How to use one-page resume templates

When you’re writing a resume, one of the first things you’re probably considering is how long the resume should be. Is it best to stand out with a two-page resume or should you stick to a single page?

The most common template you’ll see will be a one-page resume template and most resume examples will showcase a single-page resume. This streamlined resume layout is the best option for most job seekers — but it isn’t always the case.

Here’s what you need to know about the single-page resume template and how to use it most effectively.

Any resume template that’s meant to help you fit your resume onto a single page is a one-page resume template. The template should include a header, all the important resume sections such as your work history, your skills and education, all within a single page using a font size that’s large enough to read.

There are several benefits to using a one-page resume template:

• Most hiring managers are accustomed to the layout.
• Cutting things down so all your resume fits on a single page will help your resume pop, as you’ll be featuring only your most essential work experience, skills and achievements.
• A one-page resume helps avoid information getting lost in the shuffle. The only instance where it’s OK to have a two-page resume is if you’re a highly experienced job seeker with more than 10 years of work experience.

What does a resume template need to include to impress hiring managers? No matter which resume format you’re planning to write in, whether it’s a chronological resume, combination resume or functional resume, here are the elements you should look for in a one-page resume template:

• Includes the primary resume sections: contact information, resume objective or resume summary, work experience, education and skills
• Text is large enough for the hiring manager and recruiter to easily read
• Margins are 1-inch or at least half an inch
• A resume that is clean and easy to scan by applicant tracking systems (ATS)
• Your name is prominent in the resume header

Remember that when finding a simple resume template that meets these needs, if you’re trying to include a lot of information, it may be best to stick to a simpler design but if your information fits easily on a single page, you can go for a more creative resume design as long as it’s easy to read.

For more samples of one-page resume templates, check our library of resume examples for hundreds of jobs and industries.

Now that you know the elements of a one-page resume, here are a few tips you can do to make it better:

• Tailor your resume to the job. Instead of creating a single resume for different jobs, create a resume for each job application you’re going to fill.
• Use bullet points instead of paragraphs and keep your sentences concise. For certain sections, including your skills section, this is expected.
• Focus on your most relevant, pertinent skills and work experiences rather than creating a “laundry list” of assorted skills and experiences. Cut out anything that doesn’t directly relate to the job description and employer.
• Only mention your most impressive work achievements and use quantifiable metrics. If they aren’t eye-catching enough to make a hiring manager look twice, then cut them out.
• Use action verbs at the beginning of your statements to make them more powerful. For example, instead of writing, “I was responsible for a team of…” you should write, “Oversaw team of 15 customer service representatives.”
• Don’t list your references or state that references are available upon request. Recruiters know that your references are available upon request and this wastes a line of space. Instead, create a separate document for your professional references.
• Reduce your resume margins slightly if needed. You can typically reduce them down to as little as half an inch without the resume looking super-crowded.
• Use our Resume Builder to create a professional resume in minutes. Our builder has dozens of beautiful one-page resume templates to choose from, from modern to minimalistic, so you don’t have to worry about margins, fonts or spacing.

As mentioned earlier, a one-page resume template isn’t for everyone. Although most people can create a basic resume that looks clean and professional in one page, you may need a professional two-page resume instead, such as in these situations:

• Your job requires more than 10 years of experience
• You have lots of incredible achievements to showcase
• Many of your peers have two-page resumes

Essentially, the baseline should be a single page; if you have achievements or experience above and beyond what most people have, you can look into a resume template that offers two pages. If you find your second page doesn’t contain a lot of information, that may be a sign that you should slim down your content and aim for a one-page resume. Use bullet points, short phrases and a minimalist resume template to fit everything on a single page.