Ask ten recruiters whether your resume should be one page or two and you'll get ten different answers. The truth is they're both right — it depends entirely on where you're applying.
Resume length conventions vary significantly by country, industry, and career level. Here's the definitive breakdown.
The United States: One Page (Under 10 Years Experience)
US recruiters spend an average of 7 seconds on a first read. One page is the strong default for candidates with under 10 years of experience. For senior professionals, executives, or academics, two pages is acceptable — but every line must earn its place.
The US default to brevity comes from a culture that values conciseness. Recruiters at large companies screen hundreds of applications daily. A two-page resume from a recent graduate signals poor editing judgment.
US rule of thumb: One page until you have 10+ years of relevant experience.
Canada: One to Two Pages
Canada largely follows US conventions, with slightly more tolerance for two pages across all experience levels. Government and public sector roles often expect more detail. French-speaking Quebec follows French conventions (see below).
United Kingdom: Two Pages Maximum
UK recruiters call it a CV, not a resume, and expect two pages as standard. One page can actually seem thin — like you don't have enough experience. Three pages is too long unless you're a senior academic.
UK CVs include a personal statement at the top (2–3 sentences) and list references as "available on request" at the bottom.
Australia: Two to Three Pages
Australian hiring managers typically expect two pages, and three is acceptable for experienced candidates. The Australian job market values detail over brevity — especially for technical, healthcare, and government roles.
Key Selection Criteria documents for government roles are separate and can run 4–6 pages.
India: Two to Three Pages
Indian resumes traditionally include more personal information (date of birth, nationality, languages spoken) and a career objective at the top. Two to three pages is standard. Resumes for IT and engineering roles often include extensive technical skills sections.
France: One to Two Pages (CV Format)
French CVs are typically one to two pages, include a photo, date of birth, and marital status (standard practice, not discrimination). The format is structured and formal, with a focus on education credentials and chronological work history.
Germany: The Lebenslauf
German resumes (Lebenslauf) include a professional photo, personal details, and follow a strict reverse-chronological format. Two pages is standard. Applicants are also expected to submit a cover letter (Anschreiben) and copies of certificates and qualifications.
UAE and Gulf: Two Pages
Gulf resumes typically include a photo, nationality, visa status, and date of birth. Two pages is standard. The format follows international conventions more closely than regional ones.
The Universal Rule
Regardless of country, every line should answer the question: "Does this make me more likely to get an interview?"
If it doesn't, cut it. If it does, keep it — even if that means going to a second page.
The resume isn't the place to be modest. It's a marketing document. Make every word count.