How to write a one-page resume?

Writing a one-page resume can be a real endeavor, especially if you have never written a CV before. Same as in our other articles, we’ll use the terms resume and CV interchangeably, just because people do it.

So, how to write a one-page CV? Is it even possible or is it just a myth writing services are selling? Can a one page resume be as good as a 2 or 3 page one? Do you have to use a template in order to achieve this holy single-page requirement?

Let’s find out!

How to write a one-page resume?

Firstly, it is not a myth – it is possible to write a one-page CV. You just need to know how. If you are dead set on having a one page resume, you can definitely achieve it.

Here’s some technical and generic advice that’ll help you write a single-page resume:

1. mind the font size – you can use a 10 pt size instead of 12 or more
2. check your spacing – it doesn’t have to be 1.5 or above, you can do just fine with a 1.0
3. spacing between paragraphs – set it to 2 pt if you really want to keep it
4. remove unneeded contact information like your address and links to social media profiles

What about the content?

Now we’ll look into the content you can skip and save valuable page space.

1. Skip writing a long paragraph at the beginning – “profile”, “career objective”, that sort of a thing.
2. Stick to one-line bullet points when describing your job duties.
3. Stick to 3 bullet points per job only! Of course, mention those that are super relevant to what you want to do now.
4. Mention only those positions that are relevant to what you want to do now.
5. If you’ve held the same or similar positions in different companies, merge those into 1 experience. The descriptions would be very similar anyway, so why repeat yourself?
6. If your education is relevant, stick to short sentences that focus on what you’ve learned or mention specific modules covered.

Can a one-page CV be as good as a 2 or 3 page one?

Truth be told, it can be even better – if you do it properly! Your resume (or CV, however, you want to call it) should be short and sweet. It should give the reader just enough information so they want to learn more.

The goal of a CV is to entice the reader to find out more. Or, in other words, to arrange a job interview for you.

Here at Linking Lines, we love to say that your CV is merely a ticket to the interview. You can discuss details later, but first, we need to write something fantastic so people notice you! And this can surely be done in one page.

What about the templates?

If you’ve read anything on this blog, you probably already know what we think of templates. Those should be avoided at all costs. Why? They clutter your thinking because once you see a template, you can’t un-see it. Therefore, you can’t break away from the idea of a CV they presented.

Next, if you found this template online, other people have done it, too. To conclude, you’ll end up with a resume that looks like everyone else’s. And that is not something you want.

Who should have a one-page resume?

Sometimes it’s very hard to fit everything in one page. But, there are some groups that surely can do it!

1. Recent graduates because they simply can’t have enough valuable experience and educational background to produce a high-quality 2 page document. Sure, they can, but would anyone read it?
2. People changing careers. Those who change careers usually complete a course or obtain a degree. So, they need to focus on that. Their work experience is secondary and should be presented as concisely as possible.
3. People who have been with one company for a long time. Even if they progressed or moved through different departments, it shouldn’t take more than 3 bullet points to present the duties.
4. People looking for a promotion or a different position within the company. Since it is an internal application, they don’t need to overcomplicate things. Instead, a simple 2-3 bullet points for job duties would suffice. We’d recommend putting more emphasis on the cover letter for these types of applications.

Similarly to other things in life, the ability to write a single-page CV will depend on your situation. Therefore, if you really can’t fit everything, then use the 2^nd page as well. However, be mindful not to overload your CV with information and not to bore the reader. As we said, your resume is just a ticket to the job interview, it’s a bait that’s supposed to get the recruiters hooked.

 

How can I make sure my one-page CV brings results?

Firstly, you can check our other blog posts about CV writing and follow our advice.

Secondly, you can submit your CV for a free analysis and get expert advice on what to improve.

Thirdly, you can order our step-by-step CV and cover letter writing guide right here. Simply follow the principles outlined in this book and get more replies to job applications.

Lastly, you can always opt for our CV and cover letter writing services. You can read more about those here.

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