Should You Use a One-Page Resume? Pros and Cons

The ideal resume length has been debated for decades. While the one-page resume has traditionally been considered the gold standard, the answer isn't always straightforward.

The Case for One Page

1. Attention Economy Benefits

• Forces prioritization: Only the most relevant information makes the cut
• Respects recruiter time: Easy to scan in under a minute
• Makes an impact: Key achievements stand out without being diluted

2. Particularly Effective For

• Early career professionals (0-10 years experience)
• Career changers highlighting transferable skills
• Targeted applications for specific roles
• Industries that value conciseness (tech, creative fields)

3. Practical Advantages

• Easier to format consistently
• Prints reliably without page break issues
• Can be scanned or shared as a single image
• More likely to be read completely

When One Page May Not Be Enough

1. Complex Career Histories

• Senior executives with 15+ years of relevant experience
• Professionals with multiple related but distinct career paths
• Academic, scientific, or research positions requiring publications
• Technical roles with extensive project portfolios or certifications

2. Industry Expectations

• Academic CVs typically run longer
• Federal resumes often require 3-5 pages with detailed information
• Some international markets expect comprehensive career documentation
• Executive-level positions may warrant deeper exploration of leadership experience

3. Substantive Content Requirements

• Detailed project descriptions that demonstrate specific expertise
• Multiple relevant positions that can't be consolidated
• Important context about achievements that support your candidacy

Finding the Right Balance

1. Prioritization Strategies

• Recent experience (last 10-15 years) gets the most detail
• Older roles can be condensed to company, title, and years
• Unnecessary personal information can be eliminated
• Redundant information across multiple roles can be streamlined

2. Format Considerations

• Use appropriate margins (0.5" to 1")
• Choose readable font sizes (10-12pt)
• Use bullet points instead of paragraphs
• Balance white space with content density

3. Content Quality Over Quantity

• Every bullet point should demonstrate value or skills
• Eliminate filler words and redundant phrasing
• Focus on accomplishments rather than responsibilities
• Include metrics and outcomes where possible

Testing Your Resume Length

1. The Relevance Test

For each item, ask: "Does this information help demonstrate my fit for this specific role?"

2. The Recency Test

For older experience, ask: "Does this still represent my current capabilities in a way newer experience doesn't?"

3. The Recruiter Feedback Test

If possible, get feedback from industry recruiters on whether your resume length is appropriate for your target roles.

Pro Tips

• Create multiple versions**: Have both one-page and two-page versions for different situations
• LinkedIn complement**: Use your LinkedIn profile for the comprehensive version of your experience
• Digital flexibility**: For online applications, length matters less than content quality and keyword relevance
• Tailor for the role**: More senior positions may warrant a longer resume

Remember that your resume is a marketing document, not an autobiography. Its primary purpose is to get you an interview, not tell your complete professional story.