Let’s talk about resumes. I know, I know — not the most exciting convo you were hoping for today (especially if you were just about to binge another true-crime doc on Netflix or swipe through your 7th dating app). But hear me out.
If you’re job hunting, fresh outta college, deep in the freelance hustle, or even just updating your Resumes & Portfolios for that just in case moment, you’ve probably hit that weird crossroads: Should I keep it short and snappy with a one-pager? Or go all in with a multi-page spread like it’s my professional autobiography?
Honestly? It depends. And no, that’s not just a cop-out answer. There’s actually some real nuance to this — and if you’re feeling a little confused (or just overwhelmed), you’re def not alone.
Let’s dive into it. Think of this as a chill lil guide from your friend who’s been there, Googled that, and made some mistakes so you don’t have to.
First Off: What Even Is the “Right” Resume Length?
So here’s the thing. There’s no absolute law saying your resume must be one page or must be two. There’s no “Resume Police” knocking on your door with handcuffs labeled “Font Crimes.” But there are definitely expectations. Especially depending on your field, experience level, and even the person reading it (aka, the recruiter who skim-reads like they’re on TikTok).
Some general vibes:
- One-page resumes are like espresso shots. Quick. Strong. To the point. Ideal for new grads, entry-level folks, or people who’ve only been in the workforce for a few years.
- Multi-page resumes are more like cold brews with oat milk — a little extra, maybe, but super effective if you’ve got substance behind it. Think professionals with 10+ years experience, specialists, creatives with a long list of projects, or academics.
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves.
The Case for the One-Page Resume: Short, Sweet, Hire Me
Alright, so you’re scrolling job listings on LinkedIn at 2am, half-eating Cheetos, and you realize your resume from 2021 still says “proficient in Microsoft Word.” Yikes.
If you’re…
- Fresh outta college
- Switching industries
- Don’t have a decade of work history
- Or just want something sleek and minimal
…a one-page resume is probably your move.
Why it slaps:
1. Recruiters are lazy. (Okay, not lazy, but you get it.)
They’ve got hundreds of resumes to scan, and if yours doesn’t catch their eye in the first 6.3 seconds (yes, that’s a made-up stat, but it’s prob close), it might end up in the digital trash. One-page resumes force you to show the essentials — fast.
2. It looks modern.
Minimalism is in. You wouldn’t wear low-rise jeans from 2006 to a tech interview (…would you?). A clean, single-page layout feels updated and intentional.
3. You can tailor it easier.
One-page resumes are easier to tweak per job. And ngl, tailoring your resume for every gig is clutch. It’s the difference between “eh, maybe” and “omg, let’s interview this person ASAP.”
4. You don’t need more. Seriously.
Don’t feel pressured to stretch your resume like it’s a yoga class. If your experience fits neatly in one page, embrace it. Quality > quantity, always.
When a Multi-Page Resume Makes Sense (and Doesn’t Scream “Overkill”)
Okay, but what if you’re NOT new to the game? Maybe you’ve been out here grinding for a while, jumping from role to role, building killer skills, stacking certifications, or working on dozens of projects.
Then yeah — a multi-page resume might actually be smarter. As long as it’s still relevant and not just filler fluff like “2013 Volunteer Day: Helped set up chairs.”
Here’s when to go longer:
1. You’re a mid-career or senior-level pro.
You’ve got 8+ years of experience, multiple positions in your field, and a serious story to tell. Cutting it all down to one page might actually hurt you.
2. You’ve got a lot of technical creds.
Engineers, scientists, researchers, and IT folks — y’all often need the space. Certifications, tools, systems, languages… It can’t all fit in a tiny font on one sheet (and please don’t make it 8pt font to force it, I beg you).
3. You’re in academia or a creative industry.
If you’re an academic, your resume’s gonna look more like a CV — which can be pages long. And if you’re in design, marketing, or media, you might wanna include projects, campaigns, or publications. (Just make sure your design portfolio’s 🔥 too.)
4. You’re submitting a resume and a portfolio.
Yep, for folks in creative roles, Resumes & Portfolios often go hand in hand. Your resume highlights your journey, while the portfolio shows the proof. If you’re attaching both, the resume can afford to be a little longer since it’s part of a bigger picture.
But Wait… What If You’re In Between?
Okay so let’s say you’re not exactly new, but not super experienced either. You’ve got a few years under your belt, maybe a promotion or two, some solid wins… but it still feels weird to go past one page.
Here’s the deal: You’re allowed to go 1.5 to 2 pages if it helps tell your story — as long as it’s worth the space.
Think of it like your Spotify playlist. Nobody wants 100 songs of filler, but if every track is fire? No one’s complaining it’s long.
If you do go over one page:
- Make sure the most important stuff is on page 1. That’s what most people will see first.
- Keep the formatting tight. Don’t let page 2 start with just one sad bullet point.
- Don’t repeat info. Each section should add something new. No “repeats on repeat” like the radio.
A Quick Word on Design (a lil bonus tip)
Your layout totally changes how your resume feels. Whether it’s one page or two, make it easy to read, easy to scan, and aesthetically not ugly (technical term).
Use white space. Use headers. Use bullet points. Keep font size reasonable (no, 9pt font is not reasonable).
And pleeease save it as a PDF. Nobody wants a .doc file from 2016 that opens weird on their phone.
Oh, and for real — if you’re in a design-heavy field, invest time in both your resume and portfolio. Those two together? Power couple energy.
Real Talk: My Resume Regret (Just So You Know I’m just Human)
So, storytime. A couple years ago, I applied to this job I really wanted — like, dream role, perfect location, killer team. But I overthought my resume and tried to cram everything into one page. Like, 4 jobs, freelance gigs, certifications, even my college radio hosting days (lol).
The result? A messy, cramped, chaotic page that looked like a CVS receipt.
Never heard back.
Looking back now, if I’d just let it breathe and gone for a clean two-pager, I prob would’ve told a stronger story. But hey — live and learn, right?
So yeah, don’t overthink the “rules.” The best resume is one that makes sense for you and shows off your experience in the clearest, most confident way possible.
TL;DR: When to Use One-Page vs Multi-Page Resumes
Let’s sum it up, real quick:
- One-page resume?
- You’re new(ish) to the workforce
- You want to keep it minimal and laser-focused
- You’re applying for entry-level or early-career roles
- You’re submitting lots of apps and need a flexible template
- Multi-page resume?
- You’ve got 8–10+ years of experience
- You’ve done a LOT — and it’s all relevant
- You’re in a technical, creative, or academic field
- Your resume is part of a broader Resumes & Portfolios setup
Final Take: Your Resume = Your Story (Not Your Entire Life)
Look, at the end of the day, your resume isn’t supposed to be your whole life story. It’s your highlight reel — the juicy stuff that makes employers wanna know more.
It’s okay to keep it short. It’s okay to let it run a bit long. As long as it makes sense for where you are and where you wanna go, you’re on the right track.
So don’t stress the format too much. Keep it clean, be honest, show your growth, and don’t forget to proofread (seriously, “manger” instead of “manager” is an autocorrect nightmare).
And hey — if you’re updating your resume right now, good luck! You’ve got this. For real.
Now go get that bag 👜.
