Can a resume be two pages? If you’re like me, you might have “one page only!” ingrained in your brain when it comes to how long a resume should be. However, once you’ve been in the workforce for several years, your one-page resume is likely bursting at the seams. Is a two page resume the answer?
“Typically, resumes are concise, ideally one to two pages, and formatted in a way that showcases your qualifications quickly and effectively to hiring managers and applicant tracking systems (ATS),” says Clair Levy, a Certified Resume Writer for Precision Resume Solutions.
Turns out, it might not be as taboo as you (and I) may have thought.
Can a resume be two pages?
Yes, as long as the extra length is warranted. Here’s the thing—a
“Yes, a two-page resume is perfectly acceptable—especially if you have eight or more years of post-college experience,” says Madelyn Mackie, a Certified Career Management Coach. “Think of your resume as a snapshot of your career story. Over time, as you accumulate roles, accomplishments, and skills, a single page may no longer suffice.”
The
When to use a two page resume
To figure out if you need a two page resume or not, try first drafting a resume without any editing at all. Include everything—relevant or not. Then, start cutting it down. Be ruthless in your trimming! Any work experience that is irrelevant to the job you’re applying for can be cut. If you’re unsure about a piece of information, chances are it’s not worth including. The goal is to get rid of as much fluff as possible.
Paste your resume and the job description
When you’re done trimming, how long is your resume? If it’s more than a page and a half, the two page resume is a good fit. If it’s less than a page and a half, try expanding margins and changing resume format to see if you can make it fit on one page.
Who should have a two page resume?
Certain fields often need a detailed resume. It must show the full range of relevant qualifications. Everyone’s career journey looks different, and there is no “right” or “wrong” way to go about it. For example, some careers are better suited for a hybrid resume (or combination resume), while others benefit from being laid out chronologically. These things aren’t always black and white.
So…who should have a two page resume?
Mid-career professionals with 5-15 years of experience need two pages to show their career progression and skills. This length allows for listing many roles, achievements, and projects. It keeps the document readable.
A marketing manager with ten years of experience might, for example, use the first page for recent roles and achievements. The second page would list past jobs, education, and certifications. They support their expertise.
Read more: Should You Ever Use a Functional Resume Template?
Benefits of a two page resume
Imagine you’re a recruiter. You have a pile of resumes to get through and limited time to get through them. You see one resume that is only one page, but it’s packed with information. Then, you see a two page resume with the same amount of information, but spread out in a way that makes it easy to skim quickly. The point? A shorter resume is not always better.
You might even have more success going up against applicant tracking systems if you use a two page resume. By giving yourself extra space to expand upon important resume keywords, or even creating a keyword bank or “skills” section, you make your resume more compatible with those pesky resume screeners.
In fact, most companies today, including over 97 percent of Fortune 500 companies, rely on an applicant tracking system, or ATS, to help them hire new employees. So having a resume that’s the right length for resume screeners has never been more important during the job hunt.
What if your resume is longer than two pages?
You can have your resume over two pages, but you must justify it. Resumes over two pages are usually for senior execs, academics, or federal job applicants. If that’s not you, a two-page resume is probably better suited for your job search. It should capture the details and be easy to review. But what if you’re struggling to include all of the key details and keep it under two pages?
To help keep your resume effective and under two pages, focus on relevant experience. Use concise bullet points to highlight key accomplishments. This approach improves readability. It also ensures your resume shows the most important information first. Also, using relevant keywords can improve the resume’s ATS compatibility. This increases the chances of passing initial screenings.
Jobscan’s resume scanner is a helpful tool for achieving the ideal resume length. It analyzes your resume against a job description. Then, it provides suggestions to improve keyword relevance, formatting, and readability. This is very useful for refining content.
You’ll also get a Match Rate so that you know if you need to add more information to your resume. It keeps your resume concise and impactful. The real-time feedback will help you optimize your resume and keep it at the best length.
How to format a two page resume
While the length will increase, the overall format of your two page resume will be similar to that of a one page resume. The bulk of your resume, especially second page, will be used for listing work experience, though the structure of the second page will vary based on the resume format you choose.
There’s no need to include a resume header or contact information on the second page. Save that valuable space for your work experience.
It’s okay if your work experience entries are split between the two pages. What you want to avoid is having one entry split at the page break. Remember, it’s all about making your resume as readable as possible, both for the hiring manager and applicant tracking system.
“A standout resume effectively captures the attention of hiring managers and recruiters, presenting a clear, concise, and compelling snapshot of your qualifications and achievements,” says Claire Levy.
“Organize the resume into clear sections, such as Contact Information, Professional Summary, Areas of Expertise, Career Highlights, Experience, Education, and Certifications,” Levy added.
To know exactly if your resume is formatted correctly, and includes everything you need, try using Jobscan’s Resume Scanner. This helpful tool will make sure you create an ATS-friendly resume that highlights the right skills so that you stand out from the competition.
Below is the Resume Scanner at work, highlighting the searchability of your resume, based on how it’s formatted and what’s included in each section. It easily helps you fix any issues, like including the right soft skills, hard skills, and other formatting issues, like font, page setup, and layout.
Two page resume format example
Take a look at the two-page resume example for Michelle Aldridge, below. It aims to show her vast work experience, in a clear, relevant way.
The first page has a strong summary section. It outlines Michelle’s skills and career highlights. It quickly shows recruiters she is a good fit for the role.
Both pages also detail four recent work experiences, all which would be within the last 10 years. They should emphasize achievements that closely align with her targeted position. Each experience is condensed, focusing on results and skills. This makes it easy for hiring managers to find key qualifications.
The second page also shows her education. It is well-organized and clear. It supports her career path without being too crowded. This layout is carefully formatted for readability. Both pages work together to present a complete profile that justifies a two-page resume.”
Explore our other two-page executive resume templates here. They are designed to showcase experience and achievements in a clear, effective format.
Two page resume example from Jobscan.
When should a resume be shorter or longer than two pages?
The answer to this question really depends on what stage of your career you’re currently in. A one-page resume is usually enough for recent grads, entry-level job seekers, or career changers. At this stage, a brief resume should show relevant skills, education, and recent achievements. It won’t overwhelm the reader.
For senior executives or specialists, a three-page resume may fit. This includes those in academia or consulting. This is true if they have many achievements, publications, or certifications.
An executive may use the first two pages to showcase their achievements and leadership roles. The third page would list their board memberships, high-level certifications, and key projects. But, it’s vital to focus on outcomes that align with the target role. Avoid unnecessary detail.
FAQ
Prioritize content, use concise, action-oriented language, and optimize formatting.
A resume can be two pages for candidates with over five years of experience. It can be longer if they need space to list projects, certifications, or skills. It’s a practical choice for roles that need a lot of experience and specific expertise.
No, a two-page resume is not a deal breaker. For many mid- to senior-level roles, a two-page resume is preferred. It gives a better view of your skills and accomplishments. Ensure the content is focused, relevant, and easy to read to make the best impression.
A resume should usually go back 10–15 years. This is especially true for those with extensive experience. For earlier roles, summarize them or include only the most relevant ones. They should highlight valuable skills or achievements. Exclude roles that don’t directly contribute to your current career objectives.
It’s best to avoid double-sided printing for a resume. Print each page separately. Label the second page with your name and contact info in case the pages get separated. This maintains professionalism and makes it easier for hiring managers to review.
Yes, a half page is acceptable as the second page, provided the content is impactful and necessary. Aim to fill at least one-third of the second page to avoid it looking like an afterthought. If your content is minimal, consider condensing it onto a single page.
