How Long Should My CV Be? One to three pages explained
by Joseph | 13 Oct 2025
One of the most common questions people ask is, how long should a CV be? The truth is, there is no single right answer. Everyone’s background is different, and every person reading your CV will have their own opinion on what looks best. That said, there are some useful guidelines you can follow to make sure your CV is clear, relevant and easy to read.
The General Rule
As a general rule, your CV should be around two to three pages long. That tends to give you enough space to outline your experience, highlight your achievements and still keep things easy for a reader to scan quickly.
If your career is just starting out or you have only a few years of experience, a one page CV can often be the most effective. Some of the best CVs I have ever read have been just a single page. They are clear, focused and make an immediate impact.
On the other hand, if you have a long career with several roles, large projects or senior responsibilities, going up to three pages can be completely fine. The key is to make sure every line earns its place.
Focus on Quality and Relevance
When people ask is two pages the right amount, my answer is usually that it depends on how relevant and well written the content is. A short CV that is full of strong, specific information will always be more effective than a long one full of filler.
Think about what the person hiring actually needs to see. Focus on your recent experience, achievements and measurable results. Anything that does not add value to the story of why you are a good fit can usually be shortened or removed.
The Six Second Rule
You may have heard of the six second rule, and it is true. Most people reviewing CVs make their first judgement within a few seconds. When employers and recruiters receive hundreds, sometimes even thousands of applications, they simply do not have time to read every line in detail.
That means the layout, clarity and immediate impact of your CV are just as important as the content itself. If it looks too long, cluttered or hard to follow, there is a real risk it will not get the attention it deserves.
To make those first few seconds count, make sure your CV is easy to scan. Use short bullet points, clear headings and consistent formatting. The person reading it should be able to see who you are, what you do and what makes you good at it in one quick glance.
What Is the Most Amount of Pages for a CV
There is no strict maximum, but generally, anything over three pages starts to feel too long for most roles. The only real exceptions are academic CVs, research roles or highly technical positions where detailed project lists or publications are required.
For almost every other role, keeping it to two pages, or three at most, gives you the best chance of holding attention while still sharing enough detail.
The Best Approach
Instead of worrying too much about the exact length, focus on:
- Making your CV easy to read and relevant to the job you want.
- Highlighting your best achievements and strengths clearly.
- Cutting anything that does not support your story.
- Presenting your information in a clean, structured way.
Whether your CV is one page or three, the goal is the same: to make a strong impression quickly and show exactly why you are a great fit.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to how long a CV should be, there is flexibility. A one page CV can be brilliant if it is sharp and focused. A three page CV can work well if you have a long, detailed career. But no matter the length, the most important thing is quality, clarity and relevance.
Remember the six second rule, make sure the first impression counts, and always tailor your CV to the person reading it. If you do that, it will not matter if it is one, two or three pages long. It will simply work.