How Long Should Your CV Be?
Let’s Stop Overthinking It.
There’s a lot of noise about CV length. Some people will tell you it must be one page. Others say three is fine. There’s no magic number, and a one-page CV isn’t some gold standard.
In fact, the obsession with a one-pager often comes from people trying to sell you a CV writing service. Let’s be honest: most people with 10+ years of experience can’t tell their story properly on one page, and they shouldn’t try to.
Here’s what matters:
Your CV should tell your story
It’s there to show why you’re the right person for the role.
It’s not an art project or a place for buzzwords.
If you’ve been working for a while, one page won’t cut it.
But unless you’re applying to MI5, no one needs eight pages either.
Keep it relevant
If you’re a senior project manager, you don’t need to include three paragraphs about working at McDonald’s when you were 16.
If you’re a recent graduate, that same job might show you’ve dealt with pressure, worked in a team, or led a shift, so yes, include it.
What should it look like?
- No fancy fonts
- No over-designed templates
- No headshots or infographics
Just:
- A clear profile at the top
- Reverse chronological work experience
- Include company size, sector, and where you sat in the structure
- Responsibilities and achievements backed up with real numbers
If you make it easy to see how you’ve solved problems and delivered results, you’re doing it right.
Final point
Your CV is your first chance to show a hiring manager how you can solve their problem.
That’s it.
That’s the job.
Make that clear, and whether it’s two pages or three, it will be just fine!
Thank You
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