One page vs two page resume in Australia what recruiters prefer is one of those questions that comes up when writing resumes. Should you keep it to one page or use two? The information online is contradictory, and I didn’t know what actually works. I’ve written both one and two page resumes, and I’ve talked to recruiters. Some prefer one page. Others are fine with two. The difference wasn’t always obvious.
Three years later, I’m finishing my Master’s at the University of Melbourne. I’ve written resumes of various lengths, and I’ve learned what works and what doesn’t. Some lengths worked better than others. The difference was understanding when each length is appropriate.
So here’s everything I know about one page vs two page resumes in Australia, based on what recruiters actually prefer.
The General Rule: When Each Works
Let me start with this, because understanding when each works helps you decide.
One page resumes work best for: students, recent graduates, people with limited experience, and entry level positions.
Two page resumes work best for: people with extensive experience, senior roles, and when you have relevant experience that needs space.
But here’s what I’ve learned: the rule isn’t strict. What matters more is relevance and readability. Don’t force content onto one page if it makes it cramped. Don’t stretch to two pages if you don’t have enough content.
What Recruiters Actually Say
This is important, because understanding what recruiters want helps you decide.
Most recruiters prefer: concise resumes that are easy to scan, resumes that show relevance quickly, and resumes that don’t waste their time.
They don’t like: resumes that are too long with irrelevant information, resumes that are cramped and hard to read, and resumes that don’t show relevance.
But here’s what I’ve learned: recruiters are busy. They scan resumes quickly, so make it easy for them. Whether one or two pages, make it scannable and relevant.
Making the Decision: What to Consider
This is the practical part, and here’s how to decide.
Consider your experience level. If you’re a student or recent graduate, one page is usually enough. If you have extensive experience, two pages might be better.
Consider the role. For entry level roles, one page is usually fine. For senior roles, two pages might be expected.
Consider relevance. If you have relevant experience that needs space, use two pages. If you’re stretching to fill two pages, stick to one.
But here’s what I’ve learned: don’t force it. If you have enough relevant content for two pages, use two. If one page works, use one. What matters is relevance and readability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I always use one page?
Not necessarily. If you have extensive relevant experience, two pages is fine. But if you’re a student or recent graduate, one page is usually enough.
Will recruiters reject a two page resume?
Usually no. Most recruiters are fine with two pages if the content is relevant. But they prefer concise resumes, so don’t include irrelevant information.
How do I know if I need two pages?
If you have extensive relevant experience that can’t fit on one page without making it cramped, use two pages. But don’t stretch to two pages if you don’t have enough content.
Should I use a smaller font to fit on one page?
No. Don’t use tiny fonts. If you need two pages, use two pages. Readability matters more than length.
What if I’m a student with limited experience?
Stick to one page. Students usually don’t have enough experience to justify two pages. Focus on showing relevance and achievements concisely.
Can I use one and a half pages?
Usually no. Stick to one or two full pages. One and a half pages looks incomplete. Either condense to one page or expand to two.
Final Thoughts
One page vs two page resumes in Australia: both can work, but choose based on your experience and the role. Students and recent graduates usually use one page. People with extensive experience often use two pages. What matters more is relevance and readability.
Don’t force it. If you have enough relevant content for two pages, use two. If one page works, use one. What matters is showing relevance and achievements clearly.
I’ve made plenty of mistakes since landing in Melbourne, but each one taught me something. The biggest lesson? Relevance matters more than length. Don’t focus only on length. Focus on showing relevance and achievements. Whether one or two pages, make it scannable and relevant.
If you’re still deciding on length, consider your experience level and the role. Students usually use one page. People with extensive experience often use two. And remember, relevance and readability matter more than strict length rules.