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Grad School Resume 2024: Tips, FAQs, and Templates

When applying to grad school, you’ll probably be asked to submit your resume. As grad school admissions become increasingly competitive, it’s critical that you have a strong resume to help you stand out from other applicants and impress the selection committee.

The perfect grad school resume is short and concise but persuasive enough to convince your dream grad school that you’re the perfect candidate. An academic resume is quite different to an employment resume, so it’s important to know how to write a winning CV for grad school.

Table of Contents

Why Do I Need a Grad School Resume?

When preparing your grad school application, you’re probably consumed with many tasks like chasing down your academic transcripts and preparing for the  entrance exam . Your graduate school resume might be the last thing on your mind, but you’ll almost certainly need to prepare one.

Grad school admission requirements vary depending on the school you’re applying to, but you’ll typically need to submit the following for your grad school application:

• Completed application form
• Academic transcript
• Entrance exam
• Reference letters
• Personal statement

You shouldn’t use whatever resume you have on hand from the last time you applied for a job. A grad school resume is quite different from an employment resume , so you’ll need to create one specifically for this purpose. A well-crafted and comprehensive resume helps the admissions team understand your strengths, qualifications, experience, and interests. Ultimately, this will help them determine whether or not they’ll accept you into the program.

Related: How To Prep Your Resume For Success (When You’ve No Work Experience)

Tips for Writing a Winning Graduate School Resume in 2024

Follow these tips to show any selection committee that you’re the perfect candidate for their program!

Write a Strong but Concise Introduction

Grad school selection committees go over hundreds, if not  thousands , of resumes to find candidates who meet their standards and who could be excellent ambassadors for the program. Because of sheer volume, they may spend only a few seconds reviewing each resume.

This makes the introduction critical—this part will grab their attention and persuade them to keep reading. So, take your time to write a brief but strong professional profile. In as few words as possible, mention your qualifications, experience, and relevant skills, why you want to join the program, and why you’re the perfect candidate.

Your letter of intent for admission to graduate school gives you a unique way to separate yourself from the rest of the applicants.

Include your Contact Details

Your contact details should go at the top of your resume, right below your name.

Be sure to include the following details:

• Your first name and surname
• Your physical address

Your email address

• At least one contact phone number
• Links to your social media profiles.

You don’t need to include extra information about yourself such as your race, age, or citizenship. In fact, by law, institutions are not allowed to discriminate based on these details; so, it’s best to leave them off your resume entirely.

On the other hand, social media links are important, especially LinkedIn. If you don’t have a LinkedIn profile already, consider signing up for one. The selection committee may check your profile to verify your connections, work experience, internships, volunteer work, and educational background.

Pay Attention to Formatting

Good formatting is vital for any resume—a sloppy layout will make you look unprofessional and could damage your chances of getting accepted into a grad program. Keep it short, simple, and precise—make it no more than one page if possible. Don’t include any unnecessary details or information that isn’t relevant to the program.

The exact layout can vary, but your grad school resume should include:

• Your name and contact details
• Summary/introduction
• Education history and educational achievements

Awards and achievements

• Significant research projects
• Extra-curricular activities
• Volunteer work
• Skills and hobbies

Some grad schools want you to follow a standard format, so be sure to check with the admissions office if they have any grad school resume examples or templates. You can’t expect a call back from the selection committee if you can’t follow a simple format instruction!

For more on formatting, take a look at the sample CVs for graduate school admission later in this article.

Detail your Education History

Many grad schools require candidates to have a minimum level of education in order to be considered for their program. Even if a school doesn’t have strict grade prerequisites, at a minimum you will need to have completed an undergraduate degree. Your education history is one of the first things the selection committee will check when going over your resume.

Because this information is so important, you should outline your education in a prominent spot near the top of your resume. Mention the schools you’ve attended, your qualifications, GPA, and any other courses or certifications you took before or after your undergraduate studies. It’s also essential to include any teaching experience and major research projects.

Be sure to include these details in the education section:

•       Name of the school
•       Location
•       Graduation date
•       Degrees
•       Awards

Include your Professional Experience

An academic resume doesn’t need to be limited to your education experience. It’s usually a good idea to also include work experience outside of academia, along with teaching and research experience .

Detailing your diverse work experience may demonstrate additional skills and experience that is relevant to the program. It can also help to build a complete picture of your journey to grad school that will be more compelling to the selection committee. Furthermore, some programs, such as most MBAs, particularly look for professional work experience.

Related: How To Apply To Grad School

Highlight Your Awards and Achievements

Your achievements set you apart from other candidates so it’s vital to highlight them in your resume. Achievements demonstrate your skills and strengths in a very concrete way, giving the committee a good reason to choose you over other applicants. Achievements could include volunteer awards, leadership positions, prizes won as part of extracurricular activities, academic achievements such as honors, and internships. Be sure to also briefly mention what you learned from your achievements.

Detailing your academic achievements can certainly enhance your resume, but it’s not necessary to include every small award you’ve won over the years. Make this section detailed, but without any fluff. Only include awards that are relevant to the program you are applying for.

Stick with Reverse Chronological Order

The selection committee will be most interested in hearing about your latest experience and achievements. Therefore, it’s important to list everything in reverse chronological order: start with your most recent awards, projects, or positions and work backwards chronologically.

You should follow this approach for all the elements in your academic resume. This includes academic and professional work experience, research projects, publications, awards, and other achievements.

Include Key Skills and Proficiencies

At the end of your resume, you should include a section covering your skills and abilities . Detail both the hard and soft skills picked up from your undergraduate program and professional experience. You can also list your hobbies, but remember to avoid fluff – only include extracurricular activities that are relevant to your application.

This doesn’t mean that all the skills and hobbies you mention must be directly related to the graduate program; however, they should show the school that you are a strong candidate for one reason or another. For example, sporting achievements demonstrate dedication and motivation, even if they aren’t directly related to the program you’re applying for. Anything that adds value to your resume will help make your application stand out.

Wherever possible, back up your statements. Rather than just stating that you possess certain skills, provide examples of academic projects that allowed you to build a specific capability, or awards you won that recognize your proficiency in a certain area.

Don’t be Repetitive

Avoid repeating information. If you have only a few achievements to show and you’ve already mentioned them under the education section, you don’t need to create a separate section for achievements and awards. A lengthy resume filled with fluff isn’t going to help you get into your dream school. It’s always better to keep your resume short, concise, and to the point.

Proof Read to Pick up any Errors

Don’t underestimate the importance of proofreading your academic resume for graduate school. Even one or two spelling mistakes, typos, or messy formatting can be a big turn off the selection committees.

Read over your resume to check for errors. Then proofread it again. Just to be sure, ask a friend, family member, or mentor to take a look. Most importantly, make sure your contact details are accurate and up to date!

How to Write a Resume for Your Graduate School Application

Here’s a brief step-by-step guide to writing a resume for grad school applicants.

Step 1: Write a Strong Introduction

Your academic resume should start with a brief but compelling introduction to catch the selection committee’s attention and encourage them to keep reading.

Your introduction should summarize your most relevant skills and academic history, as well as mentioning your main professional objective. A strong graduate school resume objective is authentic, direct, and compelling.

Step 2: List your Academic Experience

In the next section, detail your academic qualifications and experience. Include not only your undergraduate degree and any other studies you’ve completed, but also key coursework, major academic projects and research and teaching experience.

Related: When To Apply For Grad School

Step 3: Detail your Professional Experience

The next part of your academic should cover your professional experience. If you’re a recent graduate with limited experience, list your internships, fellowships, teaching positions, or any other relevant experience you have.

Step 4: Detail your Key Skills

Next, describe your most relevant skills that will impress the admissions committee. It’s essential to include as many relevant keywords as possible, as admissions committees are increasingly using Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to automatically filter applications.

Key skills and proficiencies you could add to your resume include:

• Academic research
• Business knowledge
• Social sciences
• Written communication skills
• Skills in specific disciplines, such as accounting, actuarial science, biology, calculus, cell-based analysis, cognitive behavioral therapy, economics, engineering, finance, nursing theory, psychology, social work, and statistics

Step 5: List Important Academic Achievements

Finally, highlight your most impressive academic achievements. Include details such as your GPAs, academic memberships and associations, and any awards you’ve received.

Graduate School Resume Template

Below, we’ve included three graduate school resume examples that showcase different ways to format your resume for graduate school. These graduate school resumes include all the critical information, such as academic projects, relevant skills, and professional experience in a clear, concise way.

Grad School Resume Template 1: General Academic Resume

Your First Name, Last Name

Your phone number

LinkedIn profile, other social media profiles

Introduction : 2-3 sentences outlining your qualifications, experience, why you want to join the program, and why you make the perfect candidate.

School name

Completion date – Degree name

• List of accomplishments

Work Experience

Position title Start date – End date

Organization name, address

• Responsibilities and achievements
• List of skills and proficiencies
• List of awards and achievements

Template 2: Professional-Focused Academic Resume (for MBA and similar programs)

Introduction: 2-3 sentences outlining your qualifications, experience, and main career goals.

Template 3: Recent Graduate Academic Resume

Academic Projects

Project subject, Institution, City, State

Start date – End date

• List of key courses

Volunteer Experience

Grad School Resume FAQs

Is an academic resume the same as a regular resume.

A grad school or academic resume is totally different from a resume that you might use to apply for a job. Most students have limited work experience, particularly in the professional sector. Furthermore, grad school selection committees generally look for applicants with a strong academic background. Therefore, an academic resume can focus on qualifications, achievements, test scores, and extracurricular activities.

What Should a Grad School Resume Include?

Contact information, educational qualifications, internship programs, awards and achievements, and any extracurricular activities are the basic essentials you should include in your masters degree resume or graduate school resume. You should also have a strong introduction or summary near the top of your resume which tells the selection committee what they need to know at a glance. You can add additional information, such as professional experience and other projects if it’s relevant to the program.

How Long Should My Grad School Resume Be?

Generally speaking, your grad school resume should be no more than one page. However, if you have a lot of experience and a detailed history of qualifications, you can make your resume 1.5-2 pages. But, we don’t recommend going over two pages! The most important thing is to keep your professional resume for graduate school both relevant and concise.

What is the Best Graduate School Resume Format?

There are a few different graduate school resume formats, and the best one for you will depend on your chosen field of study, as well as your level of experience. Equally, it’s important to format your resume so that you showcase your strengths and achievements in the best way possible.

If you already have professional experience, it’s usually best to open with your most recent experience, then continue the list in reverse chronological order. If you have little to no work experience, its preferable to follow your opening summary with your most impressive academic achievements and qualifications.

How do you Align your Resume with a Job Description?

When applying for jobs, you should never use a one-size-fits all resume. Instead, it’s critical to adapt your CV to the job description each and every time. If the job description mentions certain skills, ensure that your resume shows that you have these capabilities. Additionally, be sure to clearly demonstrate the experience and qualifications detailed in the job description.

Likewise, prospective graduate students should tailor their academic resume to the specific program they’re applying to. Many grad schools are highly competitive, so it’s essential that every part of your application, including your resume, helps you to stand out and clearly shows why you’re an excellent fit for the program.

How Far Back Should a Resume go for Grad School?

Your graduate school application should be as comprehensive as possible, but you don’t need to go overboard. Therefore, for most graduate programs, it’s best to include your undergraduate qualifications and any other relevant certifications, but you don’t need to mention your high school GPA or SAT scores , for example.

Likewise, you should generally include professional work experience going back around 10 – 15 years, as long as it’s relevant to the program.

Wrapping Up

Getting into grad school can be tough, especially if you’re applying to one of the  Ivy Leagues . These schools receive thousands of applications, so you really need to make sure yours stands out. It’s important to take your time and make the effort to present a strong application, from your academic transcript and GPA to your winning grad school resume.

Are you putting together a grad school application? Check out this guide on how to ace your grad school interview .

Lisa Marlin

Lisa is a full-time writer specializing in career advice, further education, and personal development. She works from all over the world, and when not writing you'll find her hiking, practicing yoga, or enjoying a glass of Malbec.

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Gre prep online guides and tips, how to write a resume for graduate school: 5 expert tips.

Most graduate school applications ask you to submit a resume. But what defines a graduate school resume? How is it different from one you use to apply to jobs? These questions can make writing your grad school resume overwhelming, but it isn’t as complicated as it might seem.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to write a resume for graduate school: why you need a resume for grad school, how a graduate school resume differs from a typical job resume, everything you should include in your grad school resume, and how to make your resume really stand out.

Why Do You Need a Resume for Graduate School?

You’re applying to school not a job, so why do you need to submit a resume for most grad school applications? Basically, your graduate school resume serves the same purpose as resumes submitted for jobs: It helps schools learn more about you and your qualifications.

Like many companies, grad programs receive a lot of applications, so they need a quick and clear way to see why you’d be a good fit for their program. Your grad school resume is where you get the opportunity to show them this. By looking at your education and work experience, grad schools can see what you already know and how you’ve already proved yourself, which can help decide if you’d be a good fit for their program. In the next sections, we’ll walk you through exactly what you should include in your grad school resume and how you can show you’re a well-qualified candidate.

How Is a Graduate School Resume Different From a Work Resume?

Grad school resumes and work resumes have many similarities, but there are differences between the two. If you’ve written resumes to apply for jobs, you can’t just copy those straight into your grad school application. Below are the main ways grad school resumes differ from work resumes.

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Focus More on Education

You’re applying to an educational program, so it makes sense that your grad school resume will focus more on your education than a standard work resume. In a work resume, you’d usually only devote a line or two to education to explain where you went to school and what degree you received.

Your graduate school resume should include more information such as your GPA, the title of your undergrad thesis (if you completed one), any awards you received, classes you took that are relevant to the program you’re applying to, as well as relevant skills you learned in school. Some grad schools will specify what education information they’d like you to include in your resume, but, in general, you want your resume to give them a good idea of your academic achievements and why they qualify you for the program.

Can Include Internships and Volunteer Experience

When you use a resume to apply for a job, some companies only want you to include actual jobs you had under your “Experience” section, but most grad programs allow and encourage you to include internships and volunteer work on your resume.

This can be a great benefit because you can often gain important skills and experience at these places, even if you weren’t paid or working there full-time. It can be particularly useful for younger people applying to grad school who may not have had a lot of paid jobs yet to include on their resume. So go ahead and include all those great internships and volunteer experiences you had on your grad school resume.

Usually Have Fewer Length Restrictions

Many jobs will only accept resumes that are only up to a page long, but most grad school programs accept resumes that are multiple pages. This gives you more freedom to include other experiences, such as internships and volunteer work, as mentioned above, since you’re not restricted to one page.

This doesn’t mean your resume should be the size of a novel (generally it shouldn’t be more than 2-3 pages), and it also doesn’t mean your resume has to be more than a page, but it can be nice to know you have more flexibility in regards to length than standard job resumes.

What Should Your Grad School Resume Include?

Every resume is unique, but there’s certain information that many grad school resumes include. Not all of the sections listed below may apply to you or your grad school program, but reading through the list will help you make sure you don’t forget any key information.

At the very top of your resume, you should include a nicely-formatted header with some basic information about yourself, the same way you would with a resume for a job. The first line should have just your name, and the second line should have your contact information, such as your phone number, address, and email. The purpose of the header is to make it easy for schools to know who you are and how to contact you.

Education should be the first main section of your resume so that grad schools can quickly see that you meet the academic requirements for the program. In this section, be sure to list the school you attended, dates of attendance, and the degree(s) you earned.

You may also want to include other information such as:

• Graduation honors you received
• The title of your thesis (if you wrote one)
• Awards or scholarships
• Study abroad programs you attended
• A short list of any classes you took that are particularly relevant to the degree program (particularly if you degree itself isn’t that strongly related to it)
• Work Experience

This will likely be the longest section on your resume, and it will include the jobs and internships you’ve had. You may also want to include volunteer experience here if you have any and if the program hasn’t specified that you need to include it in another section.

You can order this section chronologically (with your most recent position at the top), by putting the most relevant jobs first, or by organizing your experiences by category (such as “Research Experience” and “Communication Experience”). For each work experience, you should first list where you worked, your job title, and when you worked there. Below that, use bullet points to list your main duties and accomplishments for each position (see tips 2 and 3 in the next section for more advice on how to do this).

• Publications

If you authored or coauthored academic or professional publications such as academic papers, books, book chapters or reports, put them in their own section. For each publication, include the title of the work, where and when it was published, and any other coauthors.

• Skills and Certifications

If you received any certificates in addition to your degree and/or you have skills that are relevant to the degree program, list them in their own section.

Examples of things to include are:

• Foreign language skills
• Computer systems you’re proficient in
• Relevant certifications you’ve received
• Awards you’ve received that weren’t listed in your Education section

Extracurricular Activities

This is an optional section, and you may choose not to include it due to space and/or relevance. However, some people choose to list certain extracurricular activities if they feel they are relevant to the grad program and/or show an important part of their personality. Don’t go on and on about your great acapella group if you’re applying to a PhD program in microbiology, but it’s fine to list groups or activities you participated in if they relate to the program.

Other extracurriculars, even if they don’t relate to the degree program, may also be included if you feel they help show your strengths and interests. For example, if you tutored other students as an undergrad and think that will help show you can teach well as a graduate assistant, you can include that.  Additionally, if there’s an extracurricular you devoted a lot of time to, you can also include it to show your work ethic and commitment to a program.

Below are our five best tips for creating a stand-out graduate school resume. Read through each of these before you begin and as you write your resume.

#1: Pay Attention to Program Requirements

Before you begin putting your resume together, you should look carefully any instructions or requirements the program you’re applying to has.  Some programs want you to include only experience relevant to the program, others want to list all your work experiences. Some have length restrictions, and some have specific information they want included on your resume, such as test scores.

It’s very important to read through these instructions carefully before you begin so that you include everything you need to. It’s also a good idea to double-check the instructions after you’ve finished your resume to make sure you didn’t leave anything out.

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#2: Highlight Your Accomplishments

The most important purpose of a grad school resume is to show what you’ve done and why the person reading it should want to accept you. This means you’ll need to do a bit of showing off so that schools know how great you are.  Ways to show your accomplishments include stating the duties you did at the position and how you helped the organization/company.

Include numbers when you can to make your accomplishments more concrete. For example, writing “I managed a staff of 13 employees and increased the company’s revenue by 130% over six months” sounds a lot more impressive than “I managed employees and increased the company’s revenue.”

#3: Be Concise

Even if there are no limits on how many pages your resume can be, you’ll still want to keep things clear and concise. Admissions officers look over a lot of resumes during application time, so you want to make it easy for them to see why you’d be a great fit.

As mentioned above, you want to highlight your accomplishments in your resume, and that should take up the majority of the space. Don’t give a lot of unnecessary information; just stick to key points that show what you did and how you did it well.

Short, simple sentences that begin with an action verb are a great way to go.  For example, this method of writing is too wordy: “I worked as an intern for a local museum which had a lot of exhibits on natural history, specifically endangered species in the area. I spent most of my time cataloging specimens, but I’d also sometimes give tours to museum visitors. During my last few months I helped lead the testing of a lot of our specimens for arsenic levels because that’s a concern a lot of older museums have to deal with.”

It’s much easier to see the important information when the information is shortened and put into bullet points, like this:

• Cataloged over 200 museum specimens
• Gave tours and explained exhibits to museum visitors
• Helped lead an arsenic-testing program that ensured specimens were well-preserved and safe for visitors

#4: Proofread!

You’ve put in all this work to craft a great resume, so  don’t trip at the finish line by not proofreading your resume!  Before you submit it, check your resume over carefully, looking for any spelling or grammatical errors. You just spent all this time showing the school how intelligent and qualified you are; don’t mar their image of you with a careless mistake!

It can help to wait a day or two before doing your final proofread so that you’re looking at your resume with fresh eyes. You can also ask a friend or family member to look over your resume as well to see if they catch anything you might have missed.

#5: Submit Your Resume as a PDF

Your final step should be to convert your resume to a PDF and submit it in that format (as long as the program doesn’t have any instructions telling you otherwise). Submitting your resume as a PDF makes it looks more professional and prevents any weird formatting issues from occurring when the school opens the file.

Review: Key Tips for Writing Your Graduate School Resume

Resumes for graduate schools are important because they give the school a clear and concise way to get to know you and your accomplishments. Grad school resumes have many similarities to regular job resumes, but they tend to focus more on education, often let you include volunteer work and internships, and may not have as strict length requirements.

The six main sections your graduate school resume should include (if applicable) are:

• Extracurriculars (optional)

While you’re writing your resume for graduate school, keep these five tips in mind to help it stand out:

• Pay attention to program requirements
• Highlight your accomplishments
• Submit as a PDF

What’s Next?

Now that you know how to write a resume for graduate school, do you want to see some great examples of some? Check out our samples of great grad school resumes to help you get started on your own.

If you’re planning on attending grad school, you’ll probably have to take the GRE.  Check out our guide to learn exactly when you should take the GRE  in order to get your best score!

Want more information on the GRE? Check out our guide to everything you need to know about the GRE , including how long it is, what it covers, and how you should prepare.

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Author: Christine Sarikas

Christine graduated from Michigan State University with degrees in Environmental Biology and Geography and received her Master's from Duke University. In high school she scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT and was named a National Merit Finalist. She has taught English and biology in several countries. View all posts by Christine Sarikas

5 Expert Tips for Writing a Stand-Out Grad School Resumé

Congratulations! You’re investing in your future by applying to graduate school. The application is complete, you’ve gathered your recommendations, written your statement of purpose , and you’re working on developing another important component—your resumé.

Your grad school resumé is an integral piece of the admissions process, says Jared Pierce, former associate director of enrollment quality assurance at Northeastern University. Admissions counselors rely on resumés as an assessment of the student, his or her strengths, work experience, skills, education, and interests, he says, to help them decide whether a prospective student is a good fit for the program.

Your grad school resumé is similar in many ways to a resumé you’d submit as part of a job application: You should use crisp language to describe your experiences, a clean and organized layout to make it easy to read, and it should be free from typos and grammar errors. But they’re different, too: Grad school resumés should emphasize your education, work and volunteer experience, and specific skills relevant to the particular program you’re applying to.

“We’re interested in a student’s background and how it’s relevant to the program he or she wants to enroll in,” Pierce says. “If they’re enrolling in a communications program, for example, we’re interested to see whether they’re coming from a social media background or a marketing background, and how that experience applies to what they’re looking for in grad school.”

Attention to detail is paramount when creating your resumé for grad school. Here’s a look at what should be included on your resumé, plus five tips to help you craft one that’s memorable and impactful.

What to Include in a Resumé for Graduate School

In general, your grad school resumé will be similar to a resumé you’d create when applying for a job. Keep in mind, however, that this document should be tailored to your desired program of study in order to show the admissions team that you’re a good fit.

Your graduate school resumé should include:

• A header, including basic information like your name and email address
• Your education history , including your undergraduate degree and institution
• Relevant experiences, such as current or previous professional roles, internships, and leadership experience
• Research and publications, including any research projects, articles, or other publications you’ve contributed to through your academic or professional career
• Skills and certifications, especially those closely related to your field of study
• Volunteering and extracurricular activities, if applicable to your program of interest

If you’re unsure whether a particular experience or skill should be included on your resumé, ask yourself how it relates to the program or institution that you’re applying to. If it doesn’t speak directly to your interests and strengths, it’s likely unnecessary to include.

Writing Your Grad School Resumé: 5 Tips for Success

1. tailor your resumé to the program..

When graduate schools review your resumé, they’re weighing the relevancy of your previous experience and education with the program you’re applying to. In other words, they want to see a correlation between what you’ve done and where you’re going.

Pierce recommends reviewing the homepage of the program you’re interested in before writing your resumé. Some programs require two or three years of work experience or a portfolio, so make sure you qualify for the program you’re applying to.

If you’re interested in the Master of Science in Cybersecurity program, for example, review the program’s webpage and make note of its requirements, objectives, core requirements, and any relevant keywords it uses. Then, make sure you check those boxes as you write your resumé.

2. Highlight all relevant experience.

While some prospective students apply to grad school from the field, others apply to programs upon completion of their undergraduate degree. For this reason, not all students will have professional experience to list on their resumé—and that’s ok, Pierce says.

“It’s a misnomer that if you don’t have professional experience, you can’t write a resumé,” he says. “There are other types of experience that are just as important and useful, so make sure you highlight everything that is relevant.”

Other than professional experience, admissions committees are interested in volunteer work and internships you’ve completed. This experience is just as relevant. For all experience—professional or otherwise—it’s important to showcase the duties you performed in those roles, and both the hard and soft skills you learned. This might include leading teams or projects, honing communication skills, or specific software or programs you learned and became proficient in.

Need more help?

Join one of our application and enrollment drop-in sessions to get your questions answered.

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3. Showcase your skills.

Your resumé should include a skills section that highlights technologies, skills, and other competencies relevant to the graduate program you’re applying to, Pierce says.

If you’re applying to the Master of Science in Computer Science program, for example, your resumé should list the programming languages you know (e.g. Python, C++, Ruby on Rails), computer applications you’ve used, and software or systems that you’re experienced in.

4. Include professional achievements.

In addition to your experience and skills, admissions committees are interested in the professional certifications you earned, professional training you’ve completed, professional organizations of which you’re a member, and any instances in which you’ve been published.

Prospective students interested in the Master of Science in Project Management program, for example, should list any PMP certifications they’ve earned, while students interested in a Master of Science in Human Resource Management should note their membership to the Society for Human Resource Management, Pierce says. These achievements and memberships add another dimension to your resumé, showcasing your efforts outside your job, volunteer work, or internships to further your career and improve your experience.

5. Keep it clean.

Your grad school resumé should be succinct, only rarely exceeding one page, Pierce recommends. It should go without saying, too, that your resumé should be clean, well-formatted, easy-to-read, and free of typos or grammatical errors.

“We’re looking for a well-organized resumé that shows that care has been taken in creating it,” Pierce says. “Don’t just list out your experience in bullet points; tell us what duties you performed and how it correlates to the program you’re applying to. Your resumé is a reflection of you—we want to see that it’s polished and detailed, and understand what your background is like and what your experiences have been.”

Grad School Resumé Support

Applying to graduate school can be both exciting and stressful. Luckily, admissions teams and enrollment coaches are available to help you along the way and make the process as smooth as possible. If you have questions as you’re preparing your application and related materials, don’t be afraid to reach out for help. At the end of the day, admissions teams want to ensure that you’re a good fit for their program, and in effect, that their program is a good fit for you. 

At Northeastern, there are various resources and experts you can leverage for support throughout the application process. Don’t hesitate to contact faculty members in your program of interest with specific questions about the degree program. With more general questions about the application process, paying for your degree , or the institution as a whole, speak with an enrollment coach for help along the way.

For more information on applying to Northeastern’s graduate programs, visit our attend an application and enrollment session to get your questions answered. 

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How to Write a Graduate School Resume: Tips + Examples

If you're hoping to get your master's degree, you'll need to create a grad school resume. Your student resume details your educational background, academic achievements, and more. Take advantage of these tips to help you write an effective resume.

You’ve completed your Bachelor’s Degree, and now you want to take the next step and earn a master’s degree. Before you start the application process, you’ll need to prepare a graduate school resume. Knowing how to craft a grad school resume can help you highlight your best skills and experiences as you try to gain admittance into your choices of schools.

Graduate school resume vs. standard resume

A standard resume is a document that provides an overview of your work experience, educational history, special skills, and accomplishments. By giving an employer a glimpse into what you can offer a company or business, a standard resume can help you land a job interview. 

A graduate school resume is a little different than the one you'd typically give to an employer. Instead of targeting a personnel director or human resources manager, this resume goes to a school admissions officer. While a standard resume focuses on work history, a grad school resume emphasizes your academic history and educational achievements.  

Graduate resume sections

Graduate school resumes are similar to standard resumes but typically place greater emphasis on your academic abilities than a resume you might send an employer. As a result, y our resume for grad school should feature the following six sections: 1. Header

2. Educational background

3. Work experience

4. Special skills

5. Research projects and publications

6. Awards and honors

With these sections, you should be able to provide most of the information an admissions officer needs to decide whether or not to accept you into a master's program. 

Read more: Resume Sections: How to Organize Your Resume

Tips for creating a graduate school resume

When it's time to create your graduate school resume, a few tips can help. To build an effective resume, think about length, format, and content. Below, you'll find some key tips on how to make the strongest possible resume:

1. Include a header.

As the name implies, a header is placed at the top of a resume and it's the first thing a reader sees. A header includes your name, address, phone number, and email address, and it can be centered or left-justified. For extra impact, highlight your name in bolded, slightly-larger print. 

2. Keep your resume concise and focused.

As a grad school applicant, you have more flexibility than a job hunter when it comes to the length of your resume, and this allows you to provide more information. But it's still important to keep your resume concise, so try not to exceed two pages in length unless you have a significant number of academic publications that cannot be included in that space. 

3. Use a clear, easy-to-read resume format.

Your grad school resume should follow a specific format. With the exception of your name and contact information, each section of your grad school resume should have a heading. For clear definition, add two or three lines of white space between each section. 

When including education or work experience, always list entries in reverse chronological order. This means the most recent entry should appear first. For easier reading, remember to arrange lists of information in bullet points where appropriate. 

4 . Emphasize your educational achievements.

The education section of your grad school resume will be a focal point for admissions officers, so make sure to be thorough. If you include the relevant info, an admissions officer can look at your grad school resume and know that you meet all of the necessary requirements for a master's program. Include:

The name of the college or university you attended for your undergraduate degree

The location of the college or university (city and state)

The date of your graduation (month and year)

Your degree/s (include majors and minors)

Honors distinctions like magna cum laude or summa cum laude

Your Grade Point Average

The number of times you appeared on the Dean's list

In this section, you can also include any studies you've done abroad if relevant to a master's program. In addition, you might add a short list of key undergraduate classes you've taken.  Read more: How to List Education on a Resume

5 . Highlight relevant work experience.

Unlike a career resume, which lists every job you've had over a period of time, this section on a grad school resume should focus on work that's relevant to your area of study, including both relevant professional work experience along with other experiences like college internships and volunteer work. These types of work experiences show an admissions officer:

That you've been exposed to different perspectives

That you can take direction

That you can excel as a team member

If you've had a paying job that complements a particular master's program, you can also list it. 

Each entry under this heading should include the period of time you worked, your position, and the name of the workplace. Just below, add a brief description of your duties. Here’s an example:

09/2016 to 1/2020 - Junior Accountant, New Day Consulting, Chicago, IL

- Prepared bi-monthly payroll - Reconciled financial ledgers and bank statements

- Assisted with tax preparation and submission

- Communicated with clients about billing and other financial issues

6 . Note any special skills.

In this section, you can list any technical or interpersonal skills you have that might be relevant to a master's program. Examples include:

Computer skills

Proficiency in a foreign language

Translation skills

Aptitude for writing and editing

Skills in leadership and teamwork

Read more: How to Feature Key Skills on Your Resume

7 . Include research projects and academic publications.

Admissions officers want to know if you've participated in research projects that relate to a master's program. You can list professional and/or academic publications you may have authored or co-authored. These can include:

White papers

Academic papers

Magazine articles

Books or chapters of books

For each publication, list:

Where it was published

The publishing date

The names of any co-authors 

8 . Highlight your awards and honors.

In addition to distinctions included in your header, you may have received other awards and honors. Here, include the names of awards and honors and when you received them. Examples you might list include:

Scholarships

Fellowships

Awards you've earned on the job

Volunteer-related awards

Relevant contest prizes (art, writing, design, etc.)

9 . Consider mentioning extracurricular activities (optional).

Although this section is optional, you may want to list a few of your extracurricular activities if they are relevant to a graduate program. These could include activities like:

Peer tutoring 

Membership in academic clubs and organizations

Work on a college newspaper or magazine

Work in student government

Participation in political campaigns

Participation in college sports

Unique hobbies like gardening, marathon running, painting, or playing an instrument

Extracurricular activities show your interests outside of the classroom. They also demonstrate certain strengths you may possess, such as commitment, creativity, leadership, and teamwork. 

Resume editing tips

Creating a good graduate school resume involves careful editing. Resumes make a good impression when they are well-written, organized, and free of spelling and grammatical errors. To impress the folks reading your resume, take advantage of these tips:

Follow the graduate school's program requirements. 

Be concise in your writing.

Use the spelling and grammar tools available in your word processing program.

Proofread your resume several times as you're writing.

Double-check for errors by reading your resume out loud.

If you're sending your resume electronically, submit it in PDF format to avoid formatting glitches.

If you're printing your resume, use white or ivory cotton paper for a clean, professional appearance.

Read more: 10 Ways to Improve Your Resume  

What's next

Your graduate school resume allows you to highlight why you would be a good fit for a particular master's program. Ready to see what getting a master's degree might look like? Check out online master's degree programs on Coursera from top university partners like the University of Pennsylvania, Imperial College London, and the Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois.

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How To Format a Two-Page Resume (And When You Actually Need One)

Not sure how to format a two-page resume — or whether you even need one? This guide has you covered. With real examples and recruiter-backed advice, learn when and how to expand your resume beyond a single page to showcase your expertise.

2 years ago   •   10 min read

If a one-page resume is good, then a two-page resume must be twice as good, right?

Unfortunately, no. A two-page resume can be effective, but only if you really need one. Generally, two-page resumes are for people applying for C-level, executive, or other senior positions. Most entry or mid-level job seekers should stick to a standard one-page resume instead and focus on including relevant tailored information.

In this article, we'll discuss when a two-page resume is beneficial and when it's not, how to properly format a two-page resume, including tips on what sections to include and what order they should go in , as well as how to effectively transition from your first page to your second and create a professional, concise document.

When should you use a 2-page resume?

Before we jump into the details of how to format and lay out your two-page resume, let’s take a moment to discuss if a two-page resume is right for you.

When to use a 2-page resume

You should use a two-page resume format if:

• You have 10-15 years+ experience
• You’re applying for very senior or executive roles
• You're in an industry that typically uses longer CVs instead of traditional resumes
• You genuinely need one. (See our tips below to find out if you actually have enough relevant information to warrant a 2-page resume)

When not to use a 2-page resume

Most job seekers won’t need a two-page resume. In most cases, recruiters expect a single page but won’t automatically reject you if your resume spills over onto a second page. That said, you should stick to a standard one-page resume if:

• You’re a student or recent graduate
• You don't have a lot of work experience
• You're applying for an internship or entry-level position
• You need to add extraneous information (“fluff”) to fill out a second page

How to decide between a 1-page or 2-page resume

Not sure if you need a 1-page or 2-page resume? Our tip: Do both.

• Start by creating a two-page resume with all of your information on it.
• Next, trim the least important bits, including older jobs, duplicate accomplishments, and optional resume sections, until you get it down to one page .
• Now, take a look at both resumes side by side. If the one-page resume is good enough, use that. If it's missing essential skills, keywords, or accomplishments, go with the two-page version instead.
• Run both versions through an ATS resume checker for a side by side comparison.
• If your resume is less than a page and a half, always cut it down to a single page.

If you’re wondering if your resume should be one page or two, upload it to the tool below — it’ll evaluate your resume and give you feedback on resume length and other key areas such as resume margins, font size and style, and spacing.

Now you’ve decided if a two-page resume is right for you, let’s discuss how to make the most out of those two pages and how to ensure your resume still looks concise and professional despite the longer format.

How to format a 2-page resume

You should format your two-page resume sections in this order:

• Contact details

Resume title

Executive summary, areas of expertise, work experience.

• Additional sections (e.g. volunteer work, projects, certifications, board memberships, etc.)

You can skip straight to any of those sections for more information, or keep reading for the full details. But first, let's take a look at an example of a 2-page resume, and how it differs from a standard 1-page resume.

2-page resume template

Here’s an example of a two-page executive or senior level resume, which shows how to effectively list and organize content on the second page:

For more templates, check out our C-level and executive resume templates , which you can download in Google Docs or PDF format.

What to include in a 2-page resume: Essentials

Decided on using a 2-page resume format? Every 2-page resume should include these basic secctions:

Contact information

This section is no different on a two-page resume. Include your name, general location, phone number, email address, and (optionally) a link to your portfolio or LinkedIn profile, as shown in this example:

Unlike a standard one-page resume, where this is an optional addition, an executive summary is a must for a two-page resume. A resume summary puts your most relevant experience together up front, where it’s impossible to miss.

Include a brief overview of your experience plus a few key accomplishments in bullet points , as shown in this example:

This is the most important part of any resume, and that goes double for a two-page resume. The primary reason for having a two-page resume is that you have an extensive list of relevant work experience that needs to be included, so this will generally be the longest section on your two-page resume.

You can format your work experience differently on a two-page resume, as you have more room to play with. Consider splitting up your bullet points into core competencies with their own subheadings to help a recruiter quickly scan your experience and pick out the information they’re seeking. For example, you could split your experience into Revenue Growth, Mergers & Acquisitions, and Diversity & Inclusion, as shown in the example below.

You may also want to include a short blurb above your bullet points to quickly contextualize key elements of the role, for example, the scope of the business or the size of the department you led. For example:

In contrast to your work experience, additional sections like education should be shortened on a two-page resume. Include the name of the school and degree, location, and your major and relevant minor(s) . At this stage, you can leave off details like your GPA, coursework, student activities, and even your graduation date .

For example:

In a two-page resume, you can still include a short section at the bottom that lists technical skills, languages , certifications, awards, and other information. Title this section “Skills” or “Core competencies.” Consider splitting this section into key areas using subheadings to highlight specific competencies and make your resume easier to skim.For example:

If you want to find technical skills related to the executive/management role you’re applying for, use the tool below to get a list of relevant skills and keywords. The tool also gives you the option to upload your resume. It’ll perform a quick scan and tell you what skills are missing.

What to include in a 2-page resume: Extras

In addition to the above, here are some additional sections you can include on a 2-page resume:

This can go at the top of your resume and should match the exact title of the job you’re applying for. This can help your resume pass the initial ATS screening stage, especially if you’ve done similar work previously but under a slightly different title. In addition, you can add select keywords underneath to highlight your top areas of expertise, similar to a LinkedIn headline , as shown in the example below.

No, this isn’t just a fancy name for a skills section . An areas of expertise section goes at the top of your resume, underneath the executive summary, and should include a high-level overview of your broad areas of expertise rather than specific technical skills . This is an optional addition, but can be very helpful in highlighting your broader expertise and summarizing the overall theme of your work experience.

Additional sections

You can choose to include one or two additional areas in your two-page resume, including volunteer work , projects , certifications , board memberships , and professional affiliations.

But don’t feel the need to include all of these sections just to fill space. Instead, choose 1 or 2 that are most relevant to your experience and the job you’re applying for. For example, a projects section might be a good idea for work that requires programming or design skills , while board memberships and professional affiliations can emphasize that you’re well-regarded in your particular field.

Here is an example of a few additional sections that can add relevant information to your two-page resume.

For even more tips on how to format a 2-page resume, why not check out our definitive 2022 guide on how to write an executive resume ?

Formatting a 2-page resume: Do's and don'ts

Wondering about the nitty-gritty of how to format a two-page resume? Here's everything you need to know.

DO Put the most important information on page one

Submitting a two-page resume doesn't guarantee a recruiter will actually read more than one page. Make sure the most relevant information, like your most recent work experience, is on the first page so it doesn't get overlooked.

DO use consistent formatting

Maintain consistent formatting and style across both pages to create a cohesive, professional-looking document. This includes using the same font type , size, headings, and bullet points. See our guide on resume formatting tips for more details.

DO balance content and white space

Try not to overcrowd your resume and fill every area with text, as a cluttered resume can be overwhelming and hard to read. Instead, ensure there’s enough empty space to make the text easily readable. Maintain standard margins and consistent spacing between sections, headings, and bullet points to improve readability and aesthetic appeal.

DON’T Repeat information on the second page

There's no need to include the same information twice, so skip the resume title and summary on your second page.

DON’T Submit a double-sided resume

If your resume is two pages long, make sure it's printed on two separate pages, not on a single, double-sided page. A double-sided document is much easier for a recruiter to accidentally overlook.

DON’T Add unnecessary filler

Avoid the temptation to include irrelevant information just to fill space. Every section and bullet point should add value and relevance to your resume. Including unnecessary details can dilute the impact of your key accomplishments and strengths.

How to transition from your first to second page on a 2-page resume

When formatting a two-page resume, you want to make sure your information flows smoothly from the first to second page. Here are some tips to make this transition engaging and easy to follow:

Choose a logical place to break

Make sure that the content at the end of the first page is complete before transitioning to the next, and avoid cutting off sections midway. You will most likely be splitting your work experience between the two pages, but try to finish one role on the first page and start a new one on the second.

Use subheadings for clarity

For long sections like work experience that span both pages, use subheadings for clarity. If a role or project extends over two pages, use subheadings at the top of the second page to remind the reader what the information is related to.

Use headers and footers

Put details like your name, phone number, or email address in a header or footer so it appears on both pages. Use the header function on Word or Google Docs to make your formatting as professional as possible.

Use page numbers

Ensure the hiring manager doesn't miss the second page of your resume by including page numbers. Put "1/2" and "2/2" in your resume header or footer rather than simply writing a number at the bottom of the page.

Highlight section titles

Use bold or italicized fonts to highlight the start of a new section, making it clear to the reader when they are transitioning to a different segment of your resume.

The effectiveness of a two-page resume in different industries

Understanding the expectations of your industry is important when deciding on the length of your resume. Here's a look at various sectors and industries that commonly require/expect two-page resumes:

In academic, scientific, and medical fields

Professionals in these fields often have extensive publications, research, and project experiences that lends itself more to a two-page resume. A two-page resume allows space for this additional information, which is not generally included in other fields.

In creative and Tech industries

For roles in graphic design, architecture, IT, or software development, a two-page resume can be beneficial if you have a substantial portfolio of projects or a long list of technical skills and certifications. It allows more space to elaborate on your skills without overcrowding the resume.

In business, finance, and legal sectors

Higher-level positions in these industries, like executives or managers with years of experience, often require a two-page resume to cover a long history of relevant positions, accomplishments, and skills.

In government and non-profit organizations

These sectors sometimes prefer comprehensive resumes that detail all relevant experiences and qualifications, rather than just your most recent and relevant roles, often making two pages more suitable for government resumes.

However, even within these industries, a two-page resume is usually only appropriate for candidates with substantial experience or those applying for senior-level positions. Entry/mid-level applicants with less experience should still stick to a one-page resume, unless they have a compelling amount of relevant information that requires the longer format.

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When to Use a 2-Page Resume [7 Samples Included]

We’ve all asked ourselves at some point, “How long should my resume be?”

The most common answer you’d get on the internet is straightforward: one page.

But what if your 2nd page is jam-packed with relevant work experience?

Or, what if you’re applying for a position in academia?

In this article, we discuss the appropriate length of a resume.

• Should you use a 2-page resume?
• What’s the right length for your resume?
• How to fit a resume on 1 page?
• 7 two-page resume samples (which you can reuse!)

Let’s get started!

Should You Use a 2-Page Resume?

One-page resumes are the norm in the industry. 

For a long time, recruiters have preferred concise, one-page resumes that can be looked over quickly. A 2013 survey of 475 Canadian hiring managers found that 39% of recruiters spend less than a minute looking at a resume while 23% spend less than 30 seconds. 

However, even though it is widely accepted that a resume should be one page long, there’s no rule that says yours can’t be longer. In fact, recent evidence suggests that for certain situations, two pages are preferable.

A 2018 experiment featuring 482 US-based hiring managers shows that recruiters are becoming more accepting of 2-page resumes, especially from applicants for mid and top-level management positions. 

In short, you can go with a 2-page resume if you’re:

• An applicant with over 15 years of experience
• Applying for positions in executive or middle management
• Applying for a role in academia. In which case, there’s no limit on how long your resume can be (more on this later)

Resume & Length - All You Need to Know

Still confused about the one-page vs two-page resume standoff?

We don’t blame you! The lines are pretty blurred. 

What if you have less than 10 years of experience, but a wide range of professional experiences that just don’t fit into one page??

What if you’ve been employed for 30 years and yet 2 full pages seem difficult to fill?

Or maybe a student with dozens of achievements? Is it okay to have a two-page resume then?

Let’s break it down one item at a time:

How far back should a resume go?

If you have a long work history, you should only go a maximum of 10 to 15 years back . 

Unless it was something outstanding, the recruiter doesn’t need to know what you were doing 20 years ago. Chances are, the jobs from the beginning of your career aren’t as impressive as the ones you’ve held more recently. 

For example, there’s no need to mention you were a market research assistant 18 years ago if you were head of marketing 3 years ago. 

Have some notable achievements from back in the day?

You can still list them without going back 20 years with your work experiences!

Just create a section called “Achievements” and use it to highlight all your career wins, whether they’re recent or old.

How long should a student resume be?

If you’re a student, you shouldn’t have any reason to go past one page. 

If you find yourself struggling to fit everything onto a single page, re-evaluate the information you want to present. Chances are, there are things you can cut altogether. 

An extensive list of hobbies and interests ? You can trim it or go without. 

Part-time babysitting job? No need to mention it when applying for an internship at IBM.

Look at your resume critically and make sure what you’ve written is concise and relevant to the job you are applying for.

If you’re certain that your personality is your most qualifying trait and a single page is not enough of a canvas, you can link your preferred and relevant social media account at your own discretion. 

What about CVs?

You should be aware that a curriculum vitae is different from a resume. However, in Europe, these terms are largely used interchangeably.

While a resume is tailored to each job you apply for and aims to sell you as the best candidate for that role, the purpose of a CV is to tell a detailed story about who you are, what you’ve achieved and what you are looking to achieve. 

This means it’s usually longer than a resume with an average length of 2-3 pages, and no maximum length restriction.

If you’re applying for a job in academia, you should write a CV . 

Resume Length Cheat Sheet 

To sum up, here’s a recap of recommended resume lengths based on experience level:

How to Fit a Resume on 1 Page

For students and entry-level professionals, sticking to a one-page limit should not be that difficult. 

For the more seasoned professionals, here are some tips to fit all of the necessary information on one page:

• Use an online resume builder . The templates they offer use the optimal typeface, font size, and layout for an aesthetically pleasing one-page fit. This saves you a lot of precious time since you don’t have to get involved with formatting at all. All that you have to do is fill in the information. 
• Tailor for the job. Mention only skills and experience relevant to the position you are applying for. Anything unrelated should be removed from the resume entirely. If the company is looking for a data scientist, there’s no need to mention your social media marketing internship. 
• Achievements over responsibilities . For each work experience entry, instead of listing your duties, focus on your achievements . What was your performance? What did you and the company gain? Can you put that in numbers? Quantifying your achievements will eliminate unnecessary adjectives and help you stand out. 
• Use bullet points. They’re easy to read and give your resume an organized look while also saving space. Don’t go past 6 bullets though, as the result will likely be a giant block of text. 
• Remove the high school entry. If you’ve attended college/university, it goes without saying that you also graduated high school. So, if that’s the case, you can just not mention high school altogether.
• Avoid repetition. If your responsibilities in several jobs were the same, try to be selective and only mention similar tasks once. If you’ve been a social media manager for three different companies, don’t write “created content” three times. Instead, focus on your top achievements for each role. 
• Have a concise resume summary or resume objective . After all, this is supposed to be a short, attention-grabbing intro to your resume. Use only 2-3 sentences (3 lines of text) to highlight your achievements and skills.

7 Two-Page Resume Samples

#1. simple resume template  .

With some upgrades from the traditional resume, the Simple resume template could be a great choice if you don’t want to experiment a lot. 

As the name suggests, it has a simple design and is perfect for any position. 

#2. Professional Resume Template

This all-time favorite template puts equal emphasis on your work experiences and skills. It has a minimalistic design that is easy to skim and makes the resume perfect for executive position applications. 

#3. Modern Resume Template

This template helps your resume maintain a professional look, yet stand out among others. It focuses on your previous work experiences and highlights your skills with a pop of color. 

#4. Creative Resume Template

If you’re applying for a job in marketing, advertising, design, or any position in the creative space, our Creative resume template is what you’re looking for. It starts with a bold header, emphasizing your resume summary or objective, followed by a more minimalistic design for the rest. 

#5. Functional Resume Template

This functional resume template highlights your work experience and skills you’ve developed through the years. It’s minimalistic, featuring a color-accented header and skills section. 

#6. Basic Resume Template

This template is as simple and clean-cut as they come. It uses a limited, monochromatic color palette and can be used in any industry.

#7. Executive Resume Template

Key Takeaways

Discussions over the length of a resume have been going on for ages and all answers seem to have a “but”.

We hope that this article helped clear some of the air around two-page resumes and when to use them. 

Before you go, here’s a recap of what we talked about:

• You can use a two-page resume if you have an extensive work history of over 10-15 years or if you’re applying for an executive position.
• If you’re a student or entry-level applicant, your best bet is to use a one-page resume.
• An online resume tool can save time by providing a customizable template to fill in, and make it easier to create a one-page resume.
• Using the appropriate typeface, font size, and line spacing can help you fit more information onto a page.
• If you’re a senior professional or a job-seeker in academia, though, you’re free to use a 2-page resume.

Discover More Resume Templates

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Suggested Reading:

• How to Write Your First Job Resume [For 2024]
• 101+ Essential Skills to Put on a Resume [In 2024]
• The Complete Guide to Remote Work [W/ Tips & Tricks]

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Is it OK for My Resume to Be 2 Pages?

When You Should Consider Using a Two-Page Resume

• Why Consider a Two-Page Resume?
• When to Use Two- (or More) Pages

Tips for Writing a Two-Page Resume

Two-page resume example.

Jakkapant Turasen / Getty Images  

One of the most common assumptions about resumes is that they shouldn’t be longer than one page. It is important to keep the information you provide short, simple, and to-the-point. For many applicants though, that can’t be achieved in a single page, and it’s appropriate to write a two-page resume.

For some job applicants, a  one-page resume  will suffice. These include  entry-level applicants, people who are making a  career change , and older professionals who have worked at the same company for most of their careers.

Why You Should Consider Creating a Two-Page Resume

If you are a mid-level professional, there are several good reasons for creating a two-page resume. Perhaps the most important of these is that many companies now use an automated  applicant tracking system (ATS) to carry out the initial screening of the resumes they receive (especially through digital application processes). 

Such systems are programmed to privilege resumes that use and  repeat  specific keyword phrases—the bots assess both the placement and the  frequency  of industry-specific keywords in a resume. They also look for the length of experience one has in using particular  job skills .

Expanding your resume to two pages will enable you to repeat these essential keywords throughout your professional experience section.

Although this may seem awkward and redundant stylistically, it is one of the best ways to ensure that your resume is one of the scanned resumes that actually make it to the stage where it will be considered by the human eye of a hiring manager.

When to Use a Two- (or More) Page Resume

Here are a few situations where it’s acceptable to use a resume with multiple pages:

When You Have More Than 10 Years of Experience

If you have 10 or more years of experience in your industry with multiple employers, or a history of promotion and professional achievement, you should definitely use a two-page resume. This will give you the room you need to describe the accomplishments and contributions that will set you apart from your competition.

When You Are Applying for a Senior-Level Job

Most companies that are hiring for C-level or senior management positions expect to receive two- or even three-page resumes that provide a detailed history of an executive candidate’s leadership roles and accomplishments.

When You Have Extensive Career Accomplishments, Certifications, or Technical Skills

If you are in certain industries, such as IT, engineering, academia, or scientific research, employers will want to review lists of your professional certifications, tech skills, key projects, and publications. These industries still privilege professional credentials as much as they do qualifications, and so a second or third page is necessary in order to provide a comprehensive account of one’s training background and work history .

When You Are Applying For a Federal Job

Although the application process for federal (government) jobs was significantly streamlined during the Obama administration, federal resumes are still required to provide lengthy details about a candidate’s work history. Few federal resumes are shorter than two pages, and most require three or four.

• Place your most important qualifications on the first page:  Both applicant tracking systems and human hiring managers want to see a candidate’s most relevant skills given pride of place at the very beginning of the resume. The best way to do this is to use a  resume summary  to provide a brief synopsis of the expertise and professional skills that make you a strong candidate for the job you’re applying for.
• Incorporate keyword phrases:  Use  keywords  in your resume summary, and then rinse and repeat throughout your “Professional Experience” section. Applicant tracking systems calculate the number of years you’ve practiced a particular skill, so industry-specific keywords need to be repeated in each job description.
• Showcase quantifiable achievements:  One of the primary advantages of using a two-page resume is that it gives you space to highlight your career accomplishments. Do this in the “Professional Experience” section by describing your work responsibilities in a brief paragraph, and then providing examples of important contributions in a three- or four-item bulleted list. 
• Length of page two: Although you don’t have to fill the entire second page of your resume, you should have enough text to fill at least a third of the page (preferably more). If your text is running short, try to add more relevant information, keywords, and bulleted accomplishments (ideally,  quantified with numbers, percentages, or dollar figures ). Play with font sizes and margins. If these strategies don’t work, however, you should probably stick with a one-page resume.

Include a skills table of “core competencies” or “key skills” in your resume summary to highlight your professional and/or technical skills. 

The following is an example of a two-page resume. It includes a resume summary , a skills table, professional experience descriptions that highlight accomplishments with bulleted achievements, and a comprehensive description of the candidate’s education and certifications.

Note how keyword phrases are repeated (although sometimes slightly rephrased) throughout the resume.

Two-Page Resume Example (Text Version)

Frederick Ferguson 123 Industrial Drive Detroit, MI 48204 (123) 456-7890 fferguson@email.com www.linked.com/in/fredferguson

OPERATIONS MANAGER

10+ years’ success enhancing manufacturing processes, systems, and productivity.

Detail-oriented Operations Manager leveraging superb leadership, analytical, and issue resolution talents to maximize factory floor productivity. Well-versed in analysis and fine-tuning of manufacturing and business processes, budget planning, quality control, and workforce calibration.    

Effectively communicate expectations and project statuses across organizational levels and with clients and other stakeholders. Proactive in reviewing daily operations to promote uncompromised health and safety within high-hazard work environments.  

Core Competencies: Strategic Planning / Quality Assurance / Product Standardization / Budget Forecasting / Systems Audits / Six Sigma Process Evaluation / Regulatory Compliance / P&L Optimization / Inventory Control

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

ABC MANUFACTURING, Detroit, Michigan Operations Manager (February 2008 – Present) Leverage expertise in Lean Six Sigma manufacturing programs and processes to analyze and optimize assembly-line operations for $2B automotive manufacturing corporation. Meticulously establish strategies to meet key performance indicators for quality, workplace safety, productivity, scrap rates, machine down time, and labor efficiencies. Supervise and mentor 8 direct reports.

Notable accomplishments :

• Spearheaded launch of new ERP program that significantly streamlined supply chain and inventory control operations, reducing overhead by 42% . 
• Successfully introduced company safety program that reduced workplace accidents by 87%.
• Drove continuous improvement strategies and systems audits that heightened line productivity by 67% and reduced systems downtime by 78%.

XYZ AUTOMOTIVE, Detroit, Michigan Operations Manager (November 2004 – January 2008) Led daily operations planning for Tier 1 manufacturer of automatic transmissions and components. Headed implementation of Lean manufacturing continuous improvements; closely tracked production schedules and reports to identify trends and proactively pinpoint areas for positive procedural change. 

Notable Accomplishments :

• Championed acquisition of ERP software that improved accuracy of supply-chain predictions by 71% .
• Set up Kaizen training events and programs that improved productivity by 75% . 
• Liaised with EHS personnel to train all employees in new health and safety procedures.

AUTOMOTIVE SOLUTIONS INC., Dearborn, Michigan Project Manager / Manufacturing Engineer (July 2003 – September 2004) Coordinated and directed cross-functional project team of 17 in research and design of automotive parts. Planned, launched, and established benchmarks for new projects. Additional scope of responsibility included project tracking, task scheduling, budgeting, change management, risk management, and stakeholder communications. 

• Held ownership for tooling budgets of approximately $2.5 B .
• Implemented new project planning processes that consistently ensured maximum quality assurance and on-time launch of project deliverables.

~ Additional experience includes roles as a Manufacturing Engineer for Johnson Automotive Corporation (Detroit, Michigan) and Eliot Manufacturing Co. (Ann Arbor, Michigan). ~

EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS

UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN, Ann Arbor, Michigan; 3.86 GPA Master of Engineering in Manufacturing

UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN, Ann Arbor, Michigan; 3.92 GPA Bachelor of Engineering in Manufacturing

Professional Certifications : Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt in Operational Excellence • Lean Manufacturing • PMP • Lean Product Development • Certified Kaizen Facilitator

Information Technology Skills : Microsoft Office Suite • NetSuite Manufacturing Edition • Deskera ERP

Key Takeaways

THE ONE-PAGE RESUME IS A MYTH While one-page resumes are appropriate for entry-level candidates, most mid-level professionals are best-served by using two-page resumes. 

UNDERSTAND APPLICANT TRACKING SYSTEMS Most major companies now use automated applicant tracking systems to do their initial screening of candidate resumes. A two-page resume allows you the space and opportunity to repeat the industry-specific keywords these systems prioritize.

GIVE YOUR STRONGEST QUALIFICATIONS PRIDE OF PLACE Even though it’s a smart strategy, for many job searchers, to use a two-page resume, your strongest qualifications need to be presented at the top of page one, ideally in a resume summary. 

• Knowledge Base
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• Can a resume be 2 pages?

Well, the short answer is definitely yes.

Your work experience determines how lengthy it can get.

However, there are lots of possible variations that you need to consider while drafting a 2 page resume format:

• Significant contribution points
• Relevant certifications or skills
• Quantifiable achievements

Building a two page resume can be tricky as you need to frame it in easy-to-read language to grab the recruiter’s undivided attention.

You can refer to a two page resume template if you have 10+ years of work experience. We are here to help you build a two page resume with our two page resume templates and answer these essential questions:

• How many years back should a resume go?
• How to shorten a resume?
• How do you format a 2 page resume?

How do you choose the perfect two page resume template for your job? Look out for some special 2 page resume tips and the answers to the most asked 2 page resume questions at the end!

Also Read: How to curate a professional resume to land your dream job?

Is 2 Pages OK for Resume?

Yes, a two page resume is possible. It is common if you have more than ten years of experience in the same field.

However, there are multiple limitations you must follow. First, let's look at the specs.

• You may or may not repeat your name on page 2, depending on the free space you have
• Do not repeat your skills/summary on page 2
• Put the most important/relevant facts on page 1
• Add page number on resume
• Don't submit a double-sided 2 page resume format

When Can You Use a 2 Pages Resume?

You can send a two page resume if you have more than 10 years of relevant experience.

However, there are a few parameters that otherwise justify writing a two page resume.

So when can a resume be two pages?

If you have:

• multiple relevant projects
• extracurricular/co-curricular achievements

If you are a:

• seasoned worker
• targeting a senior position

We advise you not to leave your resume a little less than two pages. Always make sure it reaches the complete length of the first or the second page.

Who should have a 2 page resume?

Essentially, consider a 2 page resume format for the following career options/industries:

• Computer Science
• Engineering
• Project Management
• Finance & Administrative
• Accountancy
• Data Analysis
• Business Analysis
• Office Management

Two Page Resume Templates

Most of the time, recruiters expect a short one page resume.

But what if you have a lot of work experience? Or tonnes of extramural achievements, projects, and certifications?

It becomes difficult to fit all the information on one page. In such a case, a two page resume comes to the rescue.

The two page resumes, however, are risky. You may fear that the second page of your resume will be left unread or worse unattached.

Remember that your 2 page resume does not need to contain lots of depth about your past jobs and abilities.

A 2 page resume and a cover letter are just a quick snapshot that opens the door for further prospects. The employer may ask for more details from you in the interview.

Only send a longer document if it is requested in the job description (like a C.V. for academic jobs).

Why Do You Need Two Page Resume?

A two page resume is sometimes a matter of choice and sometimes a matter of dignity.

Before the days of email, resumes were faxed and further back, hand-delivered. Pages got separated, particularly off the fax, but also on desktops ( I am referring to a physical, rather than computer-displayed, desktop).

That is where all the "your resume should be one page long" advice ultimately comes from.

Nowadays, many people are not required to print a resume unless the recruit needs to take notes on it. Therefore, we recommend you not print on front and back on paper and use two separate papers to print 2 page resumes.

Pages don't get separated in the digital domain, so 2 pages are OK - provided you aren't just making it longer to appear more impressive. And if you're an established professional, even a 3 page resume can be acceptable under certain circumstances (like having 15+ years of relevant but diversified experience).

A resume should NOT be more than two pages. However, a CV could be more than two pages, but you're not writing a CV, are you?

Unless you're targeting jobs around the European continent, you do not need a CV. A 2 page resume format contains almost all the information, as does a CV.

How to Shorten a Resume?

The most effective way to shorten a resume is by using one-liner bullet points instead of long paragraphs.

Bullet points will improve the readability of your resume and will make it as concise as possible.

You can use the following steps to frame highly effective bullet points for your resume:

• Start your points with a power verb
• Add numbers to quantify your information
• Use technical keywords to parse through the ATS
• Address every point in the cause-effect relationship

One Page vs. Two Pages Resume Format

If you have enough relevant experience, training, and certification about the position to showcase on over one page of your resume, then go for it.

Also Read: How to draft the best one page resume?

The two page resume example which follows can give you the best ideas about how and when to use a two page resume.

• Worked as a Web Developer & Mobile Application Intern to develop web pages by using scripting languages
• Evaluated 5+ proposals daily & recommended the best technical solutions to migrate the application to AWS
• Created the architecture and created the Cloud Formation template to facilitate deployment
• Provided complete infrastructure solution to 30+ clients including configuration, BOM of Server & Storage components
• Deployed the Elastic Load Balancer & configured HTTPS certificates & managed scalable & highly available systems on AWS
• Setup a VPC environment & designed an effective backup strategy depending upon client requirements
• Superintended production applications on AWS & initiated corrective depending on customer feedback & surveys
• Complied with the established software development life cycle methodology to deliver effective solutions
• Administered SingleSignOn LDAP authentication for users by employing AWS AD connector
• Employed IAM to create & control AWS users & groups access to AWS services and resources
• Collaborated with onsite/offshore development resources from delivery partners to develop & test integrated solutions
• Coordinated with a team of 5 Developers to initiate Advance procedures, triggers, functions, Indexes & exception handling
• Liaised with the QA team to optimize queries by creating various clustered and non-clustered indexes
• Devised & developed scalable, highly available, and fault tolerant systems on AWS
• Successfully ported a legacy, on-premises application to AWS and achieved significant increase in availability
• Played a key role in selecting appropriate AWS service based on data, compute, database, or security requirements
• Analysed client requirements & determined system architecture requirements to achieve business goals
• Oversaw end-user training & problem analysis for server, desktop, and IT infrastructure
• Monitored servers, devices, and applications to identify & rectify potential issues on time
• Directed and managed continuous delivery systems and methodologies on AWS and physical infrastructure
• Implemented & automated solutions on AWS cloud via Jenkins Pipeline , Terraform, Cloud formation , Ansible, Shell
• Designed, managed & maintained tools to automate operational processes to reduce the time from 5 hours to 2 hours
• Top 15 percentile of the class
• AWS Architect Certification Training | Mercury Solutions | May '16

Also Read: Which are the best resume templates of 2023?

Two Page Resume Template

Here are some 2 page resume examples that you can use to build your resume in 2023:

Sales & Distribution Head

• Material Colour 2 Page Resume Example

Try this design in our Online Resume Builder now !

• New York 2 Page Resume Example

• London Two Page Resume Template

• Rainbow Two Page Resume Sample

Senior Database Administrator

• Amsterdam 2 Page Resume Sample

• Barcelona Two Page Resume Template

• Athens Two Page Resume Example

• Professional Black Two Page Resume Template

Project Manager (PMP)

• Professional Blue Two Page Resume Sample

• Modern Teal 2 Page Resume Sample

• Global Citizen Red Two Page Resume Example

• Uniform Brown Two Page Resume Template

Senior Architect & Tech Lead

• Boxed Navy 2 Page Resume Sample

• Trendy Design Two Page Resume Example

• California 2 Page Resume Sample

• Miami Two Page Resume Sample

Art & Creative Director

• Paris Two Page Resume Template

• Royal Blue 2 Page Resume Sample

• Round Timeline Two Page Resume Sample

• Diamond Timeline Two Page Resume Example

Choosing the Best Two Page Resume Template

When you choose two pages resume format, begin by deciding what to include on your 2 page resume and what to remove. It makes the drafting and editing process relatively easy.

• Freshers can opt for a one page resume format.
• Senior working professionals can opt for a two pages resume format.

After choosing a two page resume template, focus on choosing the best layout for your resume.

• A functional resume layout : works when you have a gap in your resume or if you are a newbie.
• A chronological resume layout : works when you have strong work experience and internship experience.

Also Read: What is the best resume layout?

Resume FAQs

1. can a resume be more than one page.

Clearly, Yes. Your resume size depends on the relevant experiences/certifications/expertise that determines your fit for the target job.

2. When Can a Resume be 2 Pages?

There are five significant cases when you can use a 2 page resume. When you have:

• Greater than 10 years of relevant work experience
• An extensive list of projects
• Relevant extra/co-curricular activities or achievements
• Multiple significant certifications
• Apply for a senior position

3. When Should You Not Use a Two Page Resume?

If you're an entry-level candidate, there's almost no need to write a two-page resume. You simply don't have enough experience yet. The exception? If you're going for an internship and have lots of academic achievements, make your resume two pages.

4. Should I Staple My 2 Page Resume?

Keeping your two page resume front and back or stapled is another confusion but you should simply opt for paper clips.

If the recruiters want to scan your 2 page resume, staples might get in the way. Whereas, one can easily remove the paper clips.

5. Is It Wrong to Use a Two Page Resume Template?

Well, templates are the neatest and most organized structure for any document. Hence, you can use a two page resume if you have enough content for it.

Also Read: How to format your resume in 2023?

Key Takeaways

Make a two page resume if:

• You have a significant amount of relevant work experience
• You have 10+ years of professional experience
• You have extramural achievements/projects/certifications relevant to the job

Make a one page resume if:

• Your job profile is in a conservative field
• You have a limited work experience
• You are applying for an entry-level or part-time job
• A one-page resume is requested in the job description

Filter your 2 page resume by prioritizing the following factors:

Most Relevant : what you must keep Irrelevant : what you can do without Insignificant : what can stay only if you have enough space

Limit your experience to the ones most relevant to the target job.

Go to the Hiration Career Platform , which has 24/7 chat support, and get professional assistance with all your job & career-related queries. You can also write to us at [email protected] .

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