Two Page Resume Format: 2020 Examples & Guide

Can a resume be 2 pages?

Well, the short answer, is definitely yes.

In fact, the number of years of experience you have determines how lengthy it can get. Let's look at the thumb rule:

No. of years of experience	No. of Resume Pages
<= 10	1 page resume
>10	2 page resume

However, there are lots of possible variations that needs to be considered while drafting a 2 page resume:

significant contribution points
relevant certifications or skills
quantifiable achievements

In case you want the summary, here it is:

Opt for a 2 pager resume if you have more than 10 years of work experience.
Go for a 2 page resume if you have relevant certifications, projects and awards.
Use a separate sheet to make the 2nd page & not the back side of the first page.
Use cause-effect method to write your resume points.
Quantify your resume points to have greater impact.

Would the recruiter consider a two page resume too much information or a 1 page resume too less to justify?

Sit tight. Let us answer all the 2 page resume format.

A two page resume is not easy to read! Longer the resume, more are the chances for the recruiter to skip the important information that you wanted to deliver.

Hence, it is imperative to choose the best two page resume template for your profile.

Your search for the trendiest two page resume templates ends here!

In fact, by the time you are through with our guide, you would have further answered all your doubts regarding the most pressing questions:

can a resume be 2 pages?
how many years back should a resume go?
how to shorten a resume?
how to print a two page resume?
can a resume be front and back?

We have furnished a complete guide to writing your 2 page resume along with good and bad resume examples for 2 page resumes.

Further, the professionals from Hiration have brought you a vast collection of one of the best two page resume templates.Try Hiration's Online Resume Builder now!

Happy reading!

How do you choose the perfect two page resume template for your job? Look out for some special 2 page resume tips and the answers to the most asked 2 page resume questions at the end!

So...

Can a resume be 2 pages?

Yes, a two page resume is possible. In fact, it is common, if you have more than ten years of experience in the same field.

However, there are multiple limitations you must follow. Let's look at the specs.

You may or may not repeat your name on page 2 depending on the free space you have
Do not repeat your skills/summary on page 2
Put the most important/relevant facts on page 1
Number your pages
Don't submit a double-sided 2 page resume

When can a resume be 2 pages?

Broadly speaking, you can send a two page resume when you have more than 10 years of relevant experiences.

However, there are a few parameters that otherwise justify writing a two page resume.

So when can a resume be two pages?

If you have:

multiple relevant projects
extracurricular/co-curricular achievements

If you are a:

Seasoned Worker
Targeting a Senior Position

Having said that, do not leave your resume a little less that two pages. Always make sure it reaches the complete length of the first or the second page.

So, "Can a resume be two pages?"

If it's less than 1.5 pages, make it 1 page
When a job description needs a lot of experiences

Essentially, consider a 2 page resume for the following career options/industries:

Sales
Marketing
Computer Science
Engineering
Project Management
Finance & Administrative
Accountancy
Data Analysis
Business Analysis
Office Management

Two Page Resume Templates?

Most of the time, a short one page resume is expected.

But what if you have a lot of work experience? Or tonnes of extramural achievements, projects and certifications?

It becomes difficult to fit all the information in one page. In such a case, a two page resume comes to the rescue.

The two page resumes, however, are risky. You may fear that the second page of your resume is left unread, or worse unattached.

Worry no more! Hiration has got you covered. We have got the modern yet trendy and sleek professional 2 page resume designs for all tastes. Our designs are totally ATS friendly, even with images and other graphical elements.

A 2 page resume and a cover letter are just a quick snapshot that opens the door for further prospects. In your interview, the employer may ask for more details from a job seeker.

Only send a longer document if it is requested in the job description (like a C.V. for academic jobs).

Why do you need two page resume?

A two page resume is sometimes a matter of choice and sometimes a matter of dignity.

Before the days of email, resumes were faxed, and further back, hand delivered. Pages got separated, particularly off a fax, but also on desktops (and I am referring to a physical, rather than computer-displayed, desktop).

That is the place from where all the "your resume should be one page long" advice ultimately comes from.

In fact, nowadays many people are not required to print the resume unless the recruit needs to take notes on it.

Pages don't get separated in the digital domain, so 2 pages is OK - provided you aren't just making it longer to appear more impressive. And if you're an established professional, even a 3 page resume can be acceptable under certain circumstances (like, you have 15+ years of relevant but diversified experience).

In fact a resume should NOT be more than two pages. A CV could be more than two pages, but you're not writing a CV, are you?

Unless your'e targetting jobs around the European continent, you do not need a CV. In fact, a 2 page resume contains almost all the information as does a CV.

One Page vs. Two Page Resume Format

If you have enough relevant experiences, trainings and certification pertaining to position to showcase on more than one page of your resume, then go for it.

If you want to build a one page resume instead, check out One Page Resume - 2020 Guide to One Page Resume Templates (With Examples)

The two page resume examples which follows shall give you the best ideas about how and when to use a two page resume.

These are sure to land you an interview call!

Sample Templates

All the following 2 page resume templates are available on Hiration's online resume builder.

Sales & Distribution Head

Material Colour 2 page resume

New York 2 page resume

London 2 page resume

Rainbow 2 page resume

Senior Database Administrator

Amsterdam 2 page resume

Barcelona 2 page resume

Athens 2 page resume

Professional Black 2 page resume

Project Manager (PMP)

Professional Blue 2 page resume

Modern Teal 2 page resume

Global Citizen Red 2 page resume

Uniform Brown 2 page resume

Senior Architect & Tech Lead

Boxed Navy 2 page resume

Trendy Design 2 page resume

California 2 page resume

Miami 2 page resume

Art & Creative Director

Paris 2 page resume

Royal Blue 2 page resume

Round Timeline 2 page resume

Diamond Timeline 2 page reusme

Choosing the Best 2 Page Resume Template

When you choose 2 page resume format, begin by deciding what to include on your 2 page resume and what to remove. It makes the drafting and editing process quite easy.

If you are a fresher, prefer a one page resume format.
If you are a senior working professional, prefer a two page resume format.

After choosing a 2 page resume template, focus on choosing the best layout for your resume.

A functional resume layout works when you have a gap in your resume or if you are a newbie. Check out Functional Resume - The 2020 Guide to Functional Resumes (Samples & Examples)
A chronological resume layout works when you have a strong work experience and internship experience.

Don't know which layout works best for you? Check out The Best Resume Layout: 2020 Guide with +50 Examples and Samples

Resume FAQs

1. Can a resume be more than one page?

Clearly, Yes. Your resume size depends on the relevant experiences/certifications/expertise that determine your fit for the target job.

3. When can a resume be 2 pages?

There are five major cases when you can use a 2 page resume. These are mainly when you have:

greater than 10 years of relevant work experience
extensive list of projects
relevant extra/co-curricular activities or achievements
multiple significant certifications
are applying for a senior position

4. When should you not use a Two Page Resume?

If you're an entry-level candidate, there's almost no need to write a two-page resume. You simply don't have enough experience yet. The exception? If you're going for an internship and you've got lots of academic achievements, make your resume two pages.

4. Should I staple my 2 page resume?

Rather, use a paperclip.

In case the recruiters want to scan your 2 page resume, staples might get in the way.

5. Lastly, is it bad to use a 2 page resume template?

Well, templates are the most neat and organized structure for any document. Hence, it is hardly considered fruitless to have a two page resume as long as you have sufficient content for it.

Key Takeaways

Make a two page resume if:

You have a significant amount of relevant work experience
You have 10+ years of professional experience
You have extramural achievements/projects/certifications relevant to the job

Make a one page resume if:

Your job profile is in a conservative field
You have a limited work experience
You are applying to an entry-level or part-time job
A one-page resume is requested in the job description

Filter your 2 page resume by prioritizing the following factors:

Most Relevant: what you definitely have to keep
Irrelevant: what you can do without
Insignificant: what can stay only if you have enough space

And you are good to go!

For any further doubts or queries, give us a shout out in the comments!