Is it ever exceptable to have more than 2 pages for your CV?

Question

I have cut it down as much as I dare but it is still 3 pages long. Advice please!

Answer 1

I was told that you can have as many pages as it takes to cover all of your experience and education, but 2 or 3 should probably be your maximum because you don't want to bore the personnel director to death. You need to put the most important things on the first page, and use any follow-up pages to fill in the blanks the first page leaves.

Answer 2

No, stick to 2 pages, simple fact is that most people scanning through a bunch of CV's spend around 5 seconds the first time around looking at the basic details on the 1st page, after that they look in more detail. If a CV looks like a copy of war and peace i can guarantee you that it'll go straight into the bin. Keep it simple and concise, at the first stage of looking the person doesn't really need your whole life story, if they want to know more about you they'll call you in for an interview.

Oh and after re-visitng this let me point this out to 'k' you obviously dont own/run a business, i do, you have no idea what you are talking about, and lets face it, if your cv is that long you've obviously changed jobs a lot, doesn't exactly mark you out as reliable or someone worth employing does it?

I here McDonalds are hiring at the moment though - sounds about your level.

Answer 3

Your CV should be short and to the point. I guess it could be more than 1 page. I have a 27 year career history and mine is only 1 page. If you are doing this for an attorney he will be less likely to look at more than 1 maybe 2 pages. Get somebody to help you to shorten it all up. This is just what I think, others may have something else to say.

Answer 4

First, spell correctly - acceptable is the word.

The most important thing is that a resume is NOT a CV. What you're looking for is a resume. It should be short, to the point, and catch the eye of the reader. Remember that the reader will likely be reveiwing many of these, and yours should stand out.

The three basic sections should be (in order) employment histrory, eduction, an then any special skills, awards, etc.

The last consideration is how much information to relate. If you offer too much in a resume, you have very little left to talk about in an interview.

Answer 5

My CV has been 3 pages long for years, it is gradually creeping towards 4 pages. What ever you decide it MUST contain ALL the Education/Training you have done AND the FULL address of EVERY job you have hald.

The people who keep saying that 2 pages are the maximum are talking absolute rubbish.

Answer 6

As a rule, the length of a CV shouldn't be more than 2 pages. HOWEVER, there can be exceptions based upon position (senior vs. junior titles) and/or job requirements.

If you are entry level or less than 5 years experience, absolutely keep it to two pages.

And before you go on that interview, look up the difference between 'exceptable' and 'acceptable'.

Answer 7

usually i keep it to 2 pages and print it double sided. People who go through these hate to go through loads of pages, I've been one of them. Although an exception of a cover letter may be ok. the key is make the cv relevant i.e. no point chatting about working in a cafe if your applying for a secretary.

Answer 8

2 pages is ok, 3 pages no one has the interest to read it. Try cut it down as much as possible.

Answer 9

Technically, any length is acceptable but more than 2 pages is not advisable as the employer will take one look and throw it in the 'no' pile because he doesn't want to read it.

Answer 10

two to three pages is the norm. Though I've seen and read them at four or five pages - depends on the accompanying letter or application form.