How Long Should a CV Be?

CV length is one of the most debated topics in job searching. The honest answer: there is no universal rule, but there are clear guidelines based on experience level and industry.

The Simple Guide by Experience Level

• 0–3 years experience: One page, always
• 3–10 years experience: One to two pages
• 10+ years experience: Two pages maximum (in most industries)
• Academic or medical CV: Can be longer — list publications, grants, and research

When One Page Is Right

Students, fresh graduates, and career changers should always aim for one page. If you are stretching to fill two pages with weak content — thin bullets, excessive white space, or details nobody needs — one tight, focused page is always stronger.

When Two Pages Is Appropriate

Once you have 5+ years of substantive experience across multiple roles, two pages is not just acceptable — it is expected. Do not try to cram a decade of experience onto one page by using an 8pt font and no margins. That is worse than two clean pages.

What to Cut to Shorten Your CV

• Roles more than 10–15 years ago (summarise as 'Early Career' if needed)
• Bullets that describe duties rather than achievements
• 'References available on request' — this is assumed and wastes a line
• Secondary school results if you have a university degree
• Hobbies and interests unless directly relevant to the role
• Outdated technology skills (nobody needs to know you can use Windows XP)

What About Three Pages?

Almost never appropriate for a standard job application. Three-page CVs signal poor editing judgment. The exception is a formal academic CV or a portfolio document — which follows different conventions entirely.