To maximise your chances of a successful job application, you need to know how to lay out your CV logically.
The ideal CV length is generally two pages. How you present your qualifications and key information across those two pages depends on your experience level and the job you’re applying for.
In this article, we provide a two-page CV template and walk you through the writing process so you can create a professional and compelling document.
When should you write a two-page CV?
According to our recent study of CV trends, 50% of all UK hiring managers say they prefer a CV to be two pages long.
A two-page CV is ideal if you have at least 1–2 years of relevant experience. Two pages allows you to describe your experience and achievements in detail while still keeping your CV concise and memorable.
That said, there are times when a one-page CV works better. For example, if you’ve just finished university or are writing a CV for your first job, you won’t have enough experience to need a two-page CV — and that’s perfectly fine. What’s important is your CV is concise and to the point.
Two-page CV template
Here’s a two-page CV template you can download for free to edit in Microsoft Word. Follow the instructions to personalise each section and write an impressive CV for your next job application.
Two-page CV examples for different job applicants
While the information you include on your CV is most important, you still need your application to look clean and logical across two pages.
These two-page CV examples show how a CV should look when spread over multiple pages.
For an experienced applicant
This senior product designer already has a few years of industry experience and plenty of relevant achievements to share with the employer.
The applicant starts with a tailored personal statement, highlighting the unique value they can bring to the position.
Then, they list their work experience chronologically, following each job entry with bullet points outlining what they achieved in each role.
The applicant uses the second page for secondary information, such as their education section, which is less important because of their significant work experience.
In roles where work experience is highly valued, applicants use the first page of their CV to outline their job or project history, while the second page outlines their certifications and education history.
You should always consider the role when deciding what to put on the second of your CV.
For example, if you’re writing an IT CV with specific certification requirements, you may want to include a certifications section on the first page.
For a career change
Career change CVs can be one or two pages long, depending on how much experience you can relate to the job opportunity.
The applicant in this example worked in office administration for a few years before they decided they wanted to apply for this UI/UX designer position.
To clearly show the unique value they can bring to the hiring team, the applicant begins their two-page CV with a strong personal statement explaining their career move.
Then, they list their transferable skills. This approach gives the employer a quick summary of strengths that they can reference when reading through the work experience section.
The applicant’s second page covers their early work history and educational background.
Although this CV is two full A4 pages long, it is still concise and focused on the target job.
If you want to give more context to specific achievements, consider writing a career change cover letter so your CV doesn’t become too long and difficult to follow.
Frequently asked questions
Here are three common questions people have when writing a two-page CV.
1. How do I make my CV fit on two pages?
You can make your CV fit on two pages by editing your CV’s contents for the job. Only include skills and achievements that are highly relevant and explain the value you can contribute to the hiring team.
Remember, your CV is supposed to be a concise overview of your relevant skills and qualifications. Avoid padding out your application with fluff to get your CV length to two full pages.
If you need help writing a concise yet detailed CV with all the necessary information to capture the employer’s interest, consider using an online CV maker that can create custom content using your professional details.
2. Can a student CV be two pages long?
Most student CVs are only one page long. While there is no one-page limit to student CVs, few university students and graduates have enough experience to need a two-page document.
3. How far back should a CV go?
Generally speaking, your CV should include any relevant jobs or experience you gained in the last 10–15 years.
If you have earlier experience that is relevant to the job. Make a brief mention of it on the second page of your CV. You can put this early career experience at the bottom of your work experience section or under a separate ‘Additional Experience’ header.
For work experience that is more than 10-15 years old, just list your job title, employer, and the dates you were employed:
PR Associate | Jan 2003 – Jan 2005
Hammersmith Media, London
