Can a resume be 2 pages?

Well, the short answer is definitely yes.

Your work experience determines how lengthy it can get.

However, there are lots of possible variations that you need to consider while drafting a 2 page resume format:

• Significant contribution points
• Relevant certifications or skills
• Quantifiable achievements

Building a two page resume can be tricky as you need to frame it in easy-to-read language to grab the recruiter’s undivided attention.

You can refer to a two page resume template if you have 10+ years of work experience. We are here to help you build a two page resume with our two page resume templates and answer these essential questions:

• Can a resume be 2 pages?
• How many years back should a resume go?
• How to shorten a resume?
• How do you format a 2 page resume?

How do you choose the perfect two page resume template for your job? Look out for some special 2 page resume tips and the answers to the most asked 2 page resume questions at the end!

Also Read: How to curate a professional resume to land your dream job?

Is 2 Pages OK for Resume?

Yes, a two page resume is possible. It is common if you have more than ten years of experience in the same field.

However, there are multiple limitations you must follow. First, let's look at the specs.

• You may or may not repeat your name on page 2, depending on the free space you have
• Do not repeat your skills/summary on page 2
• Put the most important/relevant facts on page 1
• Add page number on resume
• Don't submit a double-sided 2 page resume format

When Can You Use a 2 Pages Resume?

You can send a two page resume if you have more than 10 years of relevant experience.

However, there are a few parameters that otherwise justify writing a two page resume.

So when can a resume be two pages?

If you have:

• multiple relevant projects
• extracurricular/co-curricular achievements

If you are a:

• seasoned worker
• targeting a senior position

We advise you not to leave your resume a little less than two pages. Always make sure it reaches the complete length of the first or the second page.

Who should have a 2 page resume?

Essentially, consider a 2 page resume format for the following career options/industries:

• Sales
• Marketing
• Computer Science
• Engineering
• Project Management
• Finance & Administrative
• Accountancy
• Data Analysis
• Business Analysis
• Office Management

Two Page Resume Templates

Most of the time, recruiters expect a short one page resume.

But what if you have a lot of work experience? Or tonnes of extramural achievements, projects, and certifications?

It becomes difficult to fit all the information on one page. In such a case, a two page resume comes to the rescue.

The two page resumes, however, are risky. You may fear that the second page of your resume will be left unread or worse unattached.

Remember that your 2 page resume does not need to contain lots of depth about your past jobs and abilities.

A 2 page resume and a cover letter are just a quick snapshot that opens the door for further prospects. The employer may ask for more details from you in the interview.

Only send a longer document if it is requested in the job description (like a C.V. for academic jobs).

Why Do You Need Two Page Resume?

A two page resume is sometimes a matter of choice and sometimes a matter of dignity.

Before the days of email, resumes were faxed and further back, hand-delivered. Pages got separated, particularly off the fax, but also on desktops ( I am referring to a physical, rather than computer-displayed, desktop).

That is where all the "your resume should be one page long" advice ultimately comes from.

Nowadays, many people are not required to print a resume unless the recruit needs to take notes on it. Therefore, we recommend you not print on front and back on paper and use two separate papers to print 2 page resumes.

Pages don't get separated in the digital domain, so 2 pages are OK - provided you aren't just making it longer to appear more impressive. And if you're an established professional, even a 3 page resume can be acceptable under certain circumstances (like having 15+ years of relevant but diversified experience).

A resume should NOT be more than two pages. However, a CV could be more than two pages, but you're not writing a CV, are you?

Unless you're targeting jobs around the European continent, you do not need a CV. A 2 page resume format contains almost all the information, as does a CV.

How to Shorten a Resume?

The most effective way to shorten a resume is by using one-liner bullet points instead of long paragraphs.

Bullet points will improve the readability of your resume and will make it as concise as possible.

You can use the following steps to frame highly effective bullet points for your resume:

• Start your points with a power verb
• Add numbers to quantify your information
• Use technical keywords to parse through the ATS
• Address every point in the cause-effect relationship

One Page vs. Two Pages Resume Format

If you have enough relevant experience, training, and certification about the position to showcase on over one page of your resume, then go for it.

Also Read: How to draft the best one page resume?

The two page resume example which follows can give you the best ideas about how and when to use a two page resume.

Also Read: Which are the best resume templates of 2023?

Two Page Resume Template

Here are some 2 page resume examples that you can use to build your resume in 2023:

Sales & Distribution Head

• Material Colour 2 Page Resume Example

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• New York 2 Page Resume Example

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• London Two Page Resume Template

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• Rainbow Two Page Resume Sample

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Senior Database Administrator

• Amsterdam 2 Page Resume Sample

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• Barcelona Two Page Resume Template

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• Athens Two Page Resume Example

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• Professional Black Two Page Resume Template

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Project Manager (PMP)

• Professional Blue Two Page Resume Sample

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• Modern Teal 2 Page Resume Sample

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• Global Citizen Red Two Page Resume Example

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• Uniform Brown Two Page Resume Template

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Senior Architect & Tech Lead

• Boxed Navy 2 Page Resume Sample

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• Trendy Design Two Page Resume Example

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• California 2 Page Resume Sample

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• Miami Two Page Resume Sample

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Art & Creative Director

• Paris Two Page Resume Template

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• Royal Blue 2 Page Resume Sample

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• Round Timeline Two Page Resume Sample

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• Diamond Timeline Two Page Resume Example

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Choosing the Best Two Page Resume Template

When you choose two pages resume format, begin by deciding what to include on your 2 page resume and what to remove. It makes the drafting and editing process relatively easy.

• Freshers can opt for a one page resume format.
• Senior working professionals can opt for a two pages resume format.

After choosing a two page resume template, focus on choosing the best layout for your resume.

• A functional resume layout: works when you have a gap in your resume or if you are a newbie.
• A chronological resume layout: works when you have strong work experience and internship experience.

Also Read: What is the best resume layout?

Resume FAQs

1. Can a Resume be More than One Page?

Clearly, Yes. Your resume size depends on the relevant experiences/certifications/expertise that determines your fit for the target job.

2. When Can a Resume be 2 Pages?

There are five significant cases when you can use a 2 page resume. When you have:

• Greater than 10 years of relevant work experience
• An extensive list of projects
• Relevant extra/co-curricular activities or achievements
• Multiple significant certifications
• Apply for a senior position

3. When Should You Not Use a Two Page Resume?

If you're an entry-level candidate, there's almost no need to write a two-page resume. You simply don't have enough experience yet. The exception? If you're going for an internship and have lots of academic achievements, make your resume two pages.

4. Should I Staple My 2 Page Resume?

Keeping your two page resume front and back or stapled is another confusion but you should simply opt for paper clips.

If the recruiters want to scan your 2 page resume, staples might get in the way. Whereas, one can easily remove the paper clips.

5. Is It Wrong to Use a Two Page Resume Template?

Well, templates are the neatest and most organized structure for any document. Hence, you can use a two page resume if you have enough content for it.

Also Read: How to format your resume in 2023?

Key Takeaways

Make a two page resume if:

• You have a significant amount of relevant work experience
• You have 10+ years of professional experience
• You have extramural achievements/projects/certifications relevant to the job

Make a one page resume if:

• Your job profile is in a conservative field
• You have a limited work experience
• You are applying for an entry-level or part-time job
• A one-page resume is requested in the job description

Filter your 2 page resume by prioritizing the following factors:

Most Relevant: what you must keep
Irrelevant: what you can do without
Insignificant: what can stay only if you have enough space

Limit your experience to the ones most relevant to the target job.

Go to the Hiration Career Platform, which has 24/7 chat support, and get professional assistance with all your job & career-related queries. You can also write to us at support@hiration.com.