Highlights

1. The ideal CV length is usually around two pages, depending on your career stage, industry, and job role.
2. Include contact info, skills, work experience, education, and relevant achievements.
3. Avoid personal data, salary history, unnecessary references, and irrelevant experiences in your CV.
4. Keep your CV concise with clear formatting and bullet points, and focus on recent, relevant roles.
5. Avoid mistakes like poor formatting, vague profiles, spelling errors, and missing key achievements.

Many people believe a CV should only be one page. While this works for some, it is not a strict rule. The right length depends on your experience, career stage, and the type of job you want. So, the answer to how many pages should a CV be will vary for each person.

This guide will look at the ideal CV length for different situations. We will also share simple tips to make your CV clear, focused, and easy to read. This way, you can create a strong job application that stands out to employers.

What Is the Purpose of a CV?

The main purpose of a CV is to clearly show your skills, experience, and achievements. It should give the recruiter a reason to contact you for an interview. Most recruiters only scan CVs for a few key points, so your most important details should be easy to spot.

A CV is often used when applying for jobs near me or elsewhere. It can also be used for online jobs where employers review applications digitally. Keeping your CV focused and relevant increases your chances of making a strong first impression.

How Many Pages a CV Should Be?

In most cases, a CV should be around two pages. However, the ideal length depends on your job type, industry, and experience level. For example, specialised roles in academia may need more pages to include research, publications, and projects. On the other hand, many corporate roles prefer a shorter format.

If you have little work experience, a one-page CV can work well. It is common for recent graduates, career changers, and those applying for entry-level jobs. Short CVs are easy to read and keep the focus on key skills.

For experienced professionals, two pages often provide enough space to show achievements without overwhelming the reader. Always follow any length guidelines given by the employer. Applying online helps you meet their expectations and optimize your CV with SEO.

What Should and Should Not Be Included in a CV?

When preparing your CV, focus on the sections highlighting your skills and experience. You can also add a link to your CV in a LinkedIn Profile to give employers a quick view of your professional background.

What to Include in a CV

1. Contact details: name, email, phone number, and location.
2. A short professional profile or summary.
3. Education and qualifications.
4. Work experience with job titles, dates, and key achievements.
5. Skills (both technical and soft skills) with brief examples.
6. Internships, including relevant tasks and accomplishments.
7. Training, certifications, and professional memberships.
8. Relevant hobbies or interests that match the job role.

What Not to Include in a CV

1. References, unless the employer requests them.
2. Photos (unless required for specific roles like acting or modelling).
3. Personal details such as age, marital status, or religion.
4. Salary history or previous pay details.
5. Irrelevant experiences that do not add value to the application.

By keeping your CV focused on these essential elements, you can make it clear, professional, and appealing to employers.

Best Tips to Reduce CV Length and Keep It Effective

A long CV can make it harder for recruiters to spot your most important achievements. Keeping it short and focused makes it easier for them to see why you are the right fit for the job. The table below outlines practical ways to reduce CV length while remaining impactful:

Common Mistakes to Avoid when Writing a CV?

When looking at common CV mistakes according to employers, there are several that can instantly reduce your chances of getting an interview. These mistakes are easy to avoid if you know what to look for:

1. Adding too much personal information, such as age, marital status, or photos, is unnecessary for most roles.
2. Hiding key achievements and skills in long paragraphs instead of making them stand out.
3. Submitting a CV with spelling or grammar mistakes that lack attention to detail.
4. Leaving unexplained gaps in employment history may raise doubts.
5. Including false or exaggerated details about experience, job titles, or qualifications.
6. Listing references on your CV instead of saving that space for more relevant content.
7. Making your CV too long and unfocused, instead of keeping it to around two pages.
8. Using cluttered or outdated formatting that is hard to read on screen.
9. Starting with a vague, generic introduction instead of a strong, specific profile.
10. Writing a CV that doesn’t show clear value to the employer or match the role.

Summary

Knowing how many pages should a CV be is key to making a strong first impression. A well-structured CV highlights your skills, experience, and achievements without overwhelming the reader. For most people, two pages work best, while one suits those with limited experience. By focusing on relevant details, using bullet points, and keeping formatting clean, you can make your CV easy to scan. 

FAQ

How Many Pages a CV Should Be?

A CV should be one to two pages. One page is ideal for beginners, while two pages suit experienced professionals showcasing key achievements.