The One-Page Myth
Somewhere along the way, 'keep your resume to one page' became gospel. Career advisors taught it. Universities enforced it. And it made sense — for new graduates with limited experience. But the rule got applied to everyone, regardless of career stage.
The result? Experienced professionals cramming 15 years of achievements into a single page with 8pt font and 0.3-inch margins. That's not concise — it's unreadable. And hiring managers notice.
What the Data Says
We surveyed 200+ hiring managers through our network of 600+ staffing agencies. The results:
77%
Prefer 2 pages for 5+ years experience
Source: iReformat survey
91%
Say 1 page is fine for entry-level
Source: iReformat survey
64%
Accept 3 pages for executive/C-suite
Source: iReformat survey
The data is clear: resume length should match experience level. A one-page resume for a VP with 20 years of experience looks as out of place as a three-page resume for a recent graduate.
Resume Length by Experience Level
Ideal Resume Length Guide
| Experience Level | Recommended Length | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (0-2 years) | 1 page | Limited experience to showcase. Focus on education, internships, skills. |
| Early career (2-5 years) | 1 page | Still building experience. Can expand to 1.5 pages if content is strong. |
| Mid-career (5-10 years) | 1-2 pages | Enough experience to justify 2 pages. Don't pad; every line should add value. |
| Senior (10-15 years) | 2 pages | 2 pages expected. Include detailed achievements for recent roles, brief entries for earlier ones. |
| Executive (15+ years) | 2-3 pages | Board roles, speaking engagements, and leadership achievements need space. |
| Academic / Medical / Legal | 2-5+ pages (CV format) | Publications, grants, certifications, and professional activities require extended format. |
When One Page Is Right
One page works when the candidate has:
- Less than 5 years of professional experience
- One or two employers with clear, relevant roles
- An industry where brevity is valued (some tech roles, startups)
- A straightforward career path without major transitions
Recruiter tip: If a one-page resume has cramped margins (under 0.5 inches), tiny fonts (under 10pt), or no white space, it should be two pages. Readability always beats arbitrary length limits.
When Two Pages Are Right
Two pages are appropriate when the candidate has:
- 5-15 years of experience with progressive responsibility
- Multiple relevant roles at different companies
- Significant achievements that need quantification (revenue, team size, cost savings)
- Technical skills, certifications, or specialized training worth listing
- Industry experience that requires context (healthcare compliance, financial regulations)
For two-page resumes, the first page should be strong enough to stand alone. Put the executive summary, key skills, and most recent/relevant experience on page one. If a hiring manager only reads the first page, they should still be compelled to interview.
When Three Pages Are Right
Three pages are acceptable for executive and specialized roles:
- C-suite executives with 20+ years of leadership experience
- Candidates with board memberships, advisory roles, or speaking engagements
- Academic professionals with publication lists (CV format, not resume)
- Medical professionals with extensive certifications and clinical experience
- Candidates with significant international or multi-industry experience
The Real Rule: Every Line Earns Its Place
The question isn't 'how long should a resume be?' — it's 'does every line add value for this specific role?' A focused two-page resume beats a padded two-page resume every time. Guidelines:
- Remove: Roles older than 15-20 years (unless directly relevant), generic skill lists ("Microsoft Office"), obvious statements ("team player"), and references available upon request
- Keep: Quantified achievements, relevant skills and certifications, career progression evidence, and industry-specific details that match the job
- Condense: Earlier roles to title, company, and dates only. Combine similar short-tenure roles.
For Staffing Agencies: Length by Industry
Resume length expectations vary by industry. These are general norms your agency should follow:
Resume Length by Industry
| Industry | Typical Length | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | 1-2 pages | Skills-heavy. Technical skills section often justified. |
| Healthcare | 2-3 pages | Certifications, licenses, and clinical experience need space. |
| Finance | 1-2 pages | Conservative formatting, concise content valued. |
| Executive Search | 2-3 pages | Board roles, leadership achievements, speaking engagements. |
| Light Industrial | 1 page | Straightforward roles, certifications, equipment experience. |
| Legal | 2+ pages (CV) | Publications, bar admissions, case experience. |
| Government | 2-5 pages | Detailed experience descriptions, often required by regulation. |