How Long Should a CV Be? Proper Curriculum Vitae Page Length

Choosing an appropriate length is an important part of how to write a CV, and it depends on the type of CV you’re writing.

Here are three different types of CVs with the recommended length for each:

For an academic CV

An academic CV is an application document used in the US to apply for graduate school, grants or academic positions. Academic CVs are often 10 pages or longer, because they cover everything from a candidate’s education history to their publications.

If this is the kind of CV you’re writing, there is no length limit. Include as much information as you can about your academic expertise, publications, and research experience.

For a job seeker CV

Some employers will ask you to submit a CV. In the United States and Canada, a job seeker CV is equivalent to a resume.

The ideal length of a resume is 1 page, though most hiring managers won’t mind if yours spills onto a second page. Still, try to keep yours to 1 page unless you have 10-20 years of experience.

For a European CV

In Europe, the term “curriculum vitae” is used to refer to what Americans call a resume. While there are some differences between a CV and a resume, they’re mostly synonymous. If you’re looking for work in a European country, your CV should be 1-2 pages long.

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How to shorten your CV

If you find it difficult to fit all of your information on two pages when writing a European CV, here are five steps you can take to shorten it.

1. Pick the right template

The right CV template can significantly reduce the length of your CV. Avoid templates with graphics, skills bars, and wide headers. Instead, go for a template with a simple layout.

2. Focus on achievements, not responsibilities

A common mistake job seekers make is turning their CV into a list of responsibilities they held at their previous jobs. Unless you’re in the process of a career change, potential employers will have a pretty good idea of the kind of work you did in the past.

To prevent making your CV too long, focus on emphasizing your professional achievements, instead of just listing your past job duties.

Here’s an example of a well-written entry on a nursing resume that showcases the candidate’s accomplishments while also highlighting their abilities:

3. Adjust your formatting

The quickest way to make your CV shorter is to adjust the formatting. Here are a few formatting adjustments you can make to condense the content and make your CV more concise:

Adjust your margins – Reduce the size of the margins of your CV to fit more content on each page, going as low as 0.5″.

Change your font size – Many templates use a 12-point font size. If you need more space, you can reduce it to 10 points. Anything smaller than that will make your CV difficult to read.

Remove white space – Sometimes there’s excessive white space between sections or under headings. Reduce these spaces to minimize unnecessary gaps on your CV.

4. Match the job description

Another way to keep your resume concise is to try to match it as closely as possible to the job ad. This will ensure you’re not including irrelevant information the employer doesn’t need to know.

For example, including additional sections on your CV, such as languages or hobbies, can show that you’re a well-rounded candidate, but if they’re not relevant to the job, it’s better to leave them out.

Similarly, if you have more than 10 years of experience in your field, it’s not necessary to include part-time jobs from before then.

5. Proofread your CV

For many job seekers, writing a CV is the most challenging part of the job hunt. You might want to get it over with as soon as possible, but it’s worth spending a few extra minutes proofreading your CV.

In addition to allowing you to catch any mistakes you missed during the writing process, it will give you an overview of your CV which makes it easier to spot any redundant bullet points or other information that is making your document unnecessarily long.

Ask a friend or family member to take a look at your CV in case you’re still struggling to shorten it.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re still not sure how to write your CV, here are some of the most commonly asked questions about CVs:

1. What’s the difference between a CV and a resume?

In North America, a resume and a CV are different documents:

• A resume is the standard document job seekers use to apply for jobs
• A CV is a longer document used for academic positions and specific fields (like healthcare)

In Europe, the standard document job seekers use is called a CV, and is equivalent to a resume in North America.

2. Should a CV be one page?

A European CV should be 1–2 pages long. It can be one page if you’re applying for an entry-level position and don’t have enough experience to fill two pages or more yet.

For academic positions in North America (or jobs that specifically request a CV), your CV will usually be longer than 1 page.