2-pages. But the thing is: It often doesn’t matter.

When I hire, I look at the CV for proof that this person can accomplish the job I need done. Ideally, I’d like to look at no more than 2 pages, before making my decision. That doesn’t mean that I’d automatically disregard any CV that’s longer. I once got a CV of over 8 pages and I did look through it entirely.

However, I’d never make a CV for myself that’s more than 2-pages long. For a few reasons:

• I’m a writer. I should be able to effectively summarise my 13-years short career in 2 pages. The CV itself is a writing test for me. 🙂

• The key to a successful CV is relevance. I doubt I’d have done more than 2-pages worth of relevant work, for any given job.

• The job of a CV is to get me an interview, not tell them my life story. I’ll tell my life story, the way I want, in the interview.

But you do you. If your recruiter asks for a longer CV, give it to them. If you feel like you just need one page, go ahead.

Don’t let arbitrary numbers and standards limit you. Do what the situation calls for.