Resume Length in 2025: One Page or Two?

By: Flavored Resume

In 2025, many job seekers are asking whether a one-page or two-page resume is the better choice. The short answer: it depends. But emerging research and expert commentary are shifting the old rules.

For a long time, the one-page resume was treated as the gold standard. According to the Purdue OWL, one-page résumés are generally advised for new graduates and early-career professionals, because they often have less work history and fewer credentials.

However, in today’s job market—with more roles, portfolio items, side gigs, and digital submissions—the two-page resume is showing up more often and being more accepted by recruiters.

What the Research Says

A key study by ResumeGo Research (involving 482 recruitment professionals reviewing 7,712 resumes) found that two-page resumes were chosen 2.3× more often than one-page resumes.

That’s a striking shift from the traditional advice. The same study reported average scores of 8.6/10 for two-page resumes, versus 7.1/10 for one-page versions. Recruiters even spent more time on the two-page resumes—4 min 5 sec vs 2 min 24 sec for one-page versions. (Career Shippensburg University)

Other expert commentary agrees that while one page can still be effective, many professionals today benefit from a second page to fully showcase relevant information. (TopResume)

One Page vs Two Pages: When Each Works

One-Page Resume

  • Ideal for early-career candidates, recent graduates, or those with fewer than ~5 years of experience.
  • Encourages strong prioritization—you must highlight only your most relevant skills and accomplishments.
  • According to Indeed Career Guide, keeping bullet points short (1-2 lines) and quantifying achievements makes a big difference.
  • Be cautious: cramming too much onto one page can hurt readability.

Two-Page Resume

  • Increasingly accepted and even preferred for mid-level to senior professionals.
  • Works well for those with diverse experience, multiple roles, leadership, or major projects. (Enhancv Blog)
  • Use the first page for highlights and the second page for supporting details—projects, publications, or community involvement.
  • But avoid padding; irrelevant content weakens your message. (Apollo Technical)

How to Decide: Key Questions for 2025

Ask yourself the following before choosing a resume length:

  1. How many years of experience do I have?

    • Fewer than 5 years: stick to one page.
    • More than 7–10 years: two pages may be better.

  2. Is everything I’m including relevant?

    • Remove any detail that doesn’t directly support your target job.

  3. Does the second page add real value?

    • Include major projects, leadership roles, certifications, or measurable results.

  4. Is the formatting clean and easy to read?

    • Readability and white space matter more than word count.

  5. Does the employer specify a resume length?

    • Always follow instructions if a job post requires one page.

The 2025 Recommendation

In 2025, the “one-page only” rule is outdated for many professionals. If you have relevant, meaningful experience, a well-structured two-page resume can give you an edge.

But if you’re early in your career, keep it concise and focused on measurable results. Whatever your choice, remember this rule of thumb: every line should earn its place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Will using a two-page resume hurt my chances because recruiters are short on time?
No. The ResumeGo Study study showed recruiters actually spent more time reviewing two-page resumes and rated them higher.

Q2: Should I always limit myself to one page if I have fewer than five years of experience?
Usually yes—but exceptions exist. The Purdue OWL notes one page suits most early-career professionals, but if you have multiple relevant roles or projects, go for two pages.

Q3: Does using two pages mean I should include every job I ever had?
No. Focus on relevance. Even with two pages, trim older roles (10–15 years+) unless essential.

Q4: What about academia or research? Can I go beyond two pages?
Yes. In academia, research, and technical fields, CVs often exceed two pages. For most corporate roles, however, 1–2 pages is best. (Executive Career Brand)

Q5: Does resume length affect applicant-tracking systems (ATS)?
Not really. ATS focuses on keywords and formatting, not page count. Just ensure your resume is clean and well-structured.

Q6: What makes a two-page resume effective?
Put your summary and top skills on page 1, then list projects and other roles on page 2.

Final Thoughts

Pick the resume length that best reflects your career story and matches the job. One page still works when focused and sharp. Two pages can be powerful if filled with relevant, high-impact achievements.

The future of resumes in 2025 isn’t about length—it’s about clarity, value, and storytelling.