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How long should a CV be?
The short answer for most people is two pages. The longer answer depends on how much relevant experience you have and what the employer expects.
In this article 7 sections
The usual rule: one to two pages
Careers services in the UK generally advise a CV of no more than two A4 pages. Reed's advice describes two pages as the sweet spot for most people, and says a single page is acceptable for recent graduates, who have less experience to list.
What that means in words
A two-page CV usually runs to roughly 700 to 1,000 words. That is a guide, not a target. What matters is that every line earns its place.
When one page is fine
If you are at the start of your career, a one-page CV is perfectly acceptable. The same applies to short-term or part-time jobs, where a long document would look out of proportion. Do not pad a CV to fill a second page.
When more than two pages is acceptable
Some senior roles, and academic or medical roles with long lists of publications, can justify a longer CV. Even then, the first page should carry the strongest points, because that is what gets read first. Prospects suggests three pages may suit senior roles with extensive experience from the last 5 to 10 years. Sources do not agree on any strict limit, and some advice says there is no page limit as such.
How to cut a CV down
- Focus on the last 5 to 10 years of relevant experience, and summarise older roles in a line each.
- Say each point once, instead of repeating it in different sections.
- Remove duties that every person in the role would share, and keep achievements.
- Drop hobbies that have no link to the job.
- Do not shrink the margins or font to squeeze more in. White space helps people read.
- Move stories and explanations, such as gaps, to your cover letter.
What matters more than length
Relevance. A focused 1.5 pages that matches the job is stronger than three pages of everything you have ever done. Check how long your CV is and what else could be improved with our free CV check.
Sources
Keep reading
- Complete guideHow to write a CV in the UK: the complete guideA step-by-step guide to writing a UK CV: what to include, the right order, how long it should be, how to word it, and the mistakes to avoid, with sources.
- How to turn job duties into CV achievementsLearn how to rewrite "responsible for" bullet points into short, specific achievements with results, with before and after examples.
- What employers look for in a CVWhat UK recruiters and employers want to see when they read a CV, and the common mistakes that count against applicants.