Should a Resume Be One Page? Pros & Cons of One-page Resumes in 2023

by Hiration

Is it better to have a 1-page or 2-page resume?

Are you struggling to put together the perfect resume that will capture the attention of your prospective employer?

It can be a daunting task to showcase your professional experiences and qualifications on a piece of paper that accurately represents who you are as a candidate.

One of the most hotly debated topics when it comes to creating a resume is the length of the document.

Many career experts believe that a resume should be limited to just one page, while others argue that it's perfectly acceptable to go beyond that.

Studies show that 77% of employers agree that more experienced candidates should have a two-page resume, whereas, the recommended length of a resume needs to be 475 to 600 words based on another survey.

So, should a resume truly be limited to just one page?

While there is no such thing as one size fits all, in this article, we're going to explore the pros and cons of having a one-page resume, along with some insightful tips to make your resume stand out irrespective of its length.

Should a Resume be One-page?


While job seekers are often told to keep their resumes to one page, the truth is that in many cases, a two-page resume is perfectly fine.

In fact, there are several instances where a two-page resume may even be preferable to a one-page resume.

For example, if you have over 10 years of experience or if you have a wealth of experience in a particular field or industry, a two-page resume will allow you to provide more details and information about your background and qualifications.

Additionally, if you have several accomplishments or awards that you want to highlight, a two-page resume will give you more space to do so.

Of course, there are also times when a one-page resume may be the better option. If you’re just starting out in your career or if you don’t have much work experience, a one-page resume will be shorter and easier for employers to review.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to use a one-page or two-page resume should be based on what will work best for you and your specific qualifications and experiences.

There is no hard and fast rule about which format is better – it’s simply a matter of what will showcase your strengths in the most favorable light.

Also Read: How to write a one-page resume?

When to Opt for a One-Page Resume?


The following are some scenarios wherein your resume must be limited to one page:

Entry-Level Positions: For recent graduates or individuals with limited work experience, a concise one-page resume can effectively capture relevant education, internships, and key skills without overwhelming the reader.

Certain Industries: Some industries, such as graphic design or creative fields, prioritize visual impact and concise messaging. In these cases, a well-crafted one-page resume can make a strong impression.

Networking Events and Job Fairs: During face-to-face encounters where time is limited, a one-page resume can serve as a quick snapshot of your qualifications and facilitate meaningful conversations.

Also Read: What is the best format for a 2 page resume?

Why Should a Resume be One-page? The Benefits


Since a one-page resume is the preferred length for less experienced professionals, given below are some additional benefits of having a one-page resume:

Concise and Impactful


A one-page resume forces you to distill your qualifications and experiences into a concise format.

This brevity ensures that only the most relevant and impactful information is included, grabbing the recruiters’ attention who often have limited time to review each application.

Easy to Scan and Digest


Recruiters typically spend a brief amount of time initially scanning resumes. Having a one-page document allows for easy and quick comprehension of your key qualifications.

It ensures that the most important details are prominently displayed without the need for extensive scrolling or searching.

Demonstrates Effective Communication Skills


Crafting a one-page resume requires effective communication skills and the ability to convey essential information concisely.

By adhering to this format, you showcase your ability to prioritize and present information in a clear and organized manner—skills that are highly valued in many professional settings.

Adheres to Industry Norms


In certain industries or countries, the expectation for resumes to be one page is still prevalent.

By adhering to this norm, you demonstrate your awareness of industry standards and show respect for traditional practices, potentially increasing your chances of being well-received by recruiters in those contexts.

Industries that prefer one-page resumes include - creative and design industries, journalism and media, government and nonprofit sectors, customer service, and sales.

Also Read: What is the ideal resume length?

What are the Potential Drawbacks of a One-Page Resume?


While a one-page resume may seem like the best way to get your point across, there are some potential drawbacks that you should be aware of. Here are some:

Limited Detail


With limited space, a one-page resume may force you to omit important details about your work experience, skills, or achievements.

This can hinder your ability to provide a comprehensive overview of your qualifications.

Insufficient Room for Diversity


If you have a diverse skill set or a varied work history, condensing all the relevant information into a single page may not do justice to your abilities and experiences.

A longer resume would allow for a more thorough presentation of your skills and background.

Difficulty in Standing Out


In competitive job markets or for positions that receive a high volume of applicants, a one-page resume may make it challenging to stand out among other candidates who may have more extensive qualifications.

Lack of Context


A one-page resume may not provide enough context for complex roles, such as senior-level positions or specialized technical positions.

Hiring managers might need more information to fully understand the scope and impact of your work. Therefore, making a one-page resume is not good enough.

Formatting Constraints


Condensing your resume into a single page can lead to cramped formatting, smaller font sizes, or excessively dense text.

This can negatively impact readability and make it harder for recruiters to navigate your document. It may also make your resume look cramped since it will lack white space.

Industry Expectations


While some industries may prefer shorter resumes, others may have different expectations. It's important to research and understand the norms and preferences within your specific industry to ensure your resume aligns with those expectations.

Also Read: How long should a reusme be in 2023?

Tips and Strategies for Making a Resume Stand Out


Irrespective of the length, your resume needs to make an impact on the recruiters and should be able to stand out to help you land an interview.

Given below are some tips you can follow to ensure that your resume meets its purpose whether it is one page or two pages long:

  • Tailor Your Resume to the Job: Customize your resume for each job application by carefully reviewing the job description and identifying the key skills and qualifications sought by the employer. Highlight your relevant experiences, accomplishments, and skills that directly align with the requirements of the position.

  • Quantify Achievements and Impact: Instead of simply listing job responsibilities, emphasize your accomplishments and the impact you made in previous roles. Whenever possible, quantify your achievements using numbers, percentages, or other measurable metrics. This helps demonstrate your effectiveness and provides tangible evidence of your contributions.

  • Utilize Strong Action Verbs: Start bullet points describing your experiences and achievements with powerful action verbs. Action verbs such as "achieved," "led," "implemented," or "spearheaded" convey a sense of proactivity and accomplishment, making your resume more dynamic and engaging.

  • Highlight Transferable Skills: Showcase transferable skills that are relevant to the position you're applying for. These are skills that can be applied across different roles or industries, such as leadership, problem-solving, communication, or teamwork. Clearly articulate how these skills have been utilized in previous experiences and how they can benefit the prospective employer.

  • Incorporate Visual Appeal: While content is crucial, visual appeal can also make your resume stand out. Use a clean and professional design with consistent formatting, appropriate font sizes, and bullet points for easy readability. Incorporate white space strategically to make key information stand out and consider using a visually appealing template that complements your industry.

  • Include Relevant Keywords: Many employers and recruiters use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to filter resumes based on specific keywords. Tailor your resume by incorporating relevant industry-specific keywords and phrases throughout your document. This will increase the chances of your resume passing through automated screenings and reaching human reviewers.

Also Read: How to make a stellar resume for your first job?

FAQs on “Should a Resume Be One Page?”


  • Should a resume only be one page?

Whether a resume should be limited to one page depends on individual circumstances such as work experience, career level, and industry expectations. While a one-page resume can be concise and impactful, it is not a hard and fast rule, and professionals with extensive experience or certain industry requirements may benefit from a longer resume that effectively showcases their qualifications.

  • Should a resume be more than one page?

In most cases, it is recommended to keep a resume to one page, as it allows for a concise and focused presentation of your qualifications. However, for individuals with extensive experience or those applying for positions that require a more comprehensive overview, a longer resume may be appropriate to effectively showcase their qualifications and achievements.

  • Should your resume be one page for a software engineer?

For software engineers, (if you have ample experience) a one-page resume is typically not sufficient to adequately showcase their technical skills, projects, and relevant experiences. Given the nature of the field, it is generally acceptable and even expected for a software engineer's resume to extend beyond one page to provide a comprehensive overview of their expertise and accomplishments.

  • Why should a resume only be one page?

A one-page resume is often recommended to ensure conciseness and make a strong initial impact on recruiters who typically have limited time to review each application. By presenting a concise and focused document, a one-page resume allows for easier readability, highlights key qualifications, and avoids overwhelming the reader with excessive information.

  • How long should a resume be for a college student?

A resume for a college student is typically recommended to be one page in length.

Use Hiration’s ChatGPT-powered Resume Builder with 24x7 chat support if you want to make stellar one-page or two-page resumes within minutes. If you have any questions, you can reach us at support{@}hiration.com.