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Can a Resume Be 2 Pages? How to Format a Two-Page Resume in 2025

April 10, 2025
Edited by
11
min read

3 key takeaways

  • Learn when a resume can be two pages long (and when it’s not the best option)
  • Discover the ideal resume format for a two-page resume so it’s easy to read and actually gets seen (plus get examples and templates)
  • Learn how to use the Teal AI Resume Builder to create a two-page resume that stands out

If you've ever crammed years of experience onto a single page because someone said, "You can't have a 2-page resume," you're not alone. But here's the truth: resume length isn't what matters. Relevance is.

A single-page resume that omits key accomplishments isn't helping you. A two-page resume that's clear, skimmable, and aligned to the role? That's going to grab the attention of recruiters and hiring managers.

In this guide, you'll learn when a resume can be 2 pages (and when it's not the right choice), how to format a two-page resume so both pages actually get read, and get templates, examples, and expert-backed tips to build this type of resume in a way that actually works.

Can a resume be 2 pages?

Yes, a resume can be 2 pages—and often, it should be.

A two-page resume is exactly what it sounds like: a resume that spans two pages instead of one. It’s common for professionals with 5+ years of experience, a broad skill set, or additional certifications, projects, or leadership roles.

Page count doesn’t matter nearly as much as relevance. If it takes two pages to clearly show your qualifications, impact, and alignment with the role, use the space.

In fact, in a survey of hiring professionals by assessment platform Criteria, over half said that resumes should be two pages in most cases.

Two page resume example
What a 2 page resume looks like

A two-page resume that’s tailored, skimmable, and focused on what matters will always perform better than a crammed one-pager that leaves out the most important details. (Just don't fill it with fluff.)

When a two-page resume is the right choice in 2025

In 2025, your resume doesn’t need to be short—it needs to be relevant.

A 2 page resume is the right choice when it gives you the space to clearly show your most valuable experience. If cutting down to one page means removing key wins, impact, or context, go with two.

A well-formatted 2-page resume can be a powerful way to show depth without sacrificing clarity—especially if you're tailoring it for the job.

  • You have 7+ years of experience with multiple relevant roles
  • You’re applying for a leadership or senior-level position
  • Your work spans several industries, functions, or specialties
  • You’ve led high-impact projects and need space to show measurable results
  • You’re in a technical or academic field where detail matters

Bottom line? A two-page resume should clarify your strengths—not just fill space.

Two page resume solution Teal

When to stick to one page

A two-page resume isn't always necessary. If you're early in your career or don't have a lot of directly relevant experience, one page might be enough.

Here's a quick gut check:

If you're stretching your content to fill two pages, you're better off keeping it concise and sticking to one.

You might want to use a one-page resume if:

  • You're applying to internships or entry-level roles
  • You have less than ~5 years of experience
  • Your most relevant accomplishments fit neatly on one page
  • You're in a field where brevity is standard

💡Pro Tip: Need help deciding which to use? Read Teal's guide to the one page resume.

📌 Resume Myth: A resume has to be one page

This advice is everywhere—but it’s outdated. A one-page resume might work if you're early in your career, but once you’ve built experience, one page often isn't enough.

If your most relevant accomplishments spill onto a second page, that’s not a problem. A well-organized two-page resume that clearly highlights your qualifications is more effective than a crammed one-pager that leaves key information out.

Which resume length is right for you?

There’s no hard rule—choose the format that helps you tell your story best.

If you're still early in your career or applying for your first job, one page might be all you need. But if trimming content means cutting important achievements or context, a second page can actually make your resume stronger.

Use the checklists below to decide which format best fits your background.

Use a one-page resume if:

Checklist for deciding between one and two page resume
When to use a one page resume

Use a two-page resume if:

Checklist for deciding between one vs two page resume
When to use a two-page resume

How to format a 2-Page resume (and make page two work)

Your two-page resume format is important. Don’t just tack on extra space and call it done. Here are three steps to make sure both pages work together—and actually get read.

Step 1: Keep the formatting consistent

Whether you opt for a reverse chronological resume, functional or hybrid, the formatting should be consistent. Page two should look like a seamless continuation of page one, not a second document.

Step 2: Break sentences cleanly

Avoid splitting up sentences and bullet points across pages. Let each finish naturally—even if it means some white space at the bottom of page one.

Step 3: Prioritize clarity

Don't shrink fonts, mess with margins, or jam everything in just to make two pages “work.” (Even if that means your 2 page resume becomes three pages.) Let your most relevant, high-impact experience lead—and keep everything scannable.

How to use page two strategically

Page two of your resume is prime real estate for expanding on your impact. Here’s how to make it count:

  • Continue your strongest experience: If your most relevant roles need more space to show measurable results, page two is where you do it. Don’t cut great bullets just to squeeze everything onto page one.
  • Highlight earlier roles with relevant wins: Older experience can still matter—especially if it’s in the same industry or shows transferable skills. Use page two to give them a quick spotlight without overloading the first half.
  • Include sections that support your candidacy: Certifications, technical skills, side projects, or volunteer work? If they reinforce your fit for the role, they belong. If not, leave them off.
  • Remove fluff: No one wants to read “Responsible for…” on page one or page two. Every bullet should earn its spot.

Best practices for your two-page resume

A great two-page resume isn’t just about filling space—it’s about using that space to clearly and effectively communicate your value. These tips will help make sure both pages work hard for you.

Start with relevance; not everything

  • Only include content that supports the job you’re applying for
  • Lead with your strongest and most recent accomplishments
  • Cut older or unrelated roles unless they offer key context or skills

Make both pages easy to scan

  • Use consistent formatting, spacing, and section headers
  • Ensure contact info is on page one and the most relevant content shows up early
  • Add visual breaks (like white space and section headings) to guide the reader

Use the second page strategically

  • Include strong accomplishments or impact data that didn’t fit on page one
  • Add supporting sections like Certifications, Projects, or Publications
  • Don’t just trail off—keep the quality consistent from top to bottom

Two-page resume examples and templates

A two-page resume doesn’t mean two hours of formatting. These templates are designed to keep things clean and scannable—without cramming everything onto a one page resume.

Two-page resume template - chronological format

This template for a 2 page chronological resume is great for showcasing steady growth and relevant experience across multiple roles.

Contact Details
[Your Name]
[Phone Number] • [Email Address] • [LinkedIn Profile URL] • [Portfolio or Website URL, if applicable]
[Target Title - the job title of the position you're applying for]

Professional Summary

[3-5 sentence summary highlighting your years of experience, skills, relevant experience, and top wins]

Work History
[Job Title]
[Company Name], [Location]
[Month, Year – Month, Year]

• Bullet with metrics and impact
• Bullet with metrics and impact
• Bullet with metrics and impact
• Bullet with metrics and impact
• Bullet with metrics and impact

(Repeat for every relevant position)


Education

[Degree, Major] – [School Name], [Location]
[Graduation Date]

Skills
• Relevant Skill
• Relevant Skill
• Relevant Skill

Certifications
[Relevant certifications or licenses]

Additional Sections

Two-page resume template - functional format

This two-page resume template for a skills-based resume is ideal if you're highlighting transferable skills or navigating a career pivot.

[Your Name]
[Phone Number] | [Email Address] | [LinkedIn URL]

[Target Job Title]

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

[3-5 sentences highlighting your most relevant skills, years of professional experience, and how your background prepares you for this new role. Focus on impact that connects your previous experience with the opportunity.]

KEY SKILLS
[Skill Category 1]

• Bullet with metrics and impact
• Bullet with metrics and impact
• Bullet with metrics and impact
[Skill Category 2]

• Bullet with metrics and impact
• Bullet with metrics and impact
• Bullet with metrics and impact
[Skill Category 3]

• Bullet with metrics and impact
• Bullet with metrics and impact
• Bullet with metrics and impact
[Skill Category 4]

• Bullet with metrics and impact
• Bullet with metrics and impact
• Bullet with metrics and impact

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS

[Degree], [Institution], [Year]
[Relevant Certification], [Issuing Organization], [Year]

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

[Job Title], [Company], [City, State] | [Start Date–End Date]
[Job Title], [Company], [City, State] | [Start Date–End Date]
[Job Title], [Company], [City, State] | [Start Date–End Date]

💡Pro Tip: Explore Teal's modern resume templates to get started on your own resume.

Two-page resume examples

These 2 page resume examples show how to use a second page with purpose—by focusing on relevance, clarity, and impact (not filler).

Two-page resume example - senior experience

The sample two-page resume below highlights a candidate with more than ten years of relevant experience and a target position as a VP of Marketing. As a professional with a wealth of expertise, leadership, and impact, packing this valuable information into a single page could diminish its effect. 

Example two page resume
Use this two-page resume example as a guide for high-level roles

2 page resume example - technical experience

In a field where specific certifications and hard skills are pivotal, each qualification could be the deciding factor for a job opportunity. This two-page resume example for a data analyst ensures none of these crucial details are left out in the interest of length—providing a complete picture of the candidate's technical skills and knowledge.

Two page resume example
Use this example two-page resume as a guide for comprehensive skill coverage

💡Pro Tip: Need more samples? Check out Teal's selection of over 2000 resume examples.

Common mistakes with 2-page resumes

Even a strong resume can fall flat if page two feels like filler or if formatting gets sloppy. Avoid these common mistakes:

  • Adding fluff just to fill space: Stretching bullets, listing irrelevant jobs, or tweaking margins to hit two pages weakens your message. Stick to what’s relevant—even if your resume ends halfway down page two.
  • Inconsistent formatting between pages: Changing fonts, spacing, or headings makes it feel like two documents. Keep your layout consistent and scannable.
  • Breaking key content across pages: Don’t split sentences or bullet points between pages. Keep stories intact so your impact doesn’t get lost.
  • Cramping everything into one page when two would help: If your most important content feels rushed or squeezed, give it room to breathe. A clean, relevant two-page resume is better than a dense, hard-to-read one-pager.

How to share or submit a 2-page resume

A two-page resume isn’t just for uploading and hoping for the best. Here’s how to make sure it looks great and works hard—wherever it ends up.

When submitting digitally

Save your resume as a PDF to lock in formatting—but only after double-checking it’s ATS-friendly. That means an applicant tracking system can parse it correctly. Avoid text boxes, graphics, or images. Keep it simple, structured, and searchable.

💡 Pro Tip: Name your file something clear and professional like Firstname_Lastname_Resume.pdf.

When printing for interviews or job fairs

Yes, people still print resumes for interviews and job fairs. But should you print resumes double-sided if they span more than one page? No. If you’re bringing yours in person, print single-sided on separate sheets and use a paperclip (not a staple). Keep it easy to flip, scan, and copy if needed.

When uploading to LinkedIn or job boards

Stick with a clean PDF for LinkedIn and major job boards. If the platform asks you to paste your resume into a text box, use your master resume and trim it down based on relevance (or let Teal help). And remember: upload tailored versions, not just your default resume. The closer the alignment, the better your chances.

Create a strong two-page resume today

For job seekers across levels and experience, a great resume isn’t limited by length—it’s powered by relevance. If a second page helps tell your story with impact and clarity, use it. Just make sure every section earns its place.

Teal’s free AI Resume Builder helps you do exactly that. Build a master resume, tailor it to each role in minutes, and export a clean, skimmable two-pager that works for both recruiters and ATS. No formatting headaches. No second-guessing.

Try it free and create a two-page resume that actually gets read.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a two page resume okay?

Should you create one and two-page resumes?

Is a 2 page resume ok for entry level?

Is a two page resume a deal breaker?

Is it okay to have a 1.5 page resume?

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Kayte Grady

Kayte Grady

Kayte Grady is a career content and resume expert with years of experience researching and writing about resumes, the job search, and career growth. She's authored over 100 pieces of career content, breaking down what actually works in today's job market. As the Senior Lead Copywriter at Teal, she blends storytelling with data-driven insights to help professionals write resumes that get results. A former social worker turned marketer, she knows firsthand what it means to pivot and take control of your career. An outspoken champion of ADHD professionals, Kayte has found growth, camaraderie, and kindred spirits in tech—despite her never-ending devotion to the paper calendar.

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