

How to make a resume one page without losing value

A resume is your personal marketing tool. So how can you market yourself effectively on a one-page resume without losing value? 

Be selective with content 

Carefully review your background, skills, and accomplishments, and choose the most relevant experiences for the job you're applying to. 

Your content should be tailored to the job description—only addressing what the hiring manager or recruiter is looking for. Even if it feels hard, eliminate irrelevant or outdated information to create space for more essential details.

Focus on achievement-based bullets 

Instead of listing all your responsibilities, emphasize your resume accomplishments and quantifiable results. Highlight valuable information like specific bullets demonstrating your skills and impact in previous roles. 

For example, you don't need to list that you managed social media accounts and created content. Instead, using a bullet like "Increased social media engagement by 50% within three months through the implementation of targeted content strategies, resulting in a significant boost in brand visibility and customer interaction." highlights the responsibility while drawing attention to your impact. 

Prioritize the most relevant information

Place the most relevant information towards the top of your resume. Your strongest qualifications (those with the most impact) should be easily accessible. 

It's also important to prioritize details within each section. For example, in the "Work Experience" section, only focus on accomplishments, projects, and responsibilities that demonstrate the skills and experiences most relevant to the job you're applying for. Or, if you find yourself short on space in the "Education" section, focus on your highest level of education.

One-page resumes vs. two-page resumes: which is better for you?

The decision between a single-page resume template or a two-page resume depends on your unique career journey, industry, the role you are applying for, and your overall professional goals.

A one-page resume can be valuable if you have limited work experience or are in the first 10-15 years of your career. It allows you to concisely highlight your relevant skills, education, internships, and notable achievements. 

On the other hand, professionals with several years of experience, mid-level or senior-level positions, or those in fields that require extensive documentation of bullets may benefit from a two-page resume to detail their work history, leadership roles, specialized skills, and other relevant accomplishments. 

So what are the pros and cons of each format? 

One-page resume pros:

• Concise and focused
• Quick and easy to read 
• Ideal for those early in their career 

One-page resume cons:

• Limited space
• May lack comprehensive detail

Two-page resume pros:

• Comprehensive representation
• Suitable for experienced professionals
• Flexibility in presentation

Two-page resume cons:

• Risk of excessive detail
• Time-consuming review
• Printing, formatting, and resume template constraints

Ultimately? The best resume format is the one that aligns with your career journey, industry, the role you’re applying for, and overall professional goals.

How Teal’s AI-powered Resume Builder can help

The Teal  AI Resume Builder  is an all-in-one tool for creating a concise one-page resume that looks professional  and  emphasizes your value and impact. 

With the Resume Builder, you can construct an exhaustive career history, then pick and choose the information you want to include for any role you're applying to based on relevancy. 

Teal also gives you four options for resume templates—allowing you to change the layout of your resume quickly. But no matter how often you change your resume template or export your document as a pdf, the information itself won't shift or change as it often does with something like Google Docs resume templates .

Formatting is one of the most critical ways to save space on a one-page resume. The Resume Builder offers multiple ways to change your:

• Accent color
• Date alignment
• Date format
• Work experience groupings
• Work experience date range

Each of these settings can be adjusted with a clickable drop-down menu—giving you complete control over your resume layout.

Inspiring one-page resume examples

Why it works: Olivia's one-page resume is the perfect balance of white space and detail. It effectively represents their qualifications by showcasing relevant experience and achievements using three concise bullet points or less for each role. Olivia's resume also highlights measurable bullets while demonstrating a track record of delivering successful projects and collaborating with cross-functional teams.

See more one-page resumes in these front-end developer resume examples .

Why it works: Even in a senior-level role, Megan's resume showcases measurable impact and impressive qualifications in one page. And while their education may be robust, to save extra space, Megan focuses on the highest level of education they received by showcasing an MBA rather than any prior education.

For more customer-success manager one-page resumes, explore these customer success manager resume samples .

Why it works:  As an entry-level candidate, Ted has chosen to showcase multiple academic design projects and the impact of those projects. Rather than taking up valuable space listing part-time jobs or career objectives, Ted makes the most of their resume real estate by only listing bullets relevant to a role as a junior graphic designer. 

Explore more one-page graphic design resumes in these graphic designer resume examples.

Start creating your one-page resume

A one-page resume can showcase your skills in a concise and impactful way if done correctly. And while a single-page format might not be for everyone, it can be particularly effective during the first 10-15 years of your career.

Using a one-page resume template, like those in the Teal AI Resume Builder , will help you optimize your resume in a clean, professional, and organized way—leaving you with more time to focus on the important details like tailoring your content, skills, and qualifications to align with the role you're applying for.

Ready to get started?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it okay to have a one page resume.

Yes! Just remember to prioritize your relevant and recent work experience. Be sure to include positions that align with the job you're applying for and highlight accomplishments and responsibilities that demonstrate your skills and qualifications.

Is a two page resume ever okay?

Absolutely! Just focus on refining and condensing your content. Remove any irrelevant or outdated details and prioritize the most impactful and relevant information. Utilize concise language, bullet points, and strategic formatting to make the most of the available space.

How far back should a resume go?

A well-crafted one-page resume should effectively showcase your qualifications and achievements to make a strong impression on hiring managers. It's about presenting the most relevant and impactful information rather than the length of the document. Focus on at least the last ten years of your experience, but be mindful that you should include positions that are relevant to the job you're applying for, so if that ends up being fifteen years of your experience, that's okay, too. The key is relevance.

Kayte Grady

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How Long Should a Resume Be? (And How to Make It Fit One Page)

• Júlia Mlčúchova , 
• Updated January 10, 2024 13 min read

How long should a resume be? You must've wondered about this at some point in your life. Let us assure you, you're not the only one. 

The golden rule is to keep your resume to a one-page format – concise, focused, and easily digestible. But, as it's often the case, nothing is set in stone. 

The length of your resume depends greatly on a number of factors, such as: where you are in your career; or which field you wish to make your career in. 

In this article, we answer the following questions:

How many pages should a resume be?

Can a resume be 2 pages, how far back should a resume go.

• How to make a resume fit one page?

But first...

Table of Contents

Click on a section to skip

What is a resume? 

How long should a resume be for an entry-level position, how long should a resume be for a mid-level position, how long should a resume be for a senior-level position, resume vs cv: what is the (length) difference, when can you leave out a job entry, how to make your resume fit one page.

• Key takeaways: How long should a resume be?

The chances are, you most likely know the answer to this question. But just in case, let's refresh your memory. 

A resume is the most important element of any job application. It is the initial point of contact between you and the recruiters. 

Resume offers prospective employers a brief overview of your career history . It showcases your professional background and skill set by providing a concise summary of:

• Who you are as a professional;
• Your work experience (accompanied by descriptions of your responsibilities and achievements) ; 
• Your education ;
• Any relevant skills you possess (including certifications, awards , or other acknowledgements) . 

The tricky part is finding the right means of presenting all this information in a clear, organized, and professional manner .

One way to achieve this is to make sure your resume has the right length.

Given all the information your resume needs to communicate to the recruiters, you might ask yourself: “Should resume be one page?” .

Your resume needs to hit the sweet spot. Long enough to highlight your achievements and skills, yet concise enough to keep recruiters engaged. It’s a delicate balance.

As far as the general consensus goes, keeping your resume to only one page seems to be the best way of achieving this balance.  

This overwhelming preference is mainly due to a very pragmatic reason – it saves time. And time is a precious commodity. Why?

Because recruiters spend about 6 seconds on each application. 

On average, hiring managers are said to need only 6 seconds to determine whether you'd be a good fit for their company or not. 

In this brief moment, a recruiter scans for key info: your past jobs, education, and skills that match the job they're trying to fill. This is why having a resume that's clear, to the point, and well-organized is indispensable. 

If you don't have your resume yet, visit our AI Resume Writer which can automatically generate the entire resume for you. It'll take only a few seconds.  

As we've said, a one-page resume is the standard. But that doesn't mean that you can't deviate from this standard and still succeed. In fact, there are cases where choosing a two-page format would be more fitting . 

One way to find out if a two-page resume is the way to go for you is to look at where you currently are in your career . Different stages call for a different approach to resume length. 

Which category do you belong to?

• Entry-level (0-2 years of experience)
• Mid-level professional (3-10 years of experience)
• Senior-level professional (10+ years of experience)

It goes without saying that you should definitely stick to a one-page resume. 

If you're looking to fill an entry-level position, you're probably either:

• Still a student
• A recent graduate
• A job hopper
• Or a career changer

In any case, the lack of practical work experience is your Achilles heel. But there's a way around it...

You don't have an extensive work history or a high level of expertise. And that's okay – the tasks and responsibilities of an entry-level job position are generally more basic compared to higher-level positions. 

Still, there's a way you can make the most of the many skills, hard and soft , that are already in your arsenal. We advise you to consider opting for a different resume format altogether . 

Different resume formats can draw the recruiters' attention to different resume sections. Simply by visually emphasizing, or de-emphasizing, their importance. 

Why use a chronological resume (the one that is mostly concerned with your work experience), when you can highlight your transferable soft skills and hard skills by choosing to write a skills-based resume instead. 

Here's where the waters start to be a bit muddier. Nevertheless, our recommendation is: try to stick to a one-page resume. However, if you feel that you simply can't fit all your relevant contributions and achievements into one page, don't be afraid to stretch your resume to two (full) pages. 

Friendly warning though, if you do use a two-page resume, make sure your second page is filled in its entirety!

This doesn't mean that you should try to artificially inflate the size of your resume. There's hardly anything more unprofessional than padding your resume with fluff . 

It can make you look unfocused, haphazard, and unconscientious. Believe us, the recruiters can always tell.

Need help fitting a resume to one page?

Our resume builder allows you to customize resume templates to make sure everything fits.

If you're a senior-level professional, your involvement in the workforce might span 10+ years . Given the depth of experience and range of skills typical for senior roles, a two-page resume is not only possible but sometimes necessary. 

Just remember, a resume should never exceed two pages!

Should you submit a three-page resume, you're risking losing the reader's attention. And in the world of job hunting, that is an act of self-sabotage. Don't forget the 6 seconds rule! It applies to resumes of all lengths. 

This two-page resume should highlight all your strong suits, like:

• A deep knowledge of your area of specialization;
• Strong leadership abilities;
• The ability to manage complex projects; 
• Strategic decision-making;
• Conception and implementation of long-term strategies;
• Development and guidance of others. 

You might've done a double-take just now. 

Yes, there is a difference between the two . 

In Europe, Asia, or the Middle East the two terms can be used interchangeably. However, in Northern America (the U.S.A. and Canada) there's a clear distinction between the two documents, mainly in their: purpose, content, and length. 

• Resume: Resume is used as a part of job application across most industries . It presents information that is the most relevant for the position you're applying for. Each resume is custom-tailored to specific job postings. 
• CV: CVs are used in academia, scientific, and research fields . Unlike a resume, a CV isn't usually customized for each job application. 
• Resume: The core of a resume consists of your professional summary, work experience, skills , and education. Other sections may include: volunteering, certificates, or awards. 
• CV : It extensively details your academic history, such as: description of your degrees; your teaching experience; involvement in research projects; lecturing at conferences; list of your publications; or professional references . 
• Resume: Resumes are brief and targeted. Their length is between 1-2 pages . We strongly advise against anything longer. 
• CV: As CVs cover your entire academic career, there really is no limit to its length . CVs can span several pages – sometimes even 15 and more. 

You may ask yourself: “How long should a resume be for 20 years experience?” .  As your experience in the workforce grows, so does your potential resume content. The more time you spend working, the more deliberate you'll have to be about which information to keep and which to let go off.

There is an unwritten rule for how far back should a resume go – the work experience on your resume should not be older than 10 or 15 years . This is more than enough to showcase your career growth and relevant skills without overloading your resume with outdated information. 

The work landscape changes fast , and the skills you've picked up 11 years ago may not be so relevant to the corresponding job position now. 

There's a way how to describe the work experience on your resume properly. It entails quite a lot of information:

• The name of your employer
• The name of your job position
• Dates of employment
• What you learnt
• What value did you bring to your employer
• How did your skills impact your team

Do what you can, you'll only manage to fit around 3-4 job entries a page . 

If you need help weeding out unnecessary job entries, consider the following questions:

• Is this job entry older than 10-15 years? Older job entries don't necessarily reflect the level of your current skills and capabilities. Recruiters are interested in your most recent jobs anyways.
• Is this job entry relevant to the position I wish to fill? Relevancy is key! Focus on jobs and roles that highlight your qualifications for the position you're applying for. Omitting irrelevant job entries keeps your resume concise and focused. For example, if you're applying for a mid-level position in marketing, you don't have to mention the part-time babysitting gig you did while in college. 
• Does this job entry involve the same achievements and duties as my other entries? Keep in mind that a resume is just a summary of your career. In your work experience, you've probably held similar positions in different companies. If this is your case, choose to highlight only the most significant or recent ones.

In short, anything that doesn't add value to your resume must go. 

Remember, the goal of your resume is to present the most compelling and relevant experiences and skills . It's a strategic selection that should convince the recruiters that you are the right person for the job.

Keep your resume focused, relevant, and concise to make the strongest impact.

If you're still scratching your head over how to fit your resume to just one page , here are five tips you may find useful.

Anything that doesn't add value to your resume must go.

Avoid flowery descriptions; use bullet points instead of full sentences; use action verbs.

It takes only 3-5 sentences to pen an effective and eye-catching summary.

Watch out for work experience entries with the same job descriptions.

Make your resume more compact by reducing or removing unnecessary sections.

Now, let's look more closely at each of these 5 tips and explain in depth what you should do to fit a resume into one page.

1. Tailor your content.

You should custom tailor your resume to fit a specific job description each time you're sending a new application. This will help you eliminate any unnecessary information that might take up precious space. 

Make the content of your resume align as closely as possible with specific job requirements. Emphasize the skills and experiences that showcase your suitability for the particular position:

• Go back to the job posting. 
• Identify keywords and phrases related to the job description and candidate requirements.
• Select your job entries based on which best connect to the said keywords.
• In your work experience descriptions, go into detail about specific achievements and successes that make you the perfect candidate for the job. 
• Every piece of information should add value, focusing on outcomes and impacts rather than just duties.
• If possible , use quantifiable metrics for stronger impact. 

2. Word economy.

Sometimes, you can shrink the text volume in your resume just by rephrasing it better. 

The aim here is to convey the maximum amount of information with the fewest words.  

• Avoid flowery descriptions. Keep your sentences straight-to-the point, free of any unnecessary digresses. 
• Use bullet points. Writing in full sentences can also be a waste of space . Instead, use bullet points to get the message across. It will make your resume more digestible, organized, and easier on the recruiter's eye. 
• Use action verbs. Instead of “ I did this ” and “ I did that ” start your bullet points with action verbs like 'managed', 'developed', 'led', etc. This makes your accomplishments sound more impactful and cuts down on word count.

Look at this example of a candidate's work description:

“As a Marketing Advisor at XYZ Corp, I was deeply immersed in the intricate world of strategic marketing, where I embraced the challenge of crafting compelling narratives to enhance brand visibility and foster meaningful customer engagement. In this role, I also played a pivotal part in analysing market trends and consumer behaviour. I took great pride in collaborating with cross-functional teams, where I offered my expertise and creative vision to elevate every project. My tenure was marked by a passionate commitment to excellence and innovation, consistently seeking new avenues to enrich the customer experience and strengthen the company’s brand presence in a competitive landscape“.

Pretty exhausting isn't it? Descriptions similar to this are the surest way to annoy and bore the hell out of any recruiter. Your resume will go directly to trash. 

The same job description can be easily fixed and rewritten. Following our tips you can go from boring and lengthy description, to something like this:

Marketing advisor | XYZ Corp

• Led 5 major marketing campaigns, increasing brand visibility by 30%
• Analysed market trends across 10+ industries, driving strategies that resulted in a 20% increase in market share
• Collaborated with 4 cross-functional teams, enhancing project outcomes by 40%
• Implemented innovative marketing techniques that boosted overall profitability by 15%
• Developed and executed 3 key customer experience enrichment strategies

3. Keep your professional summary short. 

Your resume summary can be another word trap. Many people make the mistake of trying to include too much information into their summaries. 

Remember, this is supposed to be a short text . It's meant to be just a teaser of what the recruiter can find in your resume, not the whole resume itself. It takes only 3-5 sentences to pen an effective and eye-catching summary. 

Take this as an example of an effective resume summary:

“Experienced Marketing Advisor with 6 years of proven success in enhancing brand growth and market share. Skilled in utilizing analytics to drive strategic campaigns and improve customer engagement. Recognized for creative problem-solving and effective team collaboration. Committed to innovative, impactful marketing solutions that resonate with diverse audiences and achieve business objectives.“

4. Avoid repetition. 

This one is pretty self-explanatory. It directly ties to what we've talked about in previous paragraphs. Once you've finished writing your resume, check it again for any unnecessary repetitions, such as:

• Work experience entries with the same/similar descriptions
• Repetitive use of the same adjectives   
• Repetitive daily tasks descriptions

If you feel that you need to include several similar roles, focus on how you've grown or what new responsibilities you took on in each position. This can show career progression.

5. Don't be afraid to reduce sections. 

While each resume section serves its unique purpose , sometimes the best way to make your resume more compact is to reduce or leave some of them out :

• Education details . If you've already spent several years working in a specific industry, it's not necessary to go into great detail in your “education” section. Avoid writing about your coursework, GPA, or academic awards. Listing just your degree, name of the institution, and the dates of study will suffice. 
• Hobbies and interests. Unless your hobbies or interests relate directly to the job you're applying for, you can remove this section altogether. 

Key takeaways : How long should a resume be?

The ideal resume length is typically one page . Two-page resumes are also acceptable in certain cases, but keep in mind that a resume should never be three pages or longer .

Resume length by career stage:

• Entry-level : Stick to a one-page resume, highlighting skills and education.
• Mid-level : A one-page resume is recommended, but two pages can be acceptable if needed to adequately showcase your achievements.
• Senior-level : A two-page resume is acceptable given the depth of experience, but it shouldn't exceed this length.

Include up to 10-15 years of work experience on your resume . Older positions may not be as relevant and can be omitted to save space and maintain relevance.

Tailoring your resume for each specific job application is key . It will help you keep your resume to one page by removing any information that doesn't connect to the job requirements. Always highlight the experiences and skills which are the most relevant to the position you're applying for. 

If you need to make your resume fit into one page , you can use strategies such as word economy, avoiding repetitions, and removing less critical sections. 

When trying to fit your resume into one page, don't just cram all the information together without any forethought. For your resume to be truly impactful, you need to pay attention to its readability and clarity . We have a solution! With our resume templates you'll find the right layout to elevate your resume. 

Julia has recently joined Kickresume as a career writer. From helping people with their English to get admitted to the uni of their dreams to advising them on how to succeed in the job market. It would seem that her career is on a steadfast trajectory. Julia holds a degree in Anglophone studies from Metropolitan University in Prague, where she also resides. Apart from creative writing and languages, she takes a keen interest in literature and theatre.

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Should a Resume Be One Page? Pros, Cons, and a Debate

One of the most important decisions you have to make while crafting your resume is to choose how many pages to use. Many people believe a resume shouldn’t be longer than one page, but is that really the best option? In this blog post, we’ll try to answer the question “should a resume be one page long,” explore the pros and cons of this approach, and help you decide which option is the best for you.

What Is a Resume and What Is Its Purpose?

A resume is a document that provides an overview of a person’s experience and qualifications. It gives potential employers insight into the candidate’s skills and accomplishments. While you don’t have to prepare a resume for every job application, employers often expect it.

Resume Length

Most resumes are one or two pages long and include several sections, such as contact details, objective or summary statement, work history, education, and skills.

The most typical resume is one page long. Many candidates opt for this format because employers generally don’t have the time to review lengthy documents, especially when considering multiple candidates. In addition, this format also allows you to be more selective about the information you include.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if you have a lot of experience or credentials in a particular area, you may need two pages. Moreover, certain professions, such as academia, typically require longer resumes.

If you are still unsure about the appropriate length for your resume, you can always consult a career counselor or use one of the resume builders we reviewed.

What To Include in One-Page Resumes

When creating a one-page resume, the key is to include only the most essential information. This means providing a clear and concise overview of your work history, educational background, and skills.

While you may be tempted to mention every detail of your career history, remember that your goal is to capture the reader’s attention and give them a snapshot of your most relevant qualifications. Therefore, try to focus on including only the experiences directly related to the job position you’re applying for.

Regarding your educational background and skills, again, only include the necessary information. For example, there is no need to list your high school diploma if you have extensive experience in your field. 

By following these tips, you can create a one-page professional resume that will leave a strong impression on your potential employers.

How To Make a Resume Fit on One Page

For most job seekers, creating a resume is an exercise in balancing between including too much or not enough information. How do you distill years of experience down to just one or two pages? Then again, if your resume is too long, it risks getting lost in the shuffle.

While both sides have advantages, you will most likely make a better impression if you can fit the resume on one page. Here are a few simple tips to help you achieve this:

• First, focus on relevancy . Include only the information directly relevant to the position you are applying for. This may mean leaving out older job experiences that are not directly related to your current career goals.
• Second, use white space wisely . A cluttered and crammed resume is hard to read and will likely be passed over. Use appropriate spacing to make your resume more readable and eye-catching.
• Third, be concise in your descriptions . According to statistics, recruiters need only seven seconds to scan your resume , so be as straightforward as possible. For example, you can use bullet points and action verbs to communicate your point efficiently.
• Finally, don’t be afraid to get creative . If you have to include plenty of information on a single page, you may need to get creative with formatting to make everything fit.

Pros and Cons of a One-Page Resume

A single-page resume has several advantages over the traditional two-page format:

• It’s more likely to hold the recruiter’s attention. 
• It’s easier to navigate, making the key information more accessible. 
• It highlights the most relevant information, allowing the reader to quickly identify whether the candidate is a good fit for the position.
• It conveys confidence and professionalism, which can help impress a potential employer.

While one-page resumes may seem like the easier option, you should consider the disadvantages before making the final decision.

One of the most common problems with single-page resumes is that they are sometimes too condensed, making it difficult for employers to get a clear sense of the candidate’s skills and experience. Moreover, the job seeker may have trouble including important keywords and details that could help them stand out from other candidates.

Ultimately, a single-page format does offer plenty of benefits, but it’s not always the ideal option. That’s why it’s vital to carefully weigh what information you need to include in your resume and check what format is the best for the job you want.

The One or Two-Page Resume Debate

There has been a lot of debate lately about whether a resume should be one page long. Some argue that you need to be able to effectively sell yourself on a single page in today’s competitive job market. They also say employers simply don’t have the time to read lengthy resumes while evaluating multiple candidates.

However, those who oppose the one-page limit claim that it doesn’t provide enough space to highlight a candidate’s skills and work history adequately. They also point out that specific fields, such as academia and research, require more detailed resumes. 

In the end, there is no right or wrong answer to this issue — it boils down to the specific job you’re applying for and whether you can efficiently condense your relevant experience into one page or not.

Should a Resume Be One Page? | The Takeaway

In the end, does a resume have to be one page long? This is ultimately up to the job seeker to decide. Regardless of the length, following general tips and advice from experts will help make sure that your resume is concise and easy to read.

If you’re having trouble condensing all of your experience onto one page, remember that it’s better to have a shorter, high-quality resume than one filled with unnecessary information. So don’t be afraid to trim extraneous details and focus on what matters most: the qualifications for the job you want.

FAQ on Should a Resume Be One Page?

You can start by condensing your work history into a few bullet points. Then, include the most relevant accomplishments from your professional and academic experiences. Finally, add any skills or qualifications that make you the ideal candidate for the position.

If your resume is two pages long, printing each page on separate sheets would be best. That way, the reader won’t have to flip over a single sheet while evaluating your qualifications.

If you’re wondering, “should a resume be one page or two,” try to fit your information on a single page, if possible. Still, you shouldn’t avoid using a two-page format if you have plenty of relevant work experience and qualifications.

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How To Write A One-Page Resume

Recruiter-backed advice on building a one-page resume that still showcases all your essential skills by condensing statements, reducing margins, combining headings and tailoring your roles.

8 months ago   •   6 min read

So, you’re facing the challenge of creating a high-performing resume that showcases your essential skills but still fits onto one page. You don’t want to omit anything relevant, but how do you fit everything into one page without cutting important details?

To condense your resume to one page, focus on recent, relevant experience and remove anything not directly related to the application. You can also reduce your margins, merge related sections, and eliminate any duplicate information.

In this article, we’ll discuss why it's preferable to write a one-page resume, how to choose what to cut and what to include, and how to organize your resume to maximize readability and maintain a professional look.

Do you really need a one-page resume?

The short answer is yes and no. While it's not wrong to have a two-page resume, modern recruiters only spend an average of 7 seconds reviewing an application. With a two-page resume, a recruiter will spend less time reading each page, so it’s better to write one great page than two mediocre ones.

But surely it's better to include more information than less? Actually, no. The more you give a recruiter to read, the harder it is for them to pick out the information they want. While you might be tempted to include everything you've ever accomplished, it's far more useful to determine what a recruiter is looking for and showcase these skills upfront.

For most applications, a one-page resume is best , especially for entry-level positions or students. Only consider a two-page resume if you’re a senior professional with extensive relevant experience. Never make your resume three or more pages ; It just won't be read.

If you're wondering whether your one-page resume effectively showcases all relevant experience and skills or if it should extend to two pages, upload it to the tool below for tailored insights on optimizing length and content.

How to make your resume one page

Knowing how to make your resume shorter is as much about knowing what to cut as what to include. The key is to be concise and direct, and only include your most impressive achievements. You might think you can't fit your resume on one page now, but even the longest resume can be trimmed down with a little targeted editing.

Tailor your resume to each application

The number 1 rule for fitting your resume onto one page is to tailor your experience to each application by only including information directly relevant to the job you're applying for. This means evaluating everything on your resume and only selecting roles and accomplishments that showcase the specific skills the new position is looking for.

For help targeting your resume, use our Targeted Resume tool to scan your resume for relevant keywords and receive personalized feedback on areas that can be improved.

Reduce margins and font size

You can reduce your page margins to 0.5 inches and font to 11 or 10 points to give yourself a little more room when trying to fit everything onto one page. But don't use a font smaller than 10, or margins less than 0.5, as this will make your resume cramped, harder to read, and overall less professional.

Remove duplicate information

When describing work experience, remove redundancy by combining statements and bullet points that discuss similar points. This will help you reduce unused space while also making strong, concise statements.

For example, the two bullet points below both discuss project management skills and describe similar roles and responsibilities:

• Led a cross-functional team in project planning, scheduling, and execution.
• Managed project budgets and ensured financial goals were met.

To reduce space, combine these two points into one sentence:

• Spearheaded cross-functional project teams, overseeing planning, scheduling, and budget management to consistently meet financial goals.

Cut irrelevant sections

Remove outdated resume sections that don't directly add to your application. Resume sections to consider cutting include:

• Objective statement: Replace your objective statement with a targetted resume summary , or simply remove it altogether. Modern recruiters are more interested in what you can bring to the table than what you're looking for in a position.
• References: Employers will ask for references when it's relevant and don't expect them to be included on your resume.
• Hobbies and interests: This section is often irrelevant to your application and can be cut to maintain clarity and relevance. Replace hobbies with skills that explain your abilities rather than your interests.
• High school information: If you have completed further/higher education, your high school details are generally no longer relevant and can be removed entirely.
• Education details: If you're a mid to senior-level professional with enough relevant work experience, reduce your education section to only your most recent accomplishments and degree.
• Volunteering: Though helpful for entry-level candidates, if you have enough paid experience for your application, remove any volunteering work and focus on paid roles.

Prioritize your most recent experience

Remember, you don't need to include every job on your resume, especially entry-level and short-term positions. Prioritize your most recent experience and focus on jobs that showcase relevant skills and quantifiable achievements. Remove any experience, education, and qualifications over ten years old unless it's specifically relevant to your application.

Make the most of each line

While you don't want to cram your resume so full of text it becomes hard to read, you can use some specific techniques to save space where it counts.

For example, when creating your resume header , instead of listing your address, phone number, and contact information on separate lines, combine all this information into one line, separated by dashes (-), dots (∙), or vertical bars (|). This creates a professional-looking header that reduces wasted space at the top of your resume, as shown in the example below.

You can save space by using a semicolon (;) to separate information on the same line. This is especially helpful in your education and qualifications sections, as shown below.

You can also use a semicolon to separate different subsections within your Skills or Additional Information sections, such as varying skill proficiency levels , as shown below.

Combine similar sections

If you have multiple sections to your resume that include a small amount of relevant information, consider combining your headings to make a more compact and streamlined document.

Work experience, volunteering, and professional projects can be combined into an "Experience" section to showcase all your relevant work experience, and education, certificates, and qualifications can be combined under one "Education" section.

Use an "Additional Information" section

"Additional Information" is a helpful section to highlight extra information relevant to your application that doesn't fit into other standard resume categories. Combining this extra information under one heading helps reduce space taken up by section headings and improves the readability of your resume.

Additional information should be listed at the bottom of your resume, and can include:

• Language skills
• Technical skills (if not including a specific skills section)
• Certificates, qualifications, and additional training
• Awards and achievements
• Volunteering or unpaid experience
• Publications
• Personal or professional projects
• Interests and hobbies

One-page resume examples

Here are some examples of optimized one-page resumes for entry-level and mid-level applicants. For more examples, head to our Resume Worded template library to browse and download various professional resume templates.

Here is an example of an entry-level one-page resume:

And here is an example of a senior-level one-page resume:

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A Breakdown of a Successful One Page Resume – And How to Write Yours

In This Guide:

Should your resume be one page, how to fit 25 years of experience in a single page – william’s one-page resume., a ceo and co-founder’s one-page resume – how pavel fit his professional life on a single page., founder, director, and vp of product – gal’s double-column single-page resume., how to write your resume to fit on one page – a handful of actionable resume tips., key takeaways.

Having a one-page resume is possible, even if you have decades of experience behind your back.

In this article, we’ll analyze concrete examples of one-page resumes built by Enhancv users – from William, a Japanese entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience to Pavel whose professional background took him to three countries, and Gal that has spent a decade in the product management and business development world.

All three of them share one common thing – a single-page resume.

So, how do you fit that many years of experience into an effective resume without omitting important details?

Keep reading and you’ll learn:

• If your resume should be one page long.
• How to focus on relevant skills and experience to cut down your resume to a single page.
• Which resume sections are a must in single-page resumes.

Hands down the best and most intuitive resume builder I've used. Go for the pro plan - it's the best bang for your buck. You get a lot more sections, which helps with the different variations of your cv, especially if you want to tailor it to different industries.

Alex Lafreniere, a happy user

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Is your resume good enough?

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Yes, your resume can be one page, regardless of experience. Single-page resumes focus on the most relevant parts of your work history. Put important and relevant information first, as this makes for an efficient format for any professional field.

If you can’t fit all relevant experience on a single page, only then go for a two-page resume.

How to make a one-page resume if you have a ton of experience?

The secret to making a one-page resume when you have 10, 15, or even more than 20 years of work experience is to include information that’s highly relevant to the job you’re applying for.

Study the job description – hiring managers usually include what experience and skillset they’re looking for. Show that. Remember, that may mean you’ll have to make a tailored resume for each job position you apply for.

Thankfully, with Enhancv you can easily copy, edit and download your resumes as many times as you need. It also saves time that you don’t have to worry about design or layout – check our resume builder .

So, does a resume have to be one page?

A resounding no. Professionals with a lot of relevant experience  in a field can benefit from two or even three-page resumes . If you’ve spent the past 15 years working as a business transformation manager and you have a lot of examples to communicate on your resume, then definitely go with a longer one.

Does it mean the one-page resume format is dead?

No. A resume should focus on your relevant experience  and  give insight into the impact you’ve had at previous companies  you’ve worked for and give a glimpse into who you are .

Fit all three on a single page and you’ve got yourself a pretty impactful resume. In the examples we’re going to review below, we’ve made sure to analyze how each has made their resume.

William’s single-page resume takes advantage of our compact resume format . The best way to fit more information on a single page is by browsing the Enhancv resume templates  and choosing a two or three-column layout .

With a single click, you can fit around 50% more content on a single page, compared to what a Microsoft Word template allows you to do.

Still, William took things up a notch. Here’s what he did especially well when writing his resume.

Right under his name, William wrote what defines him as a professional: “Entrepreneur, keynote speaker, advisor & cyber czar’’. This quickly gives you an idea of the kind of jobs he’s held previously, and what is most significant about his career – all in seven words and contained to the resume header.

Next, William shared his life motto in a single sentence: “In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity”.  A simple quote can speak volumes about you as a person and your attitude to work and life itself.

Beyond showing how you see the world, it signals to companies whether you might fit into their culture. This shows us that William is not the kind of person that gives up. He perceives problems as opportunities.

Taken together, these sections give a brief and quick insight into who William is and the energy he would bring to his role and the team. As opposed to a lengthy personal summary, William said all he needed to in two short sentences. Now, let’s continue with William’s experience section…

• • Guided 50 + products from inception through development to market, with maximum efficiency
• • Established strong connections with investors, banks, members of the legal profession, consulting firms incl. Fujitsu, NEC, Sony, and Toshiba
• • Invested in 24+ companies, 14 of which are run by women
• • Supporting an ecosystem that encourages experimentation and opportunity to learn from mistakes
• • Launched at the age of 14
• • Sold to Microsoft for a price that would have let me retire at 33

William includes 3 jobs within his experience section. These are the most recent and significant jobs that relate to the field he hopes to work in. They’re also quite diverse.

Rather than writing pages on every job he has ever had, he has tailored his experience to three impactful descriptions of the jobs that relate most to the job vacancy.

He also decided to name the section Entrepreneurial Experience . This suggests that it covers only a portion of his work experience. This is a case where careful decision-making really pays off.

William goes on to make use of an Enhancv exclusive – the “My Time” section. This allows users to show their time spent during the week or a typical day-in-the-life.

For example, the section makes it obvious that Cybersecurity is something he does best. Again, using this quick visual saves a ton of space.

Furthermore, William utilizes an awards section to mention advising the Japanese Government as well as over twenty tech companies  regarding business, technology, and security.

His other point is ‘’Giving back to the community’’, where he mentions that he’s been supporting charitable and community-based organizations. This saved William another page where he listed all his advisory positions and achievements. All in a few sentences, with bits of his character.

William backs up his previous experience with a notable metric that shows his impact on the bottom line. In a few short words, we see the results of his work. His Authored Books section (another section offered by Enhancv)  contributes to this, too. Here, we get a quick visual of the books he’s published, rather than a long description that would take up many paragraphs.

Pavel’s resume is a great example of someone who has taken our modern resume template  and made the most of it.

Pavel has utilized the Technology section of our resume builder to give a snapshot of the programs he is familiar with. Here, we see five highlighted technologies. It’s simple but effective. This cuts down on writing full sentences to show what systems you’re comfortable with.

• • Lead a strategic project defining where and what type of accommodation supply our marketing and commercial teams (200+ people) need to acquire for our marketplace.
• • Identified a collection of business opportunities for the company helping it to earn 1MLN+ EUR.
• • Mentored 10 people in frame of the collaboration with a research group from TU Delft.
• • Introduced and advocated a culture of 1-pagers for every project in the business unit which improved communication and decreased the need for redundant catch-up meetings.
• • Developed classification techniques to predict inaccurate assignments in crowdsourcing platforms (e.g. Amazon Mechanical TURK, CrowdFlower) utilising the browser behaviour data of workers (e.g. keyboard, mouse, tab events) achieving 97%+ precision and 80% recall.
• • Introduced an approach to collect high quality training data for natural language understanding for arbitrary chatbot domain using crowdsourcing.
• • Organised a Slack community of 200+ researchers and practitioners in the field of crowdsourcing ( http://hcomp.community ).
• • Mentored 3 master students.
• • Introduced regression-based methods to predict abandoned assignments in crowdsourcing tasks, eliminating which leads to 200% speed up with an extra cost of less than 10%.
• • Conducted quantitative and qualitative analysis of workers experience in crowdsourcing platforms. Detected task searching, rewarding, and execution issues. Designed, implemented, and launched (with 400 users, 3 clients) a mobile crowdsourcing platform addressing these issues.
• • Cofounded and lead the company in Italy with a mission to bring the experience of watching space objects to masses.
• • Showed the Moon and planets via telescopes to 5000+ people.
• • Conducted a user study about task searching experience.
• • Developed a prototype of task listing page, optimising task searching experience. It was partially adopted in production.

Taking a look at Pavel’s experience section, we can see how job-rich it is. We’re looking at 6 job titles – from a researcher to a co-founder and CEO. Data science  is a relatively new and expansive area of tech.

For this reason, it’s beneficial to include as many previous experiences as you can that relate to possible duties. Each job is accompanied by a quick bullet point that explains all of Pavel’s responsibilities, and everything is written concisely.

Much like William, Pavel intertwines his impact with his previous experience by providing a significant metric to measure his achievements.

For example, he showed the moon and stars to 5000+ people.

This short description focuses the recruiter on tangible evidence that does not take up a lot of space. If a recruiter wants to know more, they will ask in an interview or over email.

Pavel’s experience is further explained in a simple list of his Selected Courses . Here, space is saved by collecting all relevant and important courses he’s taken in a single section. The titles are enough for the recruiter to understand his skill.

Gal shows us that any resume template can be used when building a one-pager. Using Enhancv’s staple – the double-column resume  – Gal makes an impact without drawing things out.

Accomplishing this in two-three sentences will do wonders to signal to companies that you fit within their culture – ultimately getting you an interview sooner.

Gal makes use of Enhancv’s technologies section but renames it as an “Expertise” section. With this, the recruiter can easily see that Gal is gifted when it comes to B2B, B2C, SaaS, and more. This is an excellent example of cutting paragraphs down to singular words with the same impact.

• • Leading the company's platform product management team and operations across five business units
• • Accelerate the delivery of cross product features by 50% QOQ, resulting in higher retention and ARR growth of platform customers
• • Delivering disruptive email marketing product, reducing x10 time to create stunning emails & frictionless setup: x1,000 less complex
• • Driving company-wide eCommerce innovation, including being the first to offer retention analytics & unified campaigns & flows management
• • Leading product strategy, ownership, marketing and UX of B2B2C video AI platform with +50M users
• • Driving 2,000% revenue growth: product value to existing & new customers, infrastructure optimization & unique AB test product
• • Delivery of new products in 1 to 3 months, tapping into user goals: VOD, data, self-service, existing platforms
• • Driving new business with tier-1 customers through new product design and go-to market: edge cloud virtualization solution
• • Designing open, cross-platform and automated solution empowering customers to launch new services in minutes instead of weeks
• • Leading the growth of the companies eco-system from a single partner to over 15 best of breed technology partners
• • Development from idea to 50,000 active users’ acquisition and initial paying users, including team buildup, delivery & online marketing
• • Build partnerships & custom offering with leading payment gateways
• • Product offering & ecosystem continuous evolution driving 100% to 200% annual revenue growth
• • Establish strategic partnership with Accenture and driving business with strategic accounts such as DoCoMo, Vodafone & Travelocity

Again, Gal introduces his impact by providing a significant metric to measure his achievements. For example, “driving 50% to 100% annual revenue growth”. This captures his ability in one bullet point, as opposed to several sentences on ways he brought a change in a previous company.

Whether you’ve got 25 years, a decade, or a month of experience, making a strong impression is essential. A single-page resume helps you do that.

We gathered the career counseling team at Enhancv  and put all their know-how around writing impactful one-page resumes.

Use a double-column or compact resume template.

A one-pager resume with plenty of experience will not fit on a single-column template. At Enhancv, our double-column template is specifically designed to meet applicant tracking systems requirements and with one-page resumes in mind. You can fit up 50% more information compared to what general resume templates allow for.

Write short, action-oriented bullet points.

Cut the fluff and focus on the make-it-or-break-it moments in your career. Stick to active words and use buzzwords properly .

Draw inspiration from the examples above, or recollect the moments that made you the professional you are today. If you need more inspiration, we have over 500 job-specific resume examples  for you to explore and inspire from.

Use smaller fonts.

Choose a smaller font size but make sure the text remains legible. Size 10 or 11 looks fine and passes readability checks, anything smaller would make your resume hard to read.

Fonts like Oswald , Bitter , and Volkhov  are more compact and allow you to fit more text on a single page.

Remove unnecessary sections.

When you have a lot of relevant experience, you can skip the Education section. Unless you have Cum Laude  from an Ivy League university, you’re generally okay with not including your education. Leave off references as well, unless they’re highly relevant for the job position.

Make sure that your summary is short but packed full of information. It’s the best way to communicate who you are and your skill set in a single sentence.

Decrease the margins' size.

When you decrease the margins of your resumes you get to add more information, however, you have to keep in mind the readability of your resume. No hiring manager wants to read a wall of text.

Enhancv’s resume builder has in-built resume margins you can switch between that still keep your resume readable and easy on the eye.

Use creative sections to spotlight career milestones.

One-page creative resumes are the hardest to make. We’ve compiled over 20 creative resumes  for you to check out. You can make your very own by signing up for Enhancv –– or you can hire our career counselors to help you make your resume .

Single-page resumes seem difficult to create until you get the hang of it –– focus only on experience and skills that show how you can make an impact in the company you’re applying at.

• Cut the extra fluff. Choose only the relevant, result-driven information.
• Use different sections to reframe and communicate your experience in short and engaging ways.
• Choose an Enhancv resume template and focus only on the information and not the design.
• Focus on font size and margins to fit as much information as possible.

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6 Pro Tips for Cutting Your Resume Down to One Page

You know you’re supposed to have a one-page resume . No matter how much you want to cling to your two-pager, we both know that—unless you’re applying to a high-level executive position—no one actually makes it past the first page. You might as well bite the bullet and get all the important bits on one, 8.5x11" document.

So, how do you actually accomplish that without using an eight-point font? (And, no, no one wants that either.) Here are a few tips to get you started.

1. Trim Your Margins

Someone somewhere decided that default page margins should be one inch all around. I have no idea where this notion comes from, but what a waste of space! Of course, you don’t want to go to the absolute edge of printability, but a healthy half-inch margin all around will give you some more surface area and still allow for ample white space.

2. Combine Sections

Creating new sections is a great strategy for rearranging some of your experiences, but new sections mean new headings—and headings take space. So, if you’re trying to cut down, make sure you only have three or four sections on your resume. Try combining sections into something like, “Skills & Interests.” Or, if you feel your achievements and interests are too varied, consider throwing everything that wouldn’t go under your experience or education into an “Additional Information” section.

3. Create Multiuse Lines

If you originally wrote your resume to fit two pages, you may have gotten a little too generous with what warrants its own line. For example, you may have given your college GPA its own line. Ignoring the debate about whether or not your GPA’s relevant anymore , it’s things like this that should be tucked away into another line—maybe in between your degree and your graduation year.

The same is true for your company and job title. They don’t have to be on separate lines. Neither do your street address, phone number, and email address. This can all be one line across, under your name. In fact, you actually don’t even need to include your street address anymore—especially if you’re not currently in town.

4. Maximize the Line Spacing

And by maximize, I mean use as little as possible, obviously. In Microsoft Word, you can manually set the spacing between lines and new sections. It frequently defaults to something quite generous, so at the very least, change it so that there is no additional spacing between lines.

You can fiddle with this under the paragraph settings. While you’re messing with the line spacing, go ahead and set your entire resume to 10-point font (except your name, which should be 14-point or more).

5. Shorten Bullets

Your bullet points are really the meat of your resume. This is where you actually talk about your experience. To ensure that people actually read them, absolutely do not let them trail on to a third line. Two lines max, but preferably one.

To decide between one or two lines, use your space efficiently. If your bullet is one line, plus a little bit that dangles onto the next, find a way to condense your language down. Ultimately, you’re going for a dangler-free resume.

6. Understand the Reality of the Situation

So far, I haven’t actually suggested cutting any content, but it had to happen eventually. You’re going to have to cut stuff .

Really think hard about whether or not each item on your resume is relevant for the job you’re applying for. Try to be objective. If an experience would only potentially be interesting to a hiring manager, cut it in favor of the things you know will make you stand out. I know—it’s not easy to go line by line and kill your darlings. But in the end, you’ll have a better, cleaner document.

I must confess that I actually really enjoy trying to squeeze a person’s professional identity onto one page. For me, it’s a fun little challenge. So, if you’re struggling, try approaching this process as a mental puzzle or game. Now, go solve it.

How to get your resume down to one page

You know that recruiters don’t spend much time reviewing resumes, so you want to get yours down to one page.

A great idea, but it can be difficult to execute.

How do you cut the size down without losing important content or making it look messy?

Here are 21 tips to help reduce your resume down to one page, and still ensure you land job interviews.

Resume templates 

Formatting tips

When looking to trim down your resume , always start with formatting tips.

Format adjustments to the style of your resume allow you to reduce it’s size without removing any of the content you’ve included.

Reduce page margins

One of the easiest ways to save space on your resume is by reducing the page margins.

Page margins are the space around the outside of the page, between the content and the edge of the document.

You should always leave a small margin to keep the resume looking tidy, but reducing it by a few points will increase the amount of text you can get onto the page.

Here’s how to reduce page margins in Microsoft Word . Click the “Layout” tab, then select “Margins”

Reduce line spacing

Another way to save space on your resume is to reduce the spacing between lines of text, paragraphs or sections.

This can be done by adjusting the line spacing settings in your word processor. However, be careful not to cram too much text together, as this can make your resume difficult to read.

A line spacing of 1 or 1.15 should be sufficient to strike a balance between space-saving and readability.

Remove photos

While it may be tempting to include a photo on your resume, it’s generally not necessary and can take up valuable space.

Unless you’re applying for a job in the entertainment or fashion industry, most employers won’t be interested in seeing what you look like.

Removing the photo can free up a lot of space in your resume and make it easier to fit everything onto one page.

Remove unnecessary design features

Design features like colored side bars, borders, and icons may look nice, but they can also make your resume more difficult to read and take up valuable space.

When trying to reduce your resume to one page, it’s best to stick with a simple, clean one-column layout. Use bold or italic text to highlight important information, and avoid adding anything that might take up space unnecessarily.

Reduce size of name and contact details

While it’s important to include your name and contact details on your resume, they don’t need to take up tons of space.

Use a smaller font size or reduce the spacing between lines to make these details more compact. Just make sure that your name and contact information are still easy to read and clearly visible.

Also think about the format you are including this information in. For example; does a recruiter really need to see your full address at the top of your resume? Or would it be sufficient to just include your town, to give them a general idea of where you can commute to?

Reduce font size

When trying to fit everything into one page, reducing the font size is an obvious but useful strategy.

But remember it’s important to make sure that the text remains legible for recruiters and hiring managers. A font size of 10 is generally the smallest you should go, and using a clear, simple font like Arial or Calibri can help ensure that your resume remains functional.

However small you choose to go, just make sure it can still be easily read.

Use multiple columns

If you find that you have lots of blank space on the right-hand side of your resume, then using multiple columns can be a helpful strategy.

This can be done by creating a table or using a resume template that includes multiple columns. Just be sure to keep the layout clean and easy to read, and avoid cramming too much information into each column.

One area of your resume where this works especially well is the Core Skills section.

Fill white space

If you find that your resume has large areas of white space anywhere on the page – just fill them.

For example, if you have a big block of unused space in the top-right corner, think about what other content from the resume you could move there.

Perhaps your contact details could be moved into it, or even your core skills.

Just play around with the layout until you find something that works.

Content tips

If you have exhausted all of the above formatting tips, you’ll need to start cutting down on the content.

Here are some tips on how to do so, without removing the important stuff that hiring managers need to see .

Remove very old work experience

If you have a lot of work experience, it’s usually not necessary to include it all on your resume.

Definitely remove work experience that is more than 10 years old, and consider removing anything 5 years older if you are really struggling for space. This will help keep your resume focused because hiring managers will mainly be interested in your recent work, as a way of gauging your current abilities.

Summarize old roles

If you do decide to include older work experience, consider summarizing it rather than providing a detailed description with lots of bullet points .

For example, instead of listing every job duty you had 15 years ago, you could simply state the job title, company, and provide a one sentence overview.

Group multiple roles into a batch

If you’ve had multiple roles within the same company (or even industry) consider grouping them together under a single heading. This can help save space on your resume and make it easier to read for time-strapped recruiters.

For example, you could list your job title as “ Marketing Manager / Marketing executive (2010-2016) ” and then provide a brief description of your responsibilities and promotions during that time.

Or you could write something like “ Various banking project manager roles – 2001-2007 ”

Write more succinctly

When it comes to writing your resume, less is often more. Be sure to use clear and concise language, and avoid rambling or including unnecessary information.

Review your sentences and remove words or details that aren’t necessary to tell your story.

Use digits instead of written numbers

To save space on your resume, consider using digits instead of written numbers wherever possible.

For example, you could write “increased sales by 25%” instead of “increased sales by twenty-five percent.” This will help keep your resume focused and concise.

Reduce personal information

While it’s important to include your contact information on your resume (cell number and email address) you don’t need to include personal details like your marital status, age, or race.

This information is not relevant to your ability to carry out the job, and recruiters do not need to see it on your resume.

Make use of links

If you have an online portfolio or personal website that showcases your work, try including a link to it on your resume.

This can provide lots of additional proof of your skills and knowledge for recruiters to look at, and will only take a few characters of space on the page.

Remove mentions of references

Employers cannot ask to contact your references until after they have interviewed you and made you a formal job offer.

This means that there is no need to put any reference details on your resume, or even state that “reference are available on request”

If you have any mention of references on your resume, removing them is a quick and easy way of saving space.

Reduce the size of your summary

If you have a summary or objective statement at the top of your resume, it should not be longer than 4-6 sentences.

If it is, you need to cut it down.

Your summary is intended to be a high-level overview of your skills and experience, so keep it brief and save the detail for your work experience section.

Remove hobbies and interests

Hobbies and interests do not normally have any impact on a hiring decision.

Unless you have a specific hobby or interest that’s directly related to the job (for example, if you’re applying for a job in the fitness industry and you’re an avid runner), it’s best to leave this information off when shooting for a one-page resume.

Remove non-vital certifications

If you have a lot of certifications, consider removing those that aren’t essential to the job you’re applying for.

For example if you are applying for legal jobs then it will be imperative to keep your law degree in the resume – but you can probably remove your high school grades and first-aid certificate.

This will help keep your resume focused and prevent the education section from becoming too long.

Use acronyms

Using acronyms can be a great way to save space on your resume, especially when it comes to technical terms or industry-specific jargon.

For example, instead of writing out “Search Engine Optimization,” you could simply write “SEO.” Just be sure to use acronyms that are widely recognized and understood within your industry.

Tailor your resume heavily

One of the most important things you can do to reduce your resume to one page is to tailor it heavily to the job you’re applying for.

This means cutting out anything that is not relevant to match the requirements of the positions you are applying for.

If you are really struggling to get size down to one page, you can be really brutal here.

Use keywords from the job posting, and make sure that your resume only highlights the skills and experience that are most relevant to the job.

This will also help ensure that your resume stands out to employers and increases your chances of landing an interview.

Does your resume need to be one page?

Although one page resumes have their advantages, your resume doesn’t necessarily need to be one page.

The length of your resume will depend on your individual circumstances and the expectations of the industry you’re applying to.

For example, if you’re a recent college graduate with limited work experience, a one-page resume may be appropriate. However, if you have extensive experience or a long list of accomplishments, a two-page resume may be more suitable – and won’t necessarily offend recruiters.

That being said, it’s important to keep in mind that employers are often pressed for time and may not have the bandwidth to review lengthy resumes.

It’s generally a good idea to keep your resume as concise and focused as possible, highlighting only the most important information and accomplishments.

Ultimately, the goal is to create a strong and compelling resume that effectively communicates your skills, experience, and qualifications – and this can be done effectively with one or two pages.

Pros of a one page resume

• Easy for recruiters to read – A one page resume can be quickly and easily reviewed by employers, saving them time and increasing your chances of making it past the initial screening process .
• Focus on important attributes – A concise and focused one page resume can highlight your most relevant skills and experience quickly, helping you stand out as a strong candidate for the job.
• Show off communication skills – A one page resume can demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively and efficiently, which is an important skill in many industries.

Cons of a one page resume

• Not enough detail – A one page resume may not provide enough space to fully showcase your qualifications and experience – particularly if you have extensive work history or a complect profession.
• Not always industry suitable – A one page resume may not be appropriate for certain industries or positions, where a more detailed and comprehensive resume may be expected ,such as technical or scientific roles.

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How to use ChatGPT to write your resume

Back-to-school season is here, which means applications to their next academic ventures, internships, or first jobs are top of mind for many students. Whether you're seeking to launch your career or you've been in the labor market for decades, there's one thing we can all agree on -- creating a resume that attracts the eye of recruiters is a challenge.

How to use ChatGPT to write:  Cover letters  |  Code | Excel formulas | Essays  

Landing a job that aligns with your qualifications and expectations is hard enough. You also have to sum up all your professional experiences and strengths in one application -- and the heart of that application is your CV or resume. 

The ideal resume is a concise one-page document that highlights your academic, professional, and leadership achievements, which is just as difficult to assemble as it sounds. OpenAI's  ChatGPT  can make the resume-building process a breeze.

How ChatGPT can help build your resume

You can use ChatGPT to generate ideas and bullet points for your role from scratch or to refine and optimize your current points that are not hitting the mark. Beyond key points, the AI tool can help you answer questions about putting together your resume. Here's how to get started.

Side note:  We are using ChatGPT, but you can use any AI chatbot -- there are plenty of capable AI chatbots to choose from .

1. Choose a resume template

ChatGPT will help you with the text in your resume, but you'll need to pick a template before you get started. The program you're using to write the resume -- such as Google Docs, Microsoft Word, or Canva -- will likely have a resume template already.

Also: How to use ChatGPT to digitize your handwritten notes for free

A quick Google search for resume templates will also bring up hundreds of editable templates you can import into your program of choice.

2. Sign in to ChatGPT (optional)

On April 1, 2024, OpenAI stopped requiring you to log in to ChatGPT. You can now access ChatGPT simply by visiting ChatGPT's website . However, if you want to take advantage of certain perks, such as being able to revisit the chat later, analyzing PDFs , or digitizing hand-written notes , you need to sign up to access those features. 

Also:  How to save a ChatGPT conversation to revisit later

Signing up is easy. Go to OpenAI's ChatGPT homepage and open an account by creating an OpenAI login or using your existing Google or Microsoft account. ChatGPT is free, so the sign-up process is simple, requiring no credit cards or obscure information. 

3. Add text

If you want ChatGPT to generate text for your resume from scratch, all you have to do is ask. 

Whether you want it to generate your professional summary or an individual bullet, ask it directly. For example, I asked ChatGPT, "Can you write a short, professional resume summary about my role as a tech reporter?" Within seconds, it generated what you see in the screenshot below.

Also:  How to get ChatGPT to browse the web for free

Although ChatGPT can create content ready to be copied and pasted into a resume, you should tweak the text so it is personalized to your experiences and doesn't look like a chatbot wrote it.

Employers want to learn about what makes you unique. Without your assistance, the chatbot can only access generic content about your role. You can also use the  Custom Instructions  feature to share some details about your role and interests that ChatGPT can reference when outputting the text to give it a little more nuance. 

4. Use ChatGPT to revamp your text

Whether you fill out the template yourself before using ChatGPT's assistance or have an existing resume you want to enhance, ChatGPT is a great resource for polishing up text. 

All you have to do is copy and paste your text and ask ChatGPT to make it better. 

Also: The best AI chatbots: ChatGPT and other interesting alternatives to try

For example, I asked ChatGPT, "Can you make this resume bullet sound better: 'I write stories about technology.'" Within seconds, it outputted an elaborate bullet point that incorporated a professional tone and made that simple sentence more complex, as seen in the screenshot above.

Once you get your result, you can always tell ChatGPT to tweak it further with prompts like, "Make it shorter" or "Can you include [additional details]?" 

How much does it cost for ChatGPT to write my resume?

ChatGPT is currently free to use regardless of what type of writing you use it for, which includes resume-building assistance. 

How can ChatGPT help me with my resume?

ChatGPT can generate text for different parts of your resume, including your professional summary and individual bullet points for each experience.

Also:  How to nail the 'Do you have any questions for me?' part of the interview

The chatbot can also help enhance your current resume by optimizing your text. If you have any questions about how to format your resume and what to include, ChatGPT can give you some answers.

What should I put in my resume?

Ideally, you want a resume to highlight all your career accomplishments. This can include any educational, professional, and leadership experiences that are meaningful to you. You should also include as much detail about your unique experiences to make you stand out from other applicants.

How I test an AI chatbot's coding ability - and you can, too

How to use chatgpt: everything to know about using gpt-4o and gpt-4o mini, how to use chatgpt to analyze pdfs (and more) for free.