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One Page Resume vs Two Page Resume: Which is Better in 2025? A Data-Driven Guide

The age-old question: one-page resume or two? Let's cut through the noise and figure out what really works in today's job market.

7 min read
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Beginner
Resume LengthFormatOne PageTwo PageResume Formatting

What You'll Master in This Guide

The pros and cons of one-page and two-page resumes
When a longer resume is actually beneficial
How to tailor your resume length to specific job applications
1

Introduction

Hey everyone! The 'one-page vs. two-page resume' debate is a classic, right? The truth is, there's no single right answer. It depends entirely on your experience level and the job you're applying for. For freshers, a concise one-pager is usually best. But for experienced professionals with a long and impressive career history, a two-pager might be necessary to showcase everything relevant.

One-Page Resumes: The Pros

  • Keeps Recruiters Engaged: Recruiters are busy. A shorter resume ensures they see your key skills and achievements quickly.
  • ATS-Friendly: Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) often prefer concise resumes, making it easier for your application to pass the initial screening. Check out our guide on /knowledge-center/ats-friendly-resume-template-what-recruiters-actually-see to learn more about optimizing for ATS.
  • Easy to Read and Scan: A well-structured one-pager makes it easy for recruiters to quickly assess your qualifications.

One-Page Resumes: The Cons

  • Limited Space: If you have extensive experience, you might struggle to fit everything relevant onto a single page.
  • May Exclude Relevant Information: Cutting out important achievements to fit a one-page limit could hurt your chances.

Two-Page Resumes: The Pros

  • Space to Showcase Achievements: Plenty of room to detail your accomplishments and highlight relevant skills across your career.
  • Suitable for Senior Professionals: Ideal for individuals with extensive experience and multiple significant roles.

Two-Page Resumes: The Cons

  • Risk of Losing Attention: Recruiters may skim over a longer resume, missing your key selling points. Learn about what recruiters look for in the first six seconds at /knowledge-center/what-recruiters-look-for-in-6-seconds.
  • Not Always ATS-Friendly: Some ATS systems struggle with longer documents, potentially impacting your chances of getting shortlisted.

The Verdict?

Ultimately, the best length depends on your situation. If you're a fresher with limited work experience, a one-page resume is generally recommended. However, if you have a substantial and varied work history, a well-structured two-page resume might be necessary to fully showcase your expertise. Remember to always tailor your resume to each specific job description. Using RebuildCV’s AI can help you streamline this process and ensure your resume is ATS-friendly regardless of length.

Pro Tip: Don't just focus on the page count. Focus on creating a compelling narrative that highlights your most relevant skills and achievements for that specific job. Use strong action verbs and quantifiable results to make your resume stand out. Remember, a well-written one-page resume is always better than a poorly written two-page resume.

Expert Pro Tips

#1

Use RebuildCV's AI to check your resume length and suggest improvements.

#2

Always tailor your resume to the specific job description. RebuildCV can help you do this quickly and easily.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should my resume be if I have 10+ years of experience?

A two-page resume might be necessary to showcase your extensive experience effectively, but ensure it's well-organized and easy to scan. Focus on your most relevant achievements.

Resume LengthExperienceResume Design
Will a two-page resume hurt my chances of getting shortlisted?

Not necessarily. If your experience justifies a longer resume, and it's well-structured and keyword-optimized, it shouldn't be a problem. However, ensure it's ATS-friendly. Many recruiters use AI-powered tools, and according to LinkedIn Talent Solutions, these tools can sometimes struggle with longer documents.

ATSResume LengthTwo-Page Resume

🔍 How AI Impacts Resume Length

AI is changing the game. While some ATS systems might struggle with excessively long resumes, RebuildCV's AI helps you optimize your resume for these systems, regardless of length. The key is clear, concise writing and a focus on relevant keywords. the World Economic Forum highlights the increasing use of AI in recruiting, so ensuring your resume is both human-readable and machine-friendly is crucial.

Ready to Transform Your Career with RebuildCV?

Apply these formatting strategies with RebuildCV's AI-powered optimization and join 100,000+ professionals who've accelerated their careers