When and How to Write a Two-Page Resume: A Practical Guide in 2024

You might have come across our article searching for an answer to the question, "Is it okay to have a two-page resume?" The quick answer is yes, but there's more to it than just adding an extra page.

Resume length has always been a topic of debate, but as the job market evolves and industries change, the standards for resumes shift too. Today, having a two-page resume can be a smart move, especially if you're targeting an executive or government role.

A two-page resume offers the space to showcase your experiences, achievements, and skills in a way that a single page can't.

This guide covers:

• How a two-page resume gives you space to show more of your experiences, achievements, and skills
• Whether a two-page resume can help or hurt your chances in the job market
• When it's a smart move to use a two-page resume to stand out
• The ideal format for a two-page resume
• Tips, templates, and examples to catch the eye of hiring managers
• Ways to ensure your resume makes it to the top of the pile

Can a resume be two pages?

How long is a resume supposed to be? The answer varies depending on your experience and industry.

While one-page resumes are often recommended for those early in their careers or with limited experience, a two-page resume can be entirely appropriate for many professionals. If you have a substantial amount of work history, skills, and accomplishments, a two-page resume allows you to feature these elements without sacrificing detail.

This is important in fields that require detailed project descriptions, publications, or a comprehensive list of technical skills. The key is to ensure that every word on your resume adds value and is relevant to the position you're targeting.

How far back should a resume go?

That’s the logical question to ask yourself after learning that a resume can be two pages. Typically, it's best to include your most recent 10 years of experience, focusing on roles that are most relevant to the job you're after.

If you have older experiences that are particularly impressive or relevant, it’s okay to include them, but don’t feel the need to list every job you’ve ever had. The aim is to provide a clear and focused snapshot of your career that shows your growth, skills, and achievements, without overloading the recruiter with too much detail. Tailoring your resume to the job you’re applying for helps keep it concise and impactful.

Who should use a 2-page resume?

If you're considering a two-page resume, here are some situations where it might be a good fit:

• Professionals with over ten years of experience: These individuals often have a substantial work history that includes a variety of roles, responsibilities, and achievements. A two-page resume provides the necessary space to detail this experience comprehensively, allowing them to showcase their career progression and highlight significant contributions to their previous employers.
• Applicants with extensive accomplishments, roles, certifications, and skills: For professionals who have accumulated numerous achievements, acquired specialized skills, and earned multiple certifications, a two-page resume is ideal. It allows them to present a full picture of their qualifications without sacrificing important details. This is particularly useful in fields where certifications and technical skills are critical.
• People seeking government positions: Government job applications often require detailed resumes that include comprehensive work histories, specific qualifications, and relevant skills. A two-page resume enables applicants to meet these requirements, providing a thorough account of their experience and how it aligns with the specific demands of the public sector roles they are applying for. Plus, it’s more authoritative, which is an advantage for serious government positions
• Senior management showcasing leadership roles: Executives and senior managers typically have extensive experience in leadership positions, including overseeing large teams, managing budgets, and driving strategic initiatives. A two-page resume allows these professionals to elaborate on their leadership roles, detailing the scope of their responsibilities and the impact of their strategic decisions on organizational success. This format helps them effectively convey their readiness for high-level positions.

When to write a 2-page resume

A two-page resume offers several advantages, including the ability to include more phrases and keywords relevant to the job description, which improves the chances of passing ATS-systems used by many employers. Additionally, it allows you to provide detailed explanations of your roles, projects, and achievements, giving potential employers a clearer understanding of your skills and contributions.

Consider writing a two-page resume in the following situations:

• If you have over ten years of experience or multiple roles across companies, a two-page resume allows for a detailed account of your career progression, including key achievements and responsibilities.
• For high-level positions, a two-page resume is essential for showing leadership experiences, strategic initiatives, and major contributions, highlighting your suitability for executive roles.
• If you're changing careers, a two-page resume helps connect your past experiences to the new field, demonstrating how your skills and knowledge apply to the new career path you’ve chosen.
• For those with extensive freelance or consulting work, a two-page resume allows for detailed descriptions of various projects, client work, and outcomes, showcasing a broad range of expertise and flexibility.
• If you have many professional achievements, such as awards, publications, or volunteer experiences, a two-page resume gives these accomplishments the space they deserve, adding depth to your application.
• In some sectors, a longer resume is standard or expected. A two-page format ensures all relevant qualifications and experiences are presented thoroughly.

Industries where a two-page resume is a good idea

In some fields, a two-page resume is preferred for providing detailed descriptions of skills, projects, and achievements. Here are industries where this format can be particularly effective for demonstrating your qualifications and career accomplishments.

• Supply Chain and Logistics
• Sales
• Marketing
• Computer Science
• Engineering
• Project Management
• Finance & Administrative
• Accountancy
• Biotechnology
• Data Analysis
• Business Analysis
• Office Management
• Pharmaceuticals
• Legal
• Government

When not to write a 2-page resume

When considering a two-page document, it's essential to evaluate whether the extra space is truly necessary. In some cases, a single page is more effective in presenting your qualifications clearly and concisely. Here are some situations where sticking to a one-page resume is the better choice.

• Including irrelevant details, such as hobbies or outdated skills, can clutter your resume and detract from your qualifications. It's essential to focus on skills and experiences that directly relate to the job you're applying for, ensuring that your resume is clear and impactful.
• A resume that ends with just a few lines on the second page can appear unprofessional and poorly organized. It's more effective to condense the content onto one page, making sure that each section is complete, relevant, and visually appealing, which helps to maintain a professional presentation.
• With less than 10 years of experience, it's usually possible to summarize your professional achievements, education, and skills within a single page. This approach provides a concise and targeted overview that highlights your qualifications without overwhelming the reader with too much information.
• For internships or entry-level positions, employers generally expect candidates to have limited experience. A one-page resume is ideal for displaying your educational background, relevant coursework, internships, volunteer work, and any part-time jobs. This format allows you to present yourself as a well-rounded candidate, even with a shorter work history.
• When you have a shorter work history, a one-page resume is effective in emphasizing your most relevant experiences and skills. This format avoids unnecessary filler and ensures that the information you present is concise and impactful, helping to make a stronger impression on potential employers.
• If you don’t have enough substantial achievements to justify a second page, it's better to stick with a single page. This approach ensures that the content remains strong and impactful, rather than diluting your qualifications with filler material.

How to keep a two-page resume concise

When applying to roles, prioritizing brevity and clarity is crucial for making a strong impression. A concise, well-organized resume helps highlight your most relevant achievements and skills effectively. Here’s how to keep your two-page resume focused and to the point:

• Avoid redundancy and unnecessary details.
• Emphasize impactful results and accomplishments.
• Use clear, concise language.
• Structure your resume with headings and bullet points.
• Include only valuable sections and avoid filler.

Resume templates

Two-page single column

Two-page double column

Modern

Classic

Corporate

Infographic

Timeline

How to format a two-page resume

Choosing the right resume format is crucial for a two-page resume, as it determines how your experience and qualifications are presented. Each format—chronological, functional, and combination—offers distinct advantages that can help you effectively highlight your strengths and tailor your resume to different career stages and objectives.

• The chronological format lists work experience in reverse order, ideal for those with a clear career path. The first page covers recent roles and achievements, with earlier work history and education on the second page.
• The functional format underlines skills and qualifications rather than work history, which makes it suitable for those with gaps or career changes. It groups skills into categories and includes a brief work history summary on the second page.
• The hybrid format combines chronological and functional elements. It features a career summary and recent positions on the first page, with detailed skills and earlier roles on the second page.

Regardless of the format you choose, maintaining clarity and organization is crucial.

• Start with a header that includes your contact information, such as your name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile. This should be easy to find and read.
• Follow with a resume summary on the first page that highlights your most relevant skills, years of experience, and key achievements. This summary sets the tone for the rest of your resume.
• For work history, list recent roles and significant accomplishments on the first page, using bullet points for clarity. The second page should continue with earlier positions, as well as additional relevant details.
• Include a skills section to showcase your capabilities, whether you’re using a chronological, functional, or combination format. Highlight both technical skills and other relevant qualifications.
• Incorporate education and professional development, listing your degrees, certifications, and any additional training. This shows your commitment to ongoing learning.
• Consider optional sections such as volunteer work or awards to further demonstrate your dedication to your field. By following these guidelines, your two-page resume will be well-structured, clear, and impactful, effectively showcasing your qualifications and career wins.

Choosing a one-page or two-page resume based on experience

Eager to see some real one and two-page samples? Examining the following practical ones can provide valuable insights into organizing content and guide you in creating an impactful resume.

Junior resume example

Just starting out in your career? It can be challenging to secure that first interview. Avoid cramming your resume with every experience you've had. If you have less than five years of experience, a one-page resume is ideal. Focus on showing the most relevant skills and experiences for the job you're pursuing.

Senior resume example

With a solid foundation of experience, your resume should highlight key achievements and leadership roles. Focus on projects where you made a significant impact, such as improving processes or driving growth. A two-page resume is acceptable, as long as each detail is relevant and demonstrates your contributions in previous roles.

Executive resume example

At the executive level, your resume should showcase your leadership and strategic accomplishments. Emphasize major achievements like driving growth or leading large teams. It's okay for your resume to be detailed and extended to two pages, provided each point clearly illustrates your leadership abilities and results.

Intern resume example

Applying for an internship? Your resume should highlight your education, relevant coursework, and any extracurricular activities that demonstrate your skills. Keep it to one page, emphasizing technical skills or projects that align with the internship. The goal is to show your potential and enthusiasm for learning and contributing.

Entry-level resume example

When you’re just starting your career, it’s tough to score a job interview. But a mistake all newbies make is they’ll put on every piece of experience they’ve had in their life.

You have to understand that recruiters are busy people, so if you have less than five years of professional experience, you should keep your resume to a single page. Omit anything that isn’t valuable to the recruiter and relevant to the position you’re applying to.

Career change resume example

Switching careers? A well-crafted resume can ease the transition. Highlight transferable skills and relevant experiences that prepare you for the new direction. Tailor your resume to emphasize skills and achievements pertinent to the new field. A one-page resume is typically sufficient, but if needed, a two-page resume can be appropriate if it helps clarify your qualifications.

The role of additional sections in a two-page resume

Additional sections on a resume are crucial for showing personality and experiences that can set you apart from other candidates. These sections allow you to underscore aspects of your background that might not be fully captured in the standard work experience and education sections.

At Enhancv, we like real-life examples, so let’s take a closer look at Sam’s resume who stood out among 20,000 candidates applying for the same position at Spotify. Sam did one of the most amazing things you can do with your resume. She prominently featured her core experience on the first page, complemented by a powerful summary and a daring section about how she spends her time.

On the second page, Sam expanded her experience section with relevant, though not essential, details. To ensure the second page remained impactful, she included her favorite books and cooking skills. This approach was both daring and memorable, adding a personal touch that resonated with the employer.

Just like Sam, you can add some flair to your resume. Here are some additional sections that can help enhance your resume:

• Projects: Write specific projects you've worked on, detailing your role, the skills you utilized, and the outcomes achieved.
• Publications: Include any articles, research papers, or reports you've written.
• Language skills: List any languages you speak, along with your proficiency level.
• Volunteering: Describe your volunteer work, emphasizing how these experiences have developed skills or provided insights relevant to the job you're applying for.

Tips for writing a two-page resume

Get ready to dive into some practical tips for crafting a two-page resume. Let's make your application a powerful tool for your job search!

Keep the resume header on both pages

When you can’t fit your resume on a single page, it’s best to treat the second page as a continuation of the first. You should keep the same header on the second page as you have on the first one.

Most likely, you’re well aware that recruiters are a very busy bunch. By making sure your name and contact information are present on both pages, you’re making things easier for them.

Make sure the most crucial information is presented on the first page of your resume

It’s only normal for people to pay more attention when they’re reading the first page of your resume. When crafting your resume, present the most important and relevant information first.

For example, your achievements and successes, supported by numbers, should always come first, followed by relevant experience, while leaving the hobby section for page two.

Include contact information on both pages

We briefly mentioned keeping the resume header on both pages. Still, to stress even more on that, we’re going to point out to keep your contact information on both pages of your resume.

In some instances, recruiters can go over a thousand resumes a week. That’s a whole lot! Make it easier for them by including your contact information in the header of both pages.

Treat the second page of your resume as a place to feature additional information

Using a two-page resume means that you have tons of relevant experience. You can push your education and hobbies on your resume’s second page, leaving the first one to wow the recruiters.

If you want to include a degree or some other education on your first page, you can do so in the summary section. We’ve made a pretty detailed guide on building a powerful summary, so go give it a read!

The role of cover letters with two-page resumes

Cover letters play a vital role even with a two-page resume. They offer a unique opportunity to introduce yourself, explain your interest in the position, and highlight key aspects of your experience that align with the job. While a resume outlines your qualifications, a cover letter allows you to tell your story, demonstrating your enthusiasm and fit for the role.

A well-crafted cover letter can complement your resume by elaborating on specific achievements or projects that are particularly relevant to the job. It also provides a chance to explain any career transitions or gaps in your employment history in a positive light. Essentially, the cover letter sets the stage for your resume, making your application more personalized.

Frequently asked questions about 2-page resumes

Is it okay to have a 1.5-page resume?

Yes, but not shorter than that. When you’re using two pages to present your experience, it’s essential to put in the effort and fill the second page at least halfway. There’s nothing more unprofessional than a two-page resume with only two sentences on the second page (I mean, you could’ve easily made some parts shorter to fit everything on a single page).

If you can’t seem to quite fill the page, then you can use some of Enhancv’s unique sections that can show a bit more about you.

Should a two-page resume be double-sided?

No, a two-page resume should not be double-sided. Each page should be printed on a separate sheet of paper. This makes it easier for employers to read, review, and organize your application materials. It also ensures that if pages get separated, the information on each page remains clear and accessible. Additionally, most modern job applications are submitted electronically, so ensure your document is formatted for digital viewing with clear pagination.

Should you staple or paper clip the resume?

When stapled, it can be not very pleasant to read, and if handled improperly, it can result in a tearing of the pages.

What's the ideal spacing for a resume?

It’s advisable to use 1.0 to 1.15 line spacing for the main text to ensure readability. Keep margins between 0.5 and 1 inch, and add consistent spacing between sections, around 10 to 12 points, to create a clean, professional look.