The ideal length for a CV depends on which type of CV you’re writing:
Ideal length for different types of CVs
| Academic CV | Job seeker CV | European CV |
|---|---|---|
| 2–10 pages | 1 page | 1–2 pages |
Academic CVs
An academic CV is an application document used in the US to apply for graduate school, grants or academic positions.
Academic CVs typically range from 2–4 pages for new professionals, while seasoned professionals have a recommended maximum of 10 pages.
While they are longer than resumes to accommodate research and publications, the length should reflect your career stage. Include as much relevant information as you can about your academic expertise, publications, and research experience.
Job seeker CVs
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.
European CVs
In Europe, the term CV, or 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.
How to shorten your CV
If you’re finding it difficult to pare down your CV to an appropriate length, try the following tips:
Pick the right template
Using a CV template that optimizes space can help you fit more content into less space without looking messy. Avoid templates with graphics, skills bars, and wide headers. Instead, go for a template with a simple layout.
Recent statistics show that more than 40% of employers prefer templates without distracting design elements.
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 your margins 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. However, 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.
Write concisely
One of the easiest ways to shorten your CV is to be more selective with your words. Long sentences, repeated ideas, and extra filler can quickly take up space without adding much value.
Focus on saying more with less. Keep your points clear, direct, and to the point. This not only helps reduce length, but also makes your CV easier to read, so employers can quickly pick out what matters most.
Leave out unnecessary sections
If a section doesn’t add value to your application, it doesn’t need to be on your CV. Things like outdated experience, irrelevant hobbies, or old awards can take up space without helping your chances.
Focus on what actually supports your application for the role. Removing unnecessary sections keeps your CV cleaner, shorter, and more focused on what employers care about.
About the Author
Lauren Mastroni is a Senior Digital Content Writer at Resume Genius, where she creates data-driven career content and actionable job search advice. With a background in academic research, she brings a research-focused approach to topics like resume writing, interviewing, and career development. Lauren is dedicated to helping job seekers at all stages navigate the hiring process and present themselves more effectively to employers.
