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The One-page Resume vs. the Two-page Resume

Did you know that only two to three resumes result in a job interview? This piece of paper paves the way for a successful job application and an employment opportunity. So, you have to make the most of it to get to the next round.

However, one of the biggest resume concerns is the number of pages. A lot of job applicants usually ask: Should you opt for a one-page or a two-page resume?  

Don’t worry; This page covers the difference between a one-page and a two-page resume. Weigh the pros and cons of each to make informed decisions for your job application. 

Read on.

Primary Difference Between One-page Resume and the Two-page Resume

A resume is a formal document sent to an employer or human resources (HR) for a job application. It is a summary of your professional life, including your employment experience, educational attainment, and other credentials. A resume often goes with a cover letter detailing your interest in a job posting.

Grant Aldrich, Founder of Preppy, underscores the importance of a resume, whether with one page or two pages.

Aldrich says, “As you can see, your resume must allow you to present yourself as a professional in a positive light. It can make or break the recruiters’ decision to consider you for a screening or interview.”

Many job seekers wonder if it’s better to create a one-page or a two-page resume. Jeffrey Zhou, CEO and Founder of Fig Loans, cites the major difference between the two.

Zhou explains, “Obviously, the main difference lies in the number of pages. However, the most critical factor is the content piece that each page could accommodate. While a one-page resume may be restrictive on your part, a two-page resume might be lengthy for the hiring reviewer.”

Let’s take a Look at the advantages and disadvantages of a one-page and two-page resume below.

One-page Resume

Pros:

  • Guaranteed readability: A one-page resume requires conciseness. It makes it easy for recruiters to read the entire page!
  • No scanning: It lets recruiters look at your content instantly. There is no need to skim and scan for the next page!
  • Data prioritization: A one-page resume lets you prioritize only key information, allowing recruiters to focus on the essentials!

Cons:

  • Limited space: A one-page resume might not be enough for a job applicant with tons of experience and credentials.
  • Data omission: It might require you to delete relevant information and even disregard vital credentials that recruiters should know.
  • Professional restriction: It might not be suitable for experienced professionals with extensive experience and backgrounds.

Two-page Resume

Pros:

  • Ample space: A two-page resume offers an additional page to discuss your experience, background, credentials, and other relevant information.
  • Credential demonstration: A two-page resume provides a more comprehensive presentation of your knowledge, hard and soft skills, as well as abilities and competencies.
  • Guaranteed accessibility: A two-page resume is ideal for all professionals, with or without extensive experience.

Cons:

  • Long presentation: Some recruiters might consider a two-page resume lengthy. Chances are, they might skip a page or ignore some details!
  • Irrelevancy or redundancy: By drafting a two-page resume, you risk adding irrelevant or redundant information.
  • Keen review: A two-page resume requires careful organization of information to promote conciseness and readability.

Choosing between the two

Now, it’s time to choose between a one-page and a two-page resume. The key here is to weigh the pros and cons of each, as discussed above. But if you’re still undecided, consider the study conducted below.
ResumeGo surveyed 482 hiring professionals regarding their resume preferences in 2018.

The survey revealed that most recruiters preferred two-page resumes over one-page resumes, and they were 2.3 times more likely to choose the former over the latter.

The study consisted of recruiters, HR personnel, hiring managers, and even C-level executives. They underwent a hiring simulation tasked to screen resumes for multiple job posts. Surprisingly, they were impressed by the amount of information conveyed on two-page resumes, such as the following:

  • Employment experiences
  • Educational attainment
  • Overall credentials

Wondering if recruiters might find reading two-page resumes a hassle? Don’t worry! 

The study also found that they are willing to read resumes that are two pages long. They indeed spend time reviewing them instead of skimming over their content.

Jonathan Feniak, General Counsel at LLC Attorney, believes a resume should contain two pages. 

He argues that “a one-page resume might restrict you from showcasing your credentials, such as work experience and academic achievement, as well as skills, competencies, and abilities.  Meanwhile, a resume with more than two pages might overwhelm the recruiters and make them lose focus on the essentials. So, sticking to a two-page resume is best!”