What To Know About Writing a 2 Page CV

A 2 page CV can be effective in the right situations, or it can be a detriment. What should you know about writing a longer CV?

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2 Page CV

When you start looking into CV writing, one of the questions you might ask is, “How long should a CV be?” In discussions over CV length, many experts suggest sticking with the one-page CV. The one-page CV is short, simple and effective, making up the majority of job applications. However, what about a two-page CV? Could this be a better way to list years of experience and skills? Here’s what you need to know.

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What Is a 2 Page CV?

A two-page CV is pretty self-explanatory: a CV that is two pages long. The two-page CV layout may be less common than a one-page CV format, and this longer CV format may not be right for you, but if you’re thinking about using one in your job search, here are some elements to consider.

When To Use a 2 Page CV

First of all, what are some reasons you might need a second page of your CV? There are some good reasons you might choose a professional CV with two pages. Here are a few of them:

You have over 10 years of relevant experience to cite. Only assume this if the job description actively asks for more than 10 years of experience, as you can cut your work history section short otherwise.
You’re applying for a higher-level job. Someone who’s applying to be a CFO has more of a right to consider a two-page CV than someone who’s fresh out of high school and applying for an entry-level position.
You have a lot of achievements and awards. If your certifications take up a significant portion of your CV, those bullet points might benefit from some extra space.
Your job relies on lots of freelancing work. Often, freelancers need to include individual projects and jobs in their CV, leading to a two-page CV. These freelancing jobs are part of your work history just like anything else.

Essentially, you need a lot of professional experience in order to justify a two-page CV. Think of a single-page CV as the standard, but be ready to change it up as needed.

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When To Stick to a Single-page CV

What elements mean that a single-page CV is likely the best option for your needs? Here are a few things to consider.

You’re applying for an entry-level job. If you’re applying to a job that doesn’t need any experience or needs less than two years of experience, you don’t need a two-page CV to discuss all the ins and outs of your work history.
Your CV is less than a page and a half. If you’re going to have two pages to your CV, your headings need to fill all two pages. Otherwise, the second page is just going to look empty. Look to use bullet points and concise phrases to streamline your content without sacrificing readability or deleting any important information you need to present tot he employer.
Lots of your experience isn’t relevant to the job. If you’re going through a career change, for example, you can probably drop a lot of your work history, causing your two-page CV to slide back down to one.
Your field is used to one-page CVs. Some more complicated fields might use two-page CVs (or even three pages on rare occasions), but if CV examples from your field typically end at a single page, do the same.

Again, assume that a one-page CV is the right choice to start with, but if you find that you have enough relevant information for a two-page CV, it can be a great choice for many situations.

FAQ: 2 Page CV

Q: Should I repeat my header on the second page?

The CV header is where you put your contact information and social media, including your LinkedIn. Typically, you should avoid repeating it on the second page. The process of formatting a two-page CV can be even more daunting than formatting a single one, as understanding what to include and not to include can be difficult. This is why the CVHelp CV builder is such an excellent resource. This CV builder can help you through everything from your CV summary to your work experience and your education experience. Then it will automatically format it to appeal to recruiters.

Q: Are there two-page CV examples out there?

You won’t typically find a two-page CV template that’s directly advertised as such. Instead, you’ll often find single-page CV templates that you can expand into a second page easily. This makes it simple for you to expand your CV easily, putting you above any job seekers who are trying to write their own CV formats.

Q: What information should I include on the first page of my CV?

The first page of your CV should include your most important information—the information you want a hiring manager to see at a glance. This is typically your skills, CV summary, and most relevant information from your experience section. Your CV format will also play a part in this, as the most important information in your CV will go on the first page.

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