If a one-page resume is good, that makes a two-page resume twice as good, right?
Unfortunately, no. A two-page resume can be effective … if you need one. Generally, that means people applying for C-level, executive, or other very senior positions — most entry or mid-level job seekers should stick to a standard one-page resume instead.
If you’re looking for your next executive role, here’s how to format your two-page resume — including tips on what sections to add, what order they should go in, and more tips for formatting an executive resume.
How to format a 2-page resume
You should format your two-page resume sections in this order:
- Contact details
- Resume title
- Executive summary
- Areas of expertise
- Work experience
- Education
- Additional sections (e.g. volunteer work, projects, certifications, board memberships, etc.)
- Skills
You can skip straight to any of those sections for more information, or keep scrolling for the full details. But first, let's take a look at an example of a 2-page resume — and how it differs from a standard 1-page resume.
2-page resume template
Here’s an example of a two-page executive or senior level resume:
For more templates, check out our C-level and executive resume templates, which you can download in Google Docs or PDF format.
When should you use a 2-page resume?
When to use a 2-page resume
You should use a two-page resume format if:
- You have 10-15 years+ experience
- You’re applying for very senior or executive roles
- You're in an industry that typically uses longer CVs instead of traditional resumes
- You genuinely need one — see our tips below to find out if you actually have enough relevant information to warrant a 2-page resume
When not to use a 2-page resume
Most job seekers won’t need a two-page resume. In most cases, recruiters expect a single page but won’t automatically reject you if your resume spills over onto a second page. That said, you should stick to a standard one-page resume if:
- You’re a student or recent graduate
- You don't have a lot of work experience
- You're applying for an internship or entry-level position
- You need to add extraneous information (“fluff”) to fill out a second page
How to decide between a 1-page or 2-page resume
Not sure if you need a 1-page or 2-page resume? Our tip: Do both.
How to cut a resume down to one page
- Start by creating a two-page resume with all of your information on it.
- Next, trim the least important bits — including older jobs, duplicate accomplishments, and optional resume sections — until you get it down to one page.
- Now, take a look at both resumes side by side. If the one-page resume is good enough, use that. If it's missing essential skills, keywords, or accomplishments, go with the two-page version instead.
- Run both versions through an ATS resume checker for a side by side comparison.
- If your resume is less than a page and a half, always cut it down to a single page.
If you’re wondering if your resume should be one page or two, upload it to the tool below — it’ll evaluate your resume and give you feedback on resume length and other key areas such as resume margins, font size and style, and spacing.
What to include in a 2-page resume: Essentials
Decided on using a 2-page resume format? Every 2-page resume should include these basics:
Contact information
This section is no different on a two-page resume. Include your name, general location, phone number, email address, and (optionally) a link to your portfolio or LinkedIn profile.
Work experience
This is the most important part of any resume, and that goes double for a two-page resume. Not only can your work experience section be longer on a two-page resume, it can also be formatted differently. If you have extensive experience, consider splitting up your bullet points into core competencies with their own subheadings, for example, Revenue Growth, Mergers & Acquisitions, and Diversity & Inclusion.
Example of splitting 2-page resume bullet points into core competencies
You may also want to include a short blurb above your bullet points to quickly contextualize key elements of the role, for example, the scope of the business or the size of the department you led.
Education
In contrast to your work experience, additional sections like education should be shortened on a two-page resume. Include the name of the school and degree, location, and your major and relevant minor(s). At this stage, you can leave off details like your GPA, coursework, student activities, and even your graduation date.
Skills
In a two-page resume, you can still include a short section at the bottom that lists technical skills, languages, certifications, awards, and other information. You can title this “Skills” or “Core competencies.” Consider splitting this section into key areas using subheadings to highlight specific competencies and make your resume easier to skim.
If you want to find technical skills related to the executive/management role you’re applying for, use the tool below to get a list of relevant skills and keywords. The tool also gives you the option to upload your resume. It’ll perform a quick scan and tell you what skills are missing.
What to include in a 2-page resume: Extras
In addition to the above, here are some additional sections you might want to include on a 2-page resume:
Resume title
This can go at the top of your resume and should match the exact title of the job you’re applying for. This can help your resume pass the initial screening stage, especially if you’ve done similar work previously but under a slightly different job title. In addition, you can add select keywords underneath to highlight your top areas of expertise, similar to a LinkedIn headline.
Executive summary
Unlike a standard one-page resume, where it’s optional, an executive summary is a must for a two-page resume. This puts your most relevant experience together upfront, where it’s impossible to miss. Include a brief overview of your experience plus a few key accomplishments in bullet points.
Areas of expertise
No, this isn’t just a fancy name for a skills section. An areas of expertise section goes at the top of your resume, underneath the executive summary, and should include a high-level overview of your broad areas of expertise rather than specific technical skills.
Additional sections
You can choose to cover one or two additional areas in your two-page resume, including volunteer work, projects, certifications, board memberships, and professional affiliations. Don’t feel the need to list all of these — instead, choose 1-2 that are most relevant to your experience and the job you’re applying for. For example, a projects section might be a good idea for work that requires programming or design skills, while board memberships and professional affiliations can emphasize that you’re well-regarded in your particular field.
For even more tips on how to format a 2-page resume, why not check out our definitive 2022 guide on how to write an executive resume?
Formatting a 2-page resume: Do's and don'ts
Wondering about the nitty-gritty of how to format a two-page resume? Here's everything you need to know.
DO: Put the most important information on page one
Submitting a 2-page resume doesn't guarantee that a recruiter will spend more time on it than they would a 1-page resume. Make sure the most relevant information — like your work experience — is on the first page so it doesn't get overlooked.
DO: Use consistent formatting
Two pages doesn't mean two resumes — if you have a two-page resume, make sure it's clear that both pages belong to the same document. Your margins, fonts, and text size should all be the same as in a standard one-page resume. Generally, this means using one-inch margins on all sides, standard fonts, and consistent formatting across all pages of your resume.
See our guide on resume margins and other formatting tips for more details.
DON'T: Repeat information on the second page
There's no need to include the same information twice, so skip the resume title and summary on page two.
DON'T: Submit a double-sided resume
If your resume is two pages long, make sure it's one two separate pages — not on a single, double-sided page, which is much easier for a recruiter to accidentally overlook.
OPTIONAL: Use a resume header or footer
You can put some details — like your name, phone number, email address, and portfolio or LinkedIn profile — in a header or footer so it appears on both pages. Even if you do this, always include that information in your contact details at the top of the first page of your resume.
Another tip: Use the actual header function on Word or Google Docs rather than adding the information manually in small font. This looks more polished and professional — and makes it clear that you haven’t just accidentally added duplicate information.
OPTIONAL: Number your pages
Want to make sure the hiring manager doesn't miss the second page of your resume? Number your pages! Put "1/2" and "2/2" in your resume header or footer rather than simply writing a number at the bottom of the page.
