Let’s be real.
You’ve probably stared at your resume and thought: “Okay, this is too much.”
Three pages. Maybe four. You’ve got jobs going back to 2005, volunteer work from college, bullet points that say things like “Hardworking team player with strong communication skills”… yeah, same.
And now, you’re wondering if that’s the reason you’re not getting interviews.
Spoiler: It might be.
Because in 2025, hiring is faster, more digital, and way less forgiving than it used to be. Between automated tracking systems (ATS), recruiters skimming dozens of resumes during lunch, and AI filtering candidates before a human even sees your name, you’ve got seconds to make an impression.
So, let’s talk about resume length.
How Long Should a Resume Be in 2025?
How long is too long?
When is a 3-page resume okay?
And most importantly – how do you trim your resume without cutting your value?
Why Resume Length Still Matters in 2025
There’s a weird myth floating around that says resume length doesn’t matter anymore. But the truth? It still really does.
Whether your resume is going to an ATS, a recruiter, or a hiring manager, it needs to be:
- Relevant
- Concise
- Scannable
Most hiring teams spend less than 10 seconds on an initial scan. If your resume reads like a novel, you’re asking someone with zero context to invest their attention and they won’t.
So, no, longer doesn’t mean more impressive. It often means less effective.
According to Novorésumé’s 2025 recruiter survey:
- 17% of recruiters immediately discard resumes over 2 pages if they feel unfocused
- 61% expect applicants to tailor resumes specifically to the job
Let that sink in: over half of recruiters expect you to cut things out.
How Long Should a Resume Be in 2025?
This question haunts people. Like… seriously haunts them.
You’re formatting your resume for the fifth time in one night, sitting in sweatpants, half-caffeinated, wondering if leaving that part-time barista job from 2014 is a crime.
You Google “how long should a resume be 2025” and get fifty different answers. One says one page or die. Another says two is fine. Some career coach on TikTok swears three pages is “executive energy.”
So let’s cut the noise.
Here’s the truth (based on what recruiters and hiring platforms actually say in 2025):
| Career Level or Situation | Recommended Resume Length |
| Students / Entry-Level (0–5 years) | 1 page is best. You’re just starting—keep it tight. |
| Mid-Career (5–15 years) | 1–2 pages. You’ve earned the space, but don’t abuse it. |
| Senior, Executive, or Highly Technical | 2 pages, possibly 3 if there’s complexity. |
| Federal, Academic, Research Positions | 3+ pages (Totally acceptable. Totally expected.) |
And now you’re like, “But what if I don’t fit neatly into one of those buckets?” Yeah. That’s real.
Maybe you switched careers. Maybe you had a non-linear journey. Maybe you took time off. Maybe your five years of experience includes eight different jobs because—hello—life happens. That’s okay. Length isn’t just about years. It’s about what’s relevant, strategic, and useful to the person hiring you.
Here’s the filter:
If it doesn’t support the job you’re applying for – cut it.
If it adds context, proof, value – keep it.
If it’s just there because you’re scared to delete it – be brave.
Why One Page?
Because early in your career, you don’t need more. Most recruiters expect one page if you have five or fewer years of relevant experience. That includes students, new grads, and even professionals making their first or second move.
You can still impress them with:
- A punchy summary
- Relevant internships
- Standout class projects
- Volunteer work
- Software or tools you actually used
What matters isn’t the length—it’s how effectively you fill the space you do have.
Why Two Pages?
You’ve got a career now. Projects. Promotions. Leadership. Results. Maybe even a side hustle or two. That’s awesome. A second page gives you room to breathe.
But here’s where people mess up: they fill the second page with old, irrelevant stuff. Jobs that don’t matter anymore. Buzzwords. High school achievements. “Worked well independently and as part of a team.” Ugh.
Don’t just use space—earn it.
What About a Three-Page Resume?
Three pages = the danger zone.
It doesn’t mean you’re doomed, but it means you need to tread carefully.
Acceptable scenarios:
- You’re applying for a federal job (they want all the detail)
- You’re a senior engineer or CTO with 20+ years of complex, technical work
- You’re listing research, patents, or publications
- You’ve held board positions, spoken at conferences, led massive orgs
In those cases, the third page isn’t fluff – it’s proof. But if you’re using it to pad weak job descriptions or list every tool you’ve ever touched? You’re wasting precious attention.
🧠 One recruiter’s rule of thumb:
“If I’m skimming page three and learning nothing new, you’re out.”
Industry Matters Too
Different industries = different expectations.
| Industry | Preferred Resume Length |
| Tech / Startups | 1–2 pages. Concise, metrics-heavy. |
| Finance | 1–2 pages. Formal, results-focused. |
| Academia | 3+ pages (CV format). Details matter. |
| Creative fields | 1–2 pages plus portfolio link. |
| Government | 3–5 pages, per federal guidelines. |
So yes, there’s flexibility. But there’s also structure.
TL;DR (for the skimmers and the SEO gods):
- How long should a resume be in 2025?
→ 1–2 pages for most people. - Can it be longer?
→ Yes, but only if you’ve got the credentials to back it up. - Should I trim it even if it hurts?
→ Probably. You’ll thank yourself later.
Signs Your Resume Is Too Long (And How to Fix It)
Not sure if your resume has gone off the rails? Watch for these red flags:
- You’re listing every job you’ve had since high school
- You’re explaining responsibilities instead of results
- You’re using full paragraphs instead of bullet points
- You’re including outdated tools, irrelevant industries, or overexplaining obvious tasks
How to Trim Your Resume Effectively?
- Focus on the last 10–15 years of experience
- Cut redundant roles or combine similar jobs into one
- Use concise, impactful bullet points – not essays
- Quantify your achievements whenever possible
- Drop the fluff phrases like “team player” or “strong communicator” add no value unless you prove them
✂️ Pro tip: Use a tool like WordCounter or Hemingway Editor to keep your bullet points sharp and clean. Aim for around 450–650 words per page.
Should a Resume Have Page Numbers?
Yes. If your resume is more than one page, include page numbers.
It’s a simple formatting detail, but it matters – especially if your resume is printed or shared digitally. A clean footer that says “Page 2 of 2” with your name ensures that your application looks polished and organized.
Avoid putting page numbers at the top. They compete with your name, title, and contact info.
And while we’re at it: always include your name and contact info on every page, just in case someone prints only one.
How Many Words Should a Resume Be?
You don’t have to count words… but if you’re asking how long a resume should be, word count helps.
Recommended Resume Word Count by Length:
- 1 page = 450–650 words
- 2 pages = 900–1,200 words
- 3 pages = 1,300–1,800 words (but only if justified)
Why does this matter?
Because too much text kills readability. If your resume looks like a wall of words, recruiters will just… skip it. Use line breaks. White space. Bullet points.
Is a 3-Page Resume Too Long?
Usually, yes. But there are exceptions.
Acceptable When:
- You’re applying to a federal government job (those require long, detailed formats)
- You’re an academic, researcher, or scientist listing publications, grants, or research
- You’re a C-suite executive with 20+ years of layered, relevant experience
Even in those cases, every line needs to earn its spot. If page 3 is just filler? You’re hurting yourself.
🔥 Real Talk: If you can’t say it in 2 pages, you probably don’t understand what the job actually needs.
Real-Life Resume Examples
Sometimes the best way to “get it” is to see how different resumes shape up:
1-Page Resume Example
Who it’s for:
A marketing associate with 2 years experience
What’s in it:
- 2 jobs, 1 internship
- Key skills section
- Summary paragraph
- Certifications + education
Clean. Focused. Easy to scan.
2-Page Resume Example
Who it’s for:
A project manager with 10 years experience across 3 companies
What’s in it:
- Summary
- Tools + certifications
- 3 jobs with measurable accomplishments
- Side project leadership
Room to breathe. Not bloated.
3-Page Resume Example
Who it’s for:
A Director of Engineering applying for a federal government role
What’s in it:
- 5+ roles with compliance-heavy detail
- Security clearances, licenses
- Patents, publications, and high-level metrics
- Page numbers, polished formatting
Worth the length. Every section has purpose.
FAQ: The Big Resume Length Questions
How long should a resume be for an internship?
Internship resumes should be 1 page – no more. Focus on relevant coursework, personal or academic projects, technical skills, and extracurriculars that demonstrate leadership or initiative. Use a summary section if you’re lacking direct work experience, and always tailor it to the internship role.
How long should a federal resume be?
Federal resumes are a different beast. They can range from 3 to 5 pages or more. You’re expected to list:
- Full duties and accomplishments for each job
- Supervisor names and contact info
- Hours worked per week
- Specific keywords from the job announcement
Follow the USAJobs.gov federal resume format strictly. No shortcuts.
How long should a teacher resume be?
Most teacher resumes fall between 1 and 2 pages. Include:
- Teaching certifications + state licenses
- Grade levels and subjects taught
- Classroom management approaches
- Differentiation or inclusion experience
- Standardized testing results (if notable)
If you’re applying for admin or leadership roles, a third page may be acceptable if content supports it.
How long does it take to write a resume?
Anywhere from 4 to 12 hours depending on complexity and customization. If you’re creating a resume from scratch and tailoring it to specific roles (as you should), you’ll spend time:
- Researching keywords
- Summarizing accomplishments
- Formatting for ATS
- Reviewing and editing
For C-suite professionals or technical roles? Add more hours for detail and depth.
How long is too long for a resume?
More than 2 pages is generally too long for most industries – unless the content demands it. If you’re including outdated jobs, every task you’ve ever done, or filler skills – you’re adding bulk without benefit.
Rule: If someone reads it and nothing new is added by the third page, it’s too long.
How many pages of resume for five years of experience?
1 page is ideal. Possibly 2 pages if:
- You’ve held multiple roles with different scopes
- You have relevant certifications, projects, or leadership experience
- You’re switching industries and need to showcase transferable skills
Otherwise? Keep it sharp and impactful on a single page.
Let’s Get Real
Your resume is not a diary. It’s not therapy. It’s not a scrapbook. It’s a marketing document.
Every single line should work for you. It should prove value. Answer questions. Spark curiosity. Get interviews.
So if your resume is too long? Fix it.
Not because Google says so. Not because some recruiter once told you it should be one page.
But because your time – and your talent – deserve better than getting lost on page three.