Average Resume Length

How long should your resume be? It’s a question I hear all the time, and honestly, there’s no perfect answer that works for everyone. But here's the deal: there are some general rules you can follow to make sure your resume doesn’t end up too short or drag on forever.

Most of the time, one page is enough. If you’re just starting out in your career or you’ve only had a few jobs, you don’t need a novel. Nobody’s expecting a huge list of accomplishments from an entry-level candidate or someone with just a few years of experience. Focus on the best stuff, your key skills, any relevant experience, and maybe a line or two about your education. That's it.

But what if you’re further along in your career? Well, then two pages can make sense. If you’ve been working for 10+ years, you probably have more to show. Maybe you’ve moved up the ladder, taken on leadership roles, or managed big projects. Two pages let you cover all that without cramming it into microscopic font or leaving out important details. Just don’t go overboard. Nobody wants to read a 10-page resume. Believe me, I’ve seen it happen, and it’s not a good look.

Here’s where people mess up: they think they have to include everything. Every job they’ve ever had, every task they’ve ever done. It’s not necessary. In fact, it’s probably hurting you. A hiring manager doesn’t want to sift through a bunch of fluff to find what matters. Be selective. Ask yourself, does this job, skill, or accomplishment show what I bring to the table right now? If not, leave it out.

What about students or new grads? Your resume is probably going to stick to one page, and that’s totally fine. Highlight internships, part-time jobs, school projects, or anything that shows the skills the job you’re applying for needs. Just make sure it’s all relevant. Don’t include random summer jobs unless they tie directly to the role in some way. And no, your high school babysitting gig doesn’t count.

Now let’s talk about exceptions. Are there situations where a resume can go over two pages? Sure. If you’re in academia or a field where CVs are the norm, or if you’re applying for a senior leadership position, you might need extra space. But for most people, keeping it to one or two pages is the way to go.

The takeaway is this: the length of your resume depends on your experience, but short and focused usually wins. Don’t include every little thing you’ve ever done, but don’t undersell yourself either. Think about what the job needs and use your resume to show why you’re the right person for it. Easy? Not always. But worth it? Definitely.