One of the key decisions when creating your CV is determining what information to include and how much detail to provide. Should everything be condensed onto one page? Can a CV be two-pages long? These are important considerations when it comes to showcasing your skills and impressing the hiring manager.
In this article, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of the two-page CV, examples for inspiration, and formatting tips to help you determine the ideal length for your CV and when it’s appropriate to use a two-page CV format.
Are there any rules regarding CV length?
While there are a few fundamental guidelines for presenting your content on a CV, the debate over whether it should be one or two pages is subjective. Ultimately, the choice is yours. If your career journey justifies a two-page CV, then go ahead. Alternatively, for candidates with little to no experience, a more concise and impactful one-page CV may be the best option.
Sometimes, the job posting may specify CV length. For instance, many entry-level positions may request a one-page CV. In such cases, it’s wise to follow the instructions carefully and submit exactly what’s requested.
There are two key questions that every job seeker should consider when it comes to CV length:
- How much relevant experience do I have? If you’re early in your career or applying for an entry-level role, a one-page CV is often sufficient. For those with more experience, especially in senior roles, a two-page CV is typically ideal.
- What is the relevance of the information I’m including? Make sure that you’re only including work experience, skills, and education relevant to the specific job you’re targeting, especially if you’re having trouble fitting it all into two pages.
Ultimately, your CV should be long enough to convey all of the necessary details a hiring manager needs, but short enough to keep their attention.
When to use a 2-page CV
Deciding how long your CV should be depends on several factors. While one page might be sufficient for some, there are certain situations when opting for two pages is the best choice.
Here are a few key reasons to consider a two-page CV:
1. You’re a seasoned candidate
If you’ve been in the workforce for over a decade, you’ve likely accumulated a wealth of experience that deserves to be showcased. After all, it would be unusual to have spent 10 or more years in your career without having enough accomplishments to fill two pages.
Don’t worry about including every job—focus on the past 10–15 years and give real depth to your achievements, particularly where you can quantify your success.
2. The job description is comprehensive
When a company posts a detailed and in-depth job description, it’s often an indicator that the employer expects a two-page CV. If the role requires a wide array of professional skills and experience, using two pages to fully address each requirement is a wise choice.
After all, the employer has gone to the effort of creating an extensive job ad, so they’re likely to appreciate the attention to detail that you’ve put into your CV.
Two-page CV templates are often favored by applicant tracking systems (ATS), especially for roles that require specific skills and experience. This provides extra space to include more relevant and targeted keywords, improving your chances of being noticed by the system and ensuring that a human sees it.
3. You work in a technical or academic field
For those in academic or technical professions, a two-page CV is typically expected. These fields value your qualifications, certifications, and research contributions, which are often essential requirements of the advertised role.
These are important achievements that demonstrate your expertise and should be given the appropriate amount of space on your CV. Don’t skimp on showcasing these accomplishments—they’re your professional credentials.
4. You have relevant additional skills to include
If you start with a one-page CV and you find yourself thinking, “I should have included XYZ,” it may be a sign that you need a second page.
For example, you may have relevant volunteer experience, industry awards, or publications that could boost your application. Using a two-page CV can provide space to add this information and avoid these important details being lost.
2-Page CV Example
Choosing to use a two-page CV template can take the stress out of writing your CV. A professional template maximises space, maintains balance, and uses expert designs and fonts to ensure that your CV catches the eye of a recruiter.
Here’s a two-page CV example that balances the information recruiters need with a clear, concise, and professional layout:
Formatting tips for a 2-page CV
When crafting a two-page CV, there are a few formatting steps to make sure that the end product is both professional and impactful:
1. Highlight important information on the first page
The first page of your CV should showcase the very best of what you bring to the table. Begin with a strong summary that clearly communicates your professional achievements and skills. Use a reverse-chronological order to highlight your most recent roles, ensuring that your most relevant experience is front and centre.
Make sure to include a section on your key skills here as well—this will set the tone for the rest of your CV.
2. Place additional information on the second page
Your educational background and professional development are important to prospective employers, but they’re often better placed towards the end of your CV—unless you’re a recent graduate.
Use the second page to include details about your qualifications, certifications, and any relevant training that complements your work experience.
3. Don’t fill the second page just for the sake of it
Some might argue that leaving space on your second page suggests a lack of experience, but most employers prefer quality over quantity. It’s far better to focus on the most relevant and impactful content than to pad your CV with filler or vague information that adds little value.
That said, if your CV is just barely tipping over onto two pages, then it’s probably best to eliminate any outdated information and adjust its formatting to achieve a one-page version.
4. Ensure a clean layout
A two-page CV should have plenty of white space to keep it visually appealing and easy to read. Avoid dense blocks of text, and use consistent formatting for headings, bullet points, and dates to create a clear structure.
Key takeaways
Many job seekers wonder whether a one- or two-page CV is the better option. While it’s always best to keep your CV direct and succinct, a two-page CV can offer some distinct advantages.
For recent graduates or those early in their careers, a one-page CV is usually sufficient. However, as they gain more experience and develop new skills, a two-page CV becomes better. Similarly, for seasoned professionals with 10+ years of experience, a two-page CV will typically be the best option.
Ready to get started on your two-page CV template? We have you covered. Check out resume.io for easy-to-use templates and sleek designs to craft a CV that stands out.
