For most jobs in the UK, two sides of A4 is the norm. It's long enough to show your experience properly and short enough for someone to read in one sitting.
That's a guideline, not a rule. The right length is the shortest one that still shows you can do the job.
When one page is better
- You're a school leaver, student or recent graduate. One strong page beats two thin ones.
- You're applying for a part-time, retail, hospitality or entry-level role. Recruiters want the essentials quickly.
- You're applying in the United States. A US "résumé" is usually one page, two at most for senior roles.
When two pages (or a little more) is fine
- You have several years of relevant experience. Two pages lets you describe your recent roles in detail.
- Your field expects detail, such as nursing, teaching or academic jobs, where registrations, training and placements all matter.
- An application asks for more. Some public-sector roles ask for a CV plus a personal statement. Follow what the advert asks for.
How to make yours shorter
- Go into detail on your last ten years. Older or less relevant jobs can be one line each: job title, employer, dates.
- Cut duties, keep results. "Responsible for stock" says less than "Cut stock waste by checking deliveries against orders."
- Drop the extras nobody needs: a photo (in the UK), your date of birth, "References available on request" and your full address. Your town or city is enough.
- Use one clear layout. Tight margins and tiny fonts don't fool anyone; they just make the page harder to read.
The quick test
Give your CV to someone for thirty seconds, then take it back. Can they tell you what job you do and why you'd be good at it? If yes, the length is right.