Resume Length Research
Resume Length & Format Benchmarks by Role
Survey data shows most hiring professionals recommend one-page resumes, yet a controlled hiring simulation found two-page resumes performed better for mid- and senior-level roles. Use these benchmarks to choose the right length for your experience.
Last updated: January 2026
Key resume length benchmarks
These stats summarize recruiter preferences and outcomes from ResumeGo's surveys and hiring simulations.
| Metric | Benchmark | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Hiring professionals surveyed (2024) | 418 respondents | ResumeGo Resume Length Survey |
| Recommend one-page resumes | 92% | ResumeGo Resume Length Survey |
| Say resumes are too short (vs too long) | 63% too short | ResumeGo Resume Length Survey |
| Too little information is worse than too much | 89% vs 11% | ResumeGo Resume Length Survey |
| Consider two-page resume after 10+ years | 45% | ResumeGo Resume Length Survey |
| Recruiters prefer two-page resumes overall | 2.3x more likely | ResumeGo One vs Two-Page Study |
| Preference for two-page resumes by role level | Entry 1.4x, Mid 2.6x, Manager 2.9x | ResumeGo One vs Two-Page Study |
| Two-page resumes score higher | 21% higher (8.6 vs 7.1) | ResumeGo One vs Two-Page Study |
| Average review time by length | 2:24 one-page, 4:05 two-page | ResumeGo One vs Two-Page Study |
Role-level resume length preferences
- Entry-level roles: two-page resumes preferred 1.4x.
- Mid-level roles: two-page resumes preferred 2.6x.
- Managerial roles: two-page resumes preferred 2.9x.
Experience thresholds for two pages
- 45% of hiring professionals suggest two pages after 10+ years.
- 31% say two pages are appropriate after 20+ years.
- Only 6% say any experience level can justify two pages.
What recruiters say vs what they choose
- 92% recommend one-page resumes in surveys.
- In simulations, two-page resumes scored 21% higher (8.6 vs 7.1).
- Recruiters spent 4:05 reviewing two pages vs 2:24 for one page.
Practical guidance for job seekers
- Use one page if you have under 10 years of experience.
- Expand to two pages when you can add relevant, quantified impact.
- Prioritize clarity: 89% say too little information is worse than too much.
Frequently asked questions
Sources and methodology
ResumeGo's 2024 survey polled 418 hiring professionals. The one vs two-page study used a hiring simulation with 482 recruiters reviewing 7,712 resumes.
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