Resume Length in 2025: Exactly How Long Should It Be?

For most professionals in 2025, the ideal resume length is two pages containing 475–600 words. This range provides enough space for relevant keywords and measurable achievements while remaining scannable for recruiters who spend just 5–7 seconds on initial review.

Yes, entry-level candidates with 0-3 years of experience should typically use a one-page resume focused on education, internships, relevant projects, and transferable skills. Once you have more substantial work experience, expanding to two pages becomes beneficial.

No, ATS software scans all text regardless of page count. What matters is keyword optimization and clear formatting. A well-structured two-page resume often performs better than a cramped one-page version because it provides space for comprehensive keyword coverage and detailed achievements.

Three-page resumes are acceptable for senior executives with extensive leadership experience, academic professionals (professors, researchers), federal government positions, and candidates in education or social services. Every line on the third page must provide critical, relevant information.

The most common rejection triggers are filler content and irrelevant details, poor formatting with cluttered layouts, basic errors like typos (which 77% of hiring managers cite as grounds for immediate rejection), and listing responsibilities without quantifiable achievements.