Should my CV only be 1 page long?

A CV’s role is to make a case for why you are the ideal applicant for a specific position. Your CV must convey who you are, the skills you bring, and your future career aspirations. A CV that only fills half a page will unlikely achieve this objective. A CV that is four pages long will likely lose all its impact and fail to make a positive impression.

If you have significant education and work experience, you probably wonder if your CV should only be one page long. Here we answer the single-page CV quandary and clarify the circumstances when it is acceptable to continue onto a second or third page.

CV length

The rule of thumb is that a CV should be less than three pages. This guidance clarifies that one-page and two-page CVs are acceptable and effective.

A word of caution: Do not delete crucial information that quantifies why you are the perfect candidate. For some people, a three-page CV is perfectly justified.

CV writing tip: Take the time to ensure each CV section relays your message in a clear, concise, and presentable way. It helps to provide evidence of your skills or achievements rather than adding them as a single-word bullet point list. Use facts, figures, recognition, and awards to justify each statement.

Too much work history? It is rarely advantageous to go back more than 15 years when adding your work history. You can remove older roles and less relevant positions, as long as this does not leave a significant gap in your career timeline.

CV elements to include or exclude

Your CV must relay certain information, even if this takes you onto a second or third page. We recommend that all CVs include the following sections:

If your CV is too short or long, optional information includes:

  • Professional profile or portfolio links
  • Degree modules or projects
  • High school and college qualifications if you are degree-educated
  • Volunteer work or community projects
  • List of references

How to get your CV onto one page

If you want to create a one-page resume without sacrificing the quantity of content, you can adjust the margin and font size. If your word processor is set to double or one and a half line spacing, you can reduce this to single line spacing. However, the format and professional presentation of your CV are more important than cramming everything onto one page. After all, if a hiring manager struggles to read your tiny typeface, your CV might be destined for the bin or shredder.

Conclusion: Should my CV be only one page long?

In most cases, a one-page CV is ideal, but two pages are advantageous if you have relevant information, experience, qualifications, and skills to convey. While less than three pages are advisable, academic, scientific, and highly-regulated business sectors may command a longer CV.

CV template examples

For further help creating a one or two-page CV, view our CV templates and explore our career advice.


About the Author: Neil Hagger

With a rich experience spanning over two decades in recruitment, Neil's passion for CV excellence is palpable. Witnessing countless subpar CVs has motivated him to champion the creation of bespoke CVs tailored for sector-specific roles. While Neil encourages innovative approaches to make candidates stand out, he remains a staunch believer in maintaining universally relatable CV formats.



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