What Is the Best CV Length? Tips, Templates, and Expert Advice

When applying for jobs, your CV is often your first opportunity to make a strong impression on a potential employer. While the content and design are crucial, one detail that’s frequently overlooked is length. The number of pages you include can influence whether your application is read thoroughly or quickly passed over.

The optimal CV length depends on several factors: your career stage, the industry you’re applying to, and the type of role you’re targeting. A one-page CV can be perfect for some situations, while others require a two-page or even longer format to showcase your qualifications effectively.

If you want to adapt your CV’s layout for different applications quickly, Wix offers customizable resume templates that can be tailored to your industry, role, and career stage.

Why Does CV Length Matter So Much?

Recruiters and hiring managers spend a limited amount of time reviewing each application—often just 6–8 seconds for an initial scan (StandOut CV). A CV that’s too long may risk losing their attention, while one that’s too short might not provide enough information to demonstrate your fit for the position.

CV length also affects:

• Clarity – A concise CV forces you to prioritise the most relevant information.
  
• Professionalism – Adhering to common length expectations demonstrates your understanding of hiring norms and standards.
  
• ATS compatibility – Applicant Tracking Systems work best with well-structured CVs, which are easier to achieve when the content is appropriately sized.
  

What Is the Ideal CV Length for Your Career Stage?

For most professionals, a CV should be between one and two pages. Which end of that range you choose depends mainly on how much relevant experience you have and the type of job you’re targeting.

Here’s a quick reference table:

Experience Level	Recommended CV Length	Reasoning
Students / Recent Graduates	1 page	Limited experience; focuses on education, skills, and internships.
Early Career (1–5 years)	1–2 pages	Enough room to show growth, but still concise.
Mid-Career (5–10 years)	2 pages	Adequate space for multiple roles and achievements.
Senior Professionals (10+ years)	2 pages	Balanced detail without overwhelming the reader.
Academic / Research	2–4+ pages	Need to list publications, research projects, and teaching.

When Should You Use a One-Page CV?

A one-page CV is best suited for:

• Students and recent graduates with limited work history.
  
• Career changers transitioning into a new industry, focusing on transferable skills.
  
• Creative professionals who want a visually striking, concise document that pairs with a portfolio.
  

Advantages of a one-page CV:

• Helps you concentrate solely on the most critical details.
• Easier for recruiters to scan.
• Portable and easy to print for in-person networking.
  

Example structure for a one-page CV:

1. Contact information.
   
2. Short professional summary.
   
3. Skills section.
   
4. Education and certifications.
   
5. Work experience (last 2–3 relevant roles).
   
6. Optional section: volunteer work or projects.
   

When Is a Two-Page CV More Effective?

A two-page CV works best if you have:

• Over 5–7 years of experience.
  
• Multiple roles in the same field that demonstrate progression.
  
• Significant achievements or projects to highlight.
  
• Technical expertise or certifications that require an explanation.
  

Advantages of a two-page CV:

• Allows space for a comprehensive career history.
  
• More room to quantify results and explain impact.
  
• Gives flexibility for tailored sections, such as awards or leadership experience.
  

When using two pages, avoid padding your CV with filler content. Every section should have a clear purpose, and page two should be as strong as page one—don’t leave it half-empty.

How Do Different Industries Influence CV Length?

Different sectors have unique preferences when it comes to CV presentation:

• Creative industries, such as graphic design, film, or marketing, often value brevity and visual impact. A single, visually dynamic page paired with a digital portfolio can make a strong impression.
  
• Corporate roles in sectors such as finance, consulting, or law typically follow more formal conventions, with two-page CVs being the standard for experienced applicants (The Guardian Career Advice).
  
• Academic and research positions often require longer CVs to detail publications, grants, research experience, and teaching history—sometimes extending to four or more pages.
  

Tailoring the length to industry norms shows you understand the expectations of your target audience.

What Do Recruiters Prefer?

Surveys consistently reveal that many recruiters lean toward two-page CVs for candidates with extensive work histories. For example, in a Reed.co.uk survey, 91% of recruiters preferred two pages for experienced candidates. This doesn’t mean a one-page CV can’t work—it just needs to deliver your message efficiently and without sacrificing critical details.

Remember: recruiter preference is often influenced by the type of role. An entry-level marketing assistant role may receive hundreds of applications and benefit from concise CVs, whereas a senior project manager role may require more detailed information and context.

How to Make the Most of Your Chosen CV Length

No matter the length you choose, you should:

1. Focus on relevance – Add only the details that directly strengthen your application.
   
2. Quantify achievements – Use numbers and measurable results wherever possible.
   
3. Use clear formatting – Ensure your CV is easy to read both on-screen and in print.
   
4. Stay consistent – Use the same font style, size, and formatting throughout.
   
5. Test for ATS compatibility – Avoid overly complex formatting that may break in applicant tracking systems.
   

How Should You Tailor Your CV for Every Job Application?

Customising your CV is one of the most effective ways to stand out. For each role you apply for:

• Review the job description to pinpoint the skills and experience the employer considers most important.
  
• Reorder sections so the most relevant content appears first.
  
• Adjust your statement to reflect the role’s requirements.
  
• Include keywords used in the job posting to improve ATS compatibility.
  

Even minor adjustments—such as rewording a job title to match the employer’s terminology—can improve your chances of making it past the initial screening stage. 

For more detailed advice on crafting standout CVs and cover letters tailored to your target role, you can explore comprehensive guides available online.

Why Flexibility Is Key in CV Writing

Your career will evolve, and so will your CV. Early in your career, a one-page document might serve you well, but as you gain more experience, you may naturally move toward a two-page version. The best CV writers regularly revisit and refine their documents to ensure they remain relevant and competitive.

Final Thoughts on Choosing the Right CV Length

The “perfect” CV length doesn’t exist—it’s all about what’s most effective for your unique career story. A graduate software developer and a seasoned professor will have entirely different needs, and understanding those differences is the first step toward creating a CV that effectively meets their needs.

Think of length as a tool, not a rule. Please choose the format that allows you to communicate your value most clearly, and adapt it as your career grows. 

FAQ: CV Length and Formatting

1. How long should my CV be if I have over 10 years of experience? 

Two pages are generally recommended. This provides enough room to showcase your work history, achievements, and skills in detail without overwhelming the reader. 

2. How can I make my CV stand out without making it too long? 

Focus on relevance. Use strong action verbs, measure results with numbers, and emphasise achievements that match the role you’re targeting. Keep the layout clean, avoid unnecessary sections, and ensure your CV is easy to scan.

3. Does CV length affect Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)? 

Not directly. ATS software primarily scans for keywords, formatting, and structure rather than page count. However, a well-organised CV—regardless of length—will be easier for ATS to parse and rank.

4. Are CV length expectations different in other countries? 

Yes. For example, in the United States, a résumé is typically one page, even for experienced candidates, while in the UK and many European countries, two pages is more common. Always research regional preferences before applying.