help my resume is too long

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What To Do If Your Resume Is Too Long: Tips For Trimming Your Resume

Are you feeling like your resume is longer than the line at the DMV? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many job seekers struggle with the challenge of fitting their entire career history onto one page. But fear not, trimming your resume down to size is easier than you think. In fact, it’s like trimming the fat off a juicy steak – with the right tools and techniques, you can have a lean and mean resume that’s ready to impress any employer.

In today’s fast-paced job market, innovation is key. Employers are looking for candidates who can bring fresh ideas and new perspectives to the table. So, it’s important to make sure your resume is concise, organized, and tailored to the job posting.

In this article, we’ll provide you with practical tips on how to assess your resume for redundancies, tailor it to the job posting, simplify your formatting, be selective with your work experience, and get feedback. By the end of this article, you’ll have the skills to trim your resume down to size and stand out from the competition.

Let’s get started!

Key Takeaways

• Keep the resume concise and organized
• Remove redundancies and irrelevant information
• Highlight achievements and relevant skills
• Prioritize recent and relevant work experience

Assess Your Resume for Redundancies and Irrelevant Information

You’ll want to take a critical eye to your resume, looking for any redundancies or irrelevant information that can be trimmed down to make your document more concise and effective.

Remove fluff and focus on highlighting your achievements and relevant skills. This means getting rid of any repetitive information or buzzwords that don’t add value to your resume.

When assessing your resume, put yourself in the shoes of a hiring manager. What information would they find most relevant and important? Cut out any irrelevant information or experiences that don’t directly relate to the job you’re applying for.

Focus on highlighting your most impressive achievements and skills, and make sure they stand out on your resume. A concise and effective resume will make a much stronger impression on potential employers.

Tailor Your Resume to the Job Posting

Just like a tailor who customizes a suit to fit the individual, it’s important to customize your resume to fit the specific job posting. This means customizing content and targeting skills to align with what the employer is looking for.

To tailor your resume, start by analyzing the job posting and highlighting the key skills and qualifications required. Then, assess your resume to see if you have included those specific skills and qualifications. If not, add them to your resume and adjust the wording to ensure that it aligns with the job posting.

Another way to tailor your resume is by using keywords that are specific to the job posting. Many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to filter resumes. These systems scan resumes for specific keywords that are relevant to the job posting. By including these keywords in your resume, you increase your chances of making it through the ATS and being considered for the position.

Additionally, consider highlighting any experience or accomplishments that are relevant to the job posting. By tailoring your resume to the specific job posting, you show the employer that you are a strong candidate who has the skills and experience they are looking for.

Simplify Your Formatting

Streamline your resume formatting for a clean and professional look that captures the attention of potential employers. Revamp the design of your resume by eliminating unnecessary fonts, colors, and graphics.

Stick to a simple and easy-to-read font such as Arial or Times New Roman, and use bold and italics sparingly to highlight important information. Additionally, eliminate fluff by organizing your resume into clear and concise sections.

Use bullet points to list your accomplishments, and keep each point brief and to the point. Make sure the most relevant information is at the top of each section so that potential employers can quickly see why you’re the best fit for the job.

By simplifying your formatting, you can make your resume easier to read and more visually appealing, which helps you stand out from other applicants.

Be Selective with Your Work Experience

To make an impact with your work experience, it’s important to be selective and choose the most relevant positions to showcase on your resume. Don’t simply list all of your previous jobs, instead, focus on the ones that best demonstrate your skills and accomplishments.

Highlight key achievements and quantifiable results that showcase your value as an employee. Prioritizing recent experience is also important when trimming your resume. While it may be tempting to include every job you’ve ever had, it’s more important to focus on the most recent and relevant experience.

This shows potential employers that you’re up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in your field and that you’re actively working to improve your skills and knowledge. By being selective and prioritizing recent experience, you’ll be able to create a more concise and impactful resume that will help you stand out to potential employers.

Get Feedback

To improve your resume and make sure it’s effective, it’s important to get feedback from others. Have someone else review it and ask for their honest opinion about its strengths and weaknesses.

You can also use online tools to analyze your resume and get suggestions for improvements. If you’re still struggling, consider hiring a professional resume writer who can help you create a polished and compelling document that will help you stand out to potential employers.

Have Someone Else Review Your Resume

Consider getting a fresh perspective on your resume by having a friend or colleague review it. Seeking external feedback can bring many benefits, such as catching mistakes that you may have overlooked and providing a different viewpoint on your skills and experiences.

It’s important to choose someone who you trust and who has experience in reviewing resumes to ensure that their feedback is valuable. When having someone else review your resume, make sure to provide them with clear instructions on what you’re looking for.

This can include asking them to look for common mistakes to avoid during resume review, such as grammatical errors or lengthy descriptions.

Additionally, ask for their honest opinion on the overall flow and organization of your resume. Taking the time to receive outside feedback can ultimately help you to create a more concise and effective resume.

Be open to constructive criticism and provide clear instructions on what you’re seeking feedback on. Choose someone who you trust and who has experience in reviewing resumes.

Use Online Tools to Analyze Your Resume

Now that you’ve had someone else review your resume, it’s time to take a deeper dive into trimming it down. One helpful tool to consider is using online analyzing tools to give you a clear picture of what changes can be made.

There are both pros and cons to using these tools. On the one hand, they can quickly identify any areas where your resume may be too wordy or repetitive. However, they may also miss important nuances that a human reviewer would catch.

Some of the best online analyzing tools for resume trimming include Jobscan, Resume Worded, and RezScore. These tools can help you pinpoint specific areas of your resume that need improvement and give you suggestions on how to make those changes.

By utilizing these tools, you can feel confident that your resume is the best possible representation of your skills and experience.

Consider Hiring a Professional Resume Writer

Hiring a professional resume writer can greatly improve the chances of landing your dream job, as they have the expertise to highlight your skills and experience in a way that stands out to potential employers. Here are the benefits of getting help from a professional:

• Industry knowledge: Professional resume writers have a deep understanding of what employers in different industries are looking for in a candidate. They can tailor your resume to suit the specific requirements of your desired job, which can give you a competitive edge.
• Improved presentation: A professional resume writer can help you present your skills and experience in a way that’s easy to read and understand. They can highlight your strengths and accomplishments in a clear and concise manner, making your resume more attractive to potential employers.
• Time and cost-effectiveness: Hiring a professional resume writer can save you time and money in the long run. They can help you create a resume that gets noticed quickly, which may shorten your job search and result in a higher salary. Moreover, a professional resume writer can help you avoid mistakes that could have cost you opportunities.

Even though hiring a professional resume writer may seem like an additional cost, it can be a good investment in your career. With their expertise, industry knowledge, and improved presentation, you may land your dream job sooner than you think.

As you move forward in your job search, keep in mind that your resume should always be tailored to the specific job posting and highlight your most relevant experience and skills.

Remember, the goal of your resume is to land an interview, not to list every single thing you’ve ever done.

By simplifying your formatting, being selective with your work experience, and getting feedback from others, you can create a strong and effective resume that showcases your qualifications and catches the attention of hiring managers.

Recommended Reading...

Academic writing in resume: how to highlight your academic achievements, active vs passive note-taking: understanding the difference, can you claim resume writing on tax here’s what you need to know, best way to take notes in university: tips for success.

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Resume Length: How Long Should a Resume Be in 2024

In This Guide:

How long should your resume be in 2023, why are there so many opinions about resume length, how far back should a resume go, should a resume be one page, case study: gal’s one page resume, case study: daniel’s two page customer support resume, case study: mia’s three page research assistant resume.

What's the ideal resume length for the hiring manager?

How to shorten my resume?

How long should your resume be – key takeaways.

Resume length is one of the great mysteries of the job application process. Because of it, you might be wondering, how long should a resume be?

Should it always be one page?

What if you have a lot of relevant experience and need more space to describe it?

If you have a work history that goes way back because you’ve been working for 25+ years, is three pages okay?

Well, it doesn’t help that you can find arguments for just about any length online if you look hard enough.

Fortunately, we’ve analyzed the resumes of real users hired at competitive companies such as Spotify, Booking.com, Verizon Digital Media Services, Amazon, Intercom, and more. Instead of throwing opinions around, all your questions about resume length are answered in this guide.

Alternatively, you can skip this whole section and find a PROVEN resume example for your specific job position. From there, building your resume and seeing what works is simple and easy. Best of all, it’s free to use!

BROWSE RESUME EXAMPLES

There is no perfect answer.

Depending on the job description and your work experience, your resume should be one or two pages long. If you have over 10 years of relevant experience, a multi-page resume works better than a one-page.

(Related: One-page resume: 3 Powerful Examples )

However, there are a few things you should keep in mind if your resume does go over several pages long. So, be sure to keep reading on!

Unfortunately, there’s no best answer.

The hiring landscape has changed considerably in recent years. Not even 20 years ago, keeping your resume down to one page was both a strategic and cost-effective move (i.e., cutting down on printing costs).

Going even further back in time (as far as Kiplinger’s Changing Times 55’ issue on job seeker advice) you’ll read that keeping your resume to a single page is your best option.

Two pages are also acceptable.

But, anything longer makes it too difficult for employers to go through.

Today, these worries are less pronounced. In fact, there’s a growing trend of recruiters preferring two-page resumes over single-page ones.

According to a study by ResumeGo , it’s found that hiring managers are 2.3 times more prone to select a two-page resume format over the one-page resumes. No matter what the candidate’s professional level is, it doesn’t make a big difference.

So why do people still argue for a one-page resume?

In one word: relevance.

Every resume has an audience. But, not everyone will have the same opinion.

And, that’s why it’s difficult to assume what the ideal resume length is.

Some recruiters and hiring managers will follow the one-page rule to the letter while others will think the rule is useless. To help overcome this difficulty, it’s best to research the hiring practices of the organization you’re applying to and see the common traits associated with page lengths.

Is your resume good enough?

Drop your resume here or choose a file . PDF & DOCX only. Max 2MB file size.

One question on your mind might be how far back should a resume go for work history.

As mentioned, it depends on where you are in your career and how much work experience you have. These are the factors that vary for every candidate which can determine how long your resume should be.

And, that’s why it can be difficult to assume the best answer.

To get a better understanding of how where you are in your career can match your resume length, see below!

One Page Resume:

• Your experience isn’t relevant for a specific industry
• You only have experience in one or two companies
• You have less than 10 years of experience
• You work in an oversaturated market (IE a recruiter is unlikely to take the time to read more than a page)
• You want to cut down on paper use
• Preferred by your recruiter
• You want to ensure the recruiter sees everything
• This is your first job or internship
• Your focus is on your skills and not on previous experience
• You’re making a career change that requires robust industry knowledge

Two Page Resume:

• You have robust technical knowledge
• You want to balance your work experience and culture fit
• You’ve made a significant impact in your previous role
• You have experience the company isn’t aware they need
• You have both extensive work and volunteer experience
• You have multiple relevant educations
• You’re applying for a mid-level position
• Certain sections are required on your resume

Three+ Page Resume:

• You’re applying to an Industry-specific (academia etc.,) role
• You’re an executive / high-seniority
• You’re using a portfolio style
• You’re certain that HR wants the amount of detail you can provide in this many pages

Are one-page resumes the best?

How about a two-page resume , when should you use which?

Before we take a closer look at the case studies for different resume lengths and why it works, your resume needs to answer four simple questions:

• Who are you?
• What relevant experience do you have?
• Why are you motivated for this position?
• How will you make an impact in your role?
• What are your accomplishments and qualifications?

These four questions will help you determine how long your resume should be and keeps the hiring manager’s perspective in mind. By answering who you are, the recruiter has someone to pair your work experience with. More than that, they learn about your personality and potential cultural fit.

Showing your motivation for your role ensures the HR can see you’re not just looking for any job, you want this one.

Most importantly, your potential impact is what will entice the recruiter most as it directly relates to their performance and business goals. To do this, always remember to quantify past experience.

That being said, let’s get into Enhancv’s case studies of how a one-page, two-page, and three-page resume got candidates hired in even the most competitive spaces.

With over a decade of experience, Gal was searching for a new job in business development.

From starting his own company to leading software solutions all the way to speaking three languages, you could say he was spoiled for choice.

Most people would say that 10+ years of experience = two pages.

But, Gal took a different approach.

On one page, he successfully told the recruiter who he was, why he was motivated for this job, the experience he’d bring, and how he would make an impact.

Amidst the fog like Gal, you will hear different opinions about how long your resume should be. For someone with over 10 years of experience, most professionals and job seekers around will expect to have a two-page resume.

That doesn’t necessarily mean you should.

Since Gal’s resume was one page, it was completely different to the rest of the other applicants. In other words, it was a gateway to standing out from the crowd and getting his voice heard among the chaos.

Be like Gal and get hired for the competitive job posting at your dream company by using Enhancv’s free resume builder. Use the same one-page formula now below!

BUILD MY ONE PAGE RESUME

It only takes a few minutes!

Why was one page the right choice?

Catching attention.

Gal had all the experience in the world, but his aim wasn’t listing as much as possible in his work experience section, skills section or education section.

His aim was to catch HR’s attention.

Recruiters can look at resumes for less than 7.4 seconds . Having a long, drawn-out resume might be the difference between the ‘No’ and the ‘Maybe’ pile.

Gal’s one-pager gives a quick, non-exhaustive record of his work history and talents. He knew once he secured an interview he could get the job. Catching the attention of the recruiter with a succinct resume was therefore vital.

(Tip: You can include a short bio on the top of your resume in a bold color to quickly catch the recruiter’s attention and save space.)

Staying concise

There was no need to include multiple pages as Gal’s descriptions were concise and to-the-point.

He went into detail on his most recent job and kept other relevant experience down to two bullet points. His industry expertise was conveyed quickly using one-word visuals too.

Business development is rooted in your ability to communicate and do so as effectively as possible. Gal knew recruiters would be looking for a short few words on how he has led previous businesses to success.

(Tip: Describing your previous experience with one-two bullet points will allow you to focus on your key achievements and save space.)

Daniel had been involved in remote work for over two years.

Two years of experience doesn’t sound like a lot. But the impact he’s had during that time was huge, which left him with a lot to say.

The nature of his work requires more detail on who he is and his ability to fit company culture despite the distance. It was also necessary to explain the reasons why he’s gravitated towards remote working too.

His less than 10 years of experience would typically lead us to a one-page resume. However, in this case, two pages were needed.

The hiring manager wants to see the value you can provide for the company. Even if you don’t have as much experience as Gal does and you’re someone like Daniel, you want to talk about the results you were responsible for.

When the employer sees what you’re capable of, it’s more likely they’ll hire you for the job posting since they understand how valuable you are.

If you’re like Daniel and you want a proven two-page resume template to secure your new career, click the button below to get started for free!

BUILD MY TWO PAGE RESUME

It only requires minimal effort. It’s that simple!

Why was adding a second page the right choice?

Showing you who he is.

HRs are interested in culture fit to identify whether employees’ practices and passions align with the employer’s goals.

Daniel opens his resume with a short summary of his career, and later goes on to provide useful links where the HR can learn more about him (e.g., his website).

Using a two-page resume, he didn’t have to worry whether including these details would detract from his previous experience.

(Tip: You can use a Most Proud of Section with Enhancv to highlight aspects of your personality and your career experience all-in-one on your resume.)

Is it bad to have a 2-page resume?

Working in technical support and engineering obviously requires a certain level of technical expertise.

Hiring managers need to clearly see the extent of Daniel’s knowledge on his resume. This means exploring the projects he’s worked on and the technologies he has experience with. He dedicates just under two full pages explaining these and highlights his own projects under a Projects section.

This shows the extent of Daniel’s knowledge along with his initiative and ability.

(Tip: You can utilize Enhancv’s Technologies Section to briefly mention all of your technical skills, software, and languages you have used before.)

Mia has been working in immunology for many years.

From her undergraduate work to her current postdoctoral work… Her drive to make a difference in the world has produced publications, presentations, and awards.

In her pursuit of postdoctoral research, demonstrating her expertise in the field is an absolute must. There are also expectations of an academic resume – to put simply, having the correct style and streamlining your design.

To produce a resume to satisfy these conditions as well as discussing her previous work, a three-page resume was needed.

So far with all the case studies, have you noticed any similarities?

Firstly, they’re modern resumes which stand out. Above all, it’s the resume design and the way it highlights key information such as your certifications and different types of skills by using appropriate visual aspects. This is what makes them so compelling for the hiring manager.

Chances are, the recruiters at your company aren’t used to seeing a modern resume like this. So, making an impression and getting your foot in the door isn’t difficult.

If you’re unsure what to write and trying to cope with writer’s block, Enhancv makes the entire resume building process easier for you.

When you’re using any of these proven examples, you have a resume in front of you that’s gotten someone hired in the most competitive spaces. More importantly, they could just be like you.

Meaning, you can easily get ideas and replace the contents with your own work experience and tailor it for the job opening so it works for you.

These resume templates are free.

Why not get hired by spending only a few minutes building your resume with Enhancv? If you’re like Mia and need a three-page resume, get started now by clicking below!

BUILD A THREE PAGE RESUME

Building a resume has never been easier. On top of that, it’s free!

Why was a three-page resume the right choice?

Readable format.

Mia spaced her experience across the three pages to keep from overpacking text in one area while also facilitating detailed discussion where necessary.

Keeping a consistent format meant defined margins, bold headings, and a simple design.

There’s little room to cut down on details in a resume for postdoctoral research – every author, every long word, every reference is needed. Restricting her resume to one-two pages would have required leaving off key works.

(Tip: Enhancv’s Single Column template design gives your resume a clean-cut and sleek finish!)

Is it too long?

Discussing your expertise in immunology isn’t something that happens in a few bullet points.

Most publication titles alone are over 10 words long – you can’t just shorten them down. However, this doesn’t mean that Mia was frivolous in her space-usage. Her research has been grouped into eras (Undergrad / Ph.D.) with the main points discussed.

Mia keeps things short-and-sweet, but she has a lot to mention. Applying for a postdoc, it’s better to give them everything.

(Tip: You can include an industry experience section on an Enhancv resume that gives a quick visual indicator of all your key industry-specific abilities!)

What's the ideal resume length for the hiring manager?

CV length is the difference between an experienced candidate and an irrelevant candidate. If your resume is too long, it’s a complete waste of time to go through.

On the other hand, if a resume is too short they won’t get an overview of your suitability for the position. It’s good practice to scope out the hiring preferences of the company you are applying to. This will allow you to tailor your resume to the known preferences of your hiring manager to give you the best chance of getting noticed and called for an interview.

Let’s take a look at this a bit further by breaking down an entry-level resume and an executive-level resume.

Entry-level resume

As a graduate or someone who’s just finished high school with a solid GPA, it can be nerve-racking to think about applying for your first job .

Most of the time, your resume is going to be one-page. It makes sense since you don’t have as much work experience as someone else who’s been in the workforce might have. Though, you might still tell yourself to push for a two-page resume.

However, it’s not as effective as you think. In fact, a one-page resume is more powerful. It just depends on the approach you take and how you do it.

Instead of reinventing the wheel, it’s smarter to see what works.

So, first, open the resume examples page on Enhancv and search for an entry-level position resume.

Next, you’ll be taken to a page that has a complete guide for creating an entry-level resume.

But, I want you to click on the “use this example” button:

Great! You now have full access to a proven resume.

You can see what works and if you wanted to replace the content and make your own resume using this as inspiration, then go for it by all means necessary!

See the impact of this one-page resume?

While it’s not two-pages and might not seem to have a lot of information, it contains everything necessary. Since it’s fluff-free, minimal and straight to the point, it leaves a bigger impact on the hiring manager skimming through your resume.

While it’s important to be using the right keyword, it’s not just about what you say.

It’s how you say it.

With an entry-level resume, you should aim for a one-page resume. As long as you’ve included everything you need alongside the right resume sections and details, it’s way more compelling than a forced two-page resume.

Executive resume

This time, let’s look at an executive resume . You might be expecting this type of resume to be at least two pages long, right?

The reality is, a one-page resume also works.

When building your resume with Enhancv, we advise all job seekers and professionals to create a resume that’s one-page long. The reason being is that it’s more impactful and can say a lot more than a two-page resume.

For example, let’s take a look at Enhancv’s executive resume template:

Instead of just plainly telling, it’s more powerful to show.

If you’re able to keep your entire career and work experience concise and demonstrate that into a single page, it says a lot about you.

In the case of a one-page resume, you’re showing a high level of efficiency and expertise.

On top of that, it’s more effective and meaningful. Your resume is more likely to be more memorable because of how different it looks and how easy it is to identify key pieces of details (thanks to the visual features of your resume)!

Still wondering whether or not this will work? There’s only one way to find out.

Through our case studies above, we’ve broken it down and shown you why it worked. We also have candidates where Enhancv’s resume templates have gotten them hired at even the biggest companies such as Amazon and Tesla.

The best way to get started with anything is to see what already works.

So, if you haven’t already been actively following these steps, start now by browsing a proven example for your specific job using the button below!

It’s the best way to get started!

You might be thinking, how could I fit everything into a single page? One section of a resume might need more space than another, but then it restricts me from fitting everything into one…

For example, if you’re using a functional resume and have different skills such as:

• Computer skills
• Communication skills
• Language skills
• Soft skills
• Hard skills

Even if you’re using a different resume layout (e.g. chronological resume), there’s always that thought of wanting to include more things. It’s always good to mention additional experience but it can sometimes have the opposite effect.

To learn how to shorten your resume to two pages or one page, use the following key tips:

• Group your early career into one section
• Focus your previous work experience with one-two bullets
• Use a short bio in lieu of a personal resume summary or resume objective
• Use a Most Proud Of section to intertwine achievements with culture fit
• Choose an optimal font type – Rubik, Roboto, Calibri, and Lato take up less space compared to Arial
• Consider smaller font size – 10.5 p is still great for content, while headers can be somewhere between 13 and 15 p.
• Trim down unnecessary sections, such as references, and a lengthy address.
• Remove any filler words, such as “the”, , “an”, “a”, “like” or “that”.
• Experiment with the document margins until you optimize the use of the resume’s white space. You can decrease it to a 0.5 of an inch.

A good question to ask yourself when reducing your resume length is, will this significantly affect my chances of getting an interview if it were omitted?

If the answer is no, you can remove it.

Another underrated strategy is to proofread and edit your resume . Sometimes, you can rephrase and describe things better using fewer words.

Truth is, there’s no perfect answer. There are too many factors to be considered to allow for a simple determination. Nonetheless, the strategies and topics discussed will help you in making the decision.

Before submitting your resume, use the following checklist summarised from everything in this guide:

• I’ve looked at the typical traits of one page, two page, and three + page resume
• I’ve answered the who, why, what, and how questions of a resume
• I’ve ensured all of my experience is specific, relevant, and measured
• I’ve determined the significance of each item included on my resume and believe removing any section would negatively affect my chances of being hired
• I’ve consulted other successful resumes to see how others have crafted their resumes for inspiration
• I’ve used Enhancv’s builder to present all of this information in a sleek way and have capitalized on their unique sections to stand out

If you’ve followed these steps, chances are you have the perfect resume length for you.

As we’ve learned from Gal’s case study, sometimes rules-of-thumb do not fit your situation. Daniel’s story shows us that sticking to one page isn’t always an advantage, and Mia shows us that in some cases, the recommended length is the best length.

As long as you’ve done the research and followed this guide, there is no right or wrong answer.

Do you agree with our tips? How long do you prefer your resume to be? Share your own insights in the comments below.

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How Long Should a Resume Be in 2024 [For Any Profession]

You’ve probably heard time and time again that a resume should be strictly one page. 

What if you have a TON of experience, though? What if you just can’t fit all the cool stuff you’ve done on a single page?

With that comes the dilemma:

How long should a resume be? 

Can you exceed the strict one-pager?

A simple Google search will reveal conflicting opinions. 

Some career experts emphasize time and time again to stick to the golden one-page rule. Others suggest this practice is preferred, but not mandatory. 

So, which one is it?

Here’s the thing - there’s no magic one-size-fits-all rule on how long should your resume be. It really depends on several factors.

Luckily, we’re here to help set the record straight. 

• How long should your resume be?
• What’s the ideal length for your resume depending on your experience level
• How to fit your resume on one page
• How long should a CV be

How Long Should a Resume Be

Short answer: it depends, but in most cases, you should stick to the one-pager.

The long answer?

Well, here’s the thing. There’s a very good chance that you don't actually need to get past one page.

Unless you have 20+ years of experience, a single page should be more than enough. Your resume should be a summary of your most relevant, most recent work experience.

It’s not supposed to be a detailed account of everything you’ve ever done in your life.

For a mid-level professional, here’s what you’d add to your resume (which would result in 1-page MAX):

• Contact information section
• 2-3 work experience entries
• 1 or 2 education entries
• Skills section
• Languages section

Now, if we turn this into a real-life resume, you’ll see that it’s going to be hard to go past one page.

If you do have a decade’s worth of work experience, though, or if you’re a senior executive, you can actually break this rule and go for 2.

Make sure to ask yourself, though, “am I aiming for quality over quantity? Are all the work experience entries I’ve mentioned relevant?”

Now, you might be thinking, “do I ever go beyond 2 pages?”

Well, you can potentially go for 3, but that’s only if you’re…

• A senior-ranking executive with a remarkable track record.
• Applying for a federal job that requests more information contrary to a civilian application.
• Have a long, lengthy background and you need to hand over case studies, testimonials, project highlights.

Never write above three, though. If Elon Musk's experience can fit on one page , so can yours. 

How far back should a resume go?

Your resume shouldn’t go back further than a maximum of 10 to 15 years . 

You want to keep the information on your resume relevant to the job you are applying for.

The HR Department is most likely not interested in what you were doing 20 years ago. Even if it’s very impressive, chances are, you've done much more significant things in your past 3 positions than whatever you did 18 years ago. 

• Not going back very far also sidesteps age discrimination. If your resume dates back more than 15 years, the HR department might guess your age. And if it’s a young applicant they’re looking for, your resume can be rejected right away.

Are there times you need to absolutely include more than 10-15 years ' worth of work experience in your resume ? 

Yes, occasionally.  

More specifically, you would want to include dated experiences if:

• You are applying for a job in a field you used to work for more than 15 years ago and you don’t have the recent professional experience to account for. In that case, old relevant experience is better than no experience.
• Your dated experience is actually of extremely high importance. Maybe you used to be president of the United States or CEO of Coca-Cola. You can choose to use that to your advantage since it speaks to your qualifications and prestige, even if it’s old news.

How long should a student resume be? 

If you’re a student, you should never, ever, go past the one-page limit. You barely have any work experience, so whatever information you’re adding that goes past one-page, it’s probably not that relevant.

If you’re having difficulty fitting everything into one page, look at every point in your resume critically.

Do you really need to let your prospective employer know about every single one of your volunteering experiences and extracurriculars, or make your summer lifeguard job occupy one-third of your resume?

The answer is no, not really.

Instead, focus on your most impressive qualifications, best academic achievements, and fields of study relevant to the job you are applying for, and you’ll find out you probably don’t even need a full page.

Want to learn more about how to write the perfect student resume ? Check out our complete guide with samples & tips!

Resume Length for Your Experience Level 

Still uncertain about how long your resume should be? Check out our cheatsheet to find out. 

The table below displays the recommended length of your resume, based on your years of experience.  

How to Fit a Resume on One Single Page 

Let’s get real. 

An entry-level applicant can insert all relevant information under one page because he/she doesn’t have much relevant experience. The alternative is appearing like they’re not making a serious enough effort to write a concise application. 

For folks with more experience, however, this can be a bit trickier.

Here are some tips on how to turn your resume into a concise one-pager:

• Use an online resume builder. Pick a free template resume that is optimized for length and let it do all of the work for you. You don’t need to mess around with the font and formatting: the resume builder will fit everything in one page for you.
• Focus on relevant information. Yes, this again. It’s crucial you carefully go through the job description and the main skills your employers are searching for. If you are applying for a job as a software engineer, don’t mention your internship as a social media manager. Cut your “yoga” from your list of interests. If the employer is not looking for it, you don’t need to have it in your resume.
• Achievements over responsibilities. Don’t list everything you were responsible for. That will not only prolong your resume and bore the employer, but won’t make you stand out. Your prospective employer knows what your main responsibilities were if you list “Sales manager” on your resume. They are the same as 50 other applicants that applied with the same work experience. Focus on tangible performance indicators instead. Instead of saying “did sales at X,” go for “Hit and exceeded department KPIs by 20-30% for 5 months in a row.”
• Customize spacing. You can always make room for more entries if you reduce the document margins space. You can, for example, customize the margins to 0.5” instead of the regular 2.5”. You can also mess around with the space between bullet points and sections.
• Smaller fonts . A 12pt font might have been the norm for university papers, but that doesn’t mean you have to follow it for your resume. Try out an 11 or 11.5 font to win some more room. Make sure everything is readable without zooming in, though!
• Bullet points. Instead of listing job or education descriptions as paragraphs, use bullet points instead. Keep your sentences short and to the point.
• Remove unnecessary headers. Contact information or the resume summary will do just fine without their own personalized headers.
• Don’t include your high school. Unless you used to study in a very specialized high school, or your employer went to the same high school as you, exclude it. It’s hardly ever relevant to the job you’re applying for.
• Exclude repeated bullets. If you undertook similar responsibilities in more than one company, don’t repeat the same job description. No need for the hiring manager to read how you “analyzed industry trends” three different times.
• Cut your resume summary short. Keep in mind that a resume summary is supposed to wrap up your most impressive qualities for the job. It doesn’t need a 6 line introduction and 10 bullet points. Cut it down to three text lines. For a better understanding of how to properly write your resume summary, check out this guide.

How Long Should a CV Be? 

We’re going to say it before you ask:

Yes, in the USA, a CV is different from a resume.

A resume is customized to each individual job you are applying to and is strictly one page.

A CV, on the other hand, covers the in-depths of your career and academic journey. It is usually used in Academia. 

Because the goal and nature of a CV are different than that of a resume, you shouldn’t necessarily strive for the shortest pitch possible.

Most recruiters agree that the average golden length for a CV is two or three pages . 

However, depending on your years of experience, accomplishments , training, and education, it can go up to eight pages .

Not sure if you need a CV or a resume ? Check out our guide that explains the difference between the two.

Key Takeaways

Now, let’s go through everything we’ve learned:

• For most candidates, a resume should be only one page . Be brief and concise with anything you write on your resume. Customize your resume for the job you’re applying for and include only relevant experience. If you’ve done everything right, you shouldn’t get past one page.
• If you have 10-15+ years of experience, it’s okay to write a 2-page resume as long as all the information presented is relevant to the job.
• You can play around with the spacing, margins, and format of the resume to make all your information fit on one page. If you want the easy way out, use a resume builder .
• For Americans, a CV is different from a resume. It is primarily used in Academia and serves as an academic and experience diary. Since it’s not a short pitch, the length of a CV is usually 2-3 pages but can go up to 8 pages depending on your background.

Suggested reading:

• How to Pick the Best Resume Format [+Examples]
• 150+ Must-Have Skills for Any Resume [With Tips + Tricks]
• 340+ Resume Action Verbs And Power Words [Complete list]

To provide a safer experience, the best content and great communication, we use cookies. Learn how we use them for non-authenticated users.

• Career Blog

Resume Length: How Long Should a Resume Be in 2024

In today’s competitive job market, it’s critical to create a standout resume that catches the attention of hiring managers. Your resume is essentially a marketing tool that showcases your professional qualifications, experience, and achievements. But how long should a resume be? In this article, we will explore the various factors to consider when determining the ideal length for a resume.

Definition of a Resume

A resume is a document that summarizes an individual’s professional background, skills, accomplishments, and education. It typically includes a person’s contact information, objective statement, work experience, education, and any relevant certifications or skills. The primary purpose of a resume is to help potential employers evaluate whether the individual has the necessary qualifications for a particular job.

Importance of Resume Length

One of the most debated topics in resume writing is the length of the document. Many professionals believe that a shorter resume, typically one page, is more effective, while others argue that a longer resume that goes into more detail about an individual’s skills and experience is better. The reality is that there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the ideal length of a resume depends on several factors, including the individual’s level of experience, industry, and the job for which they are applying.

Regardless of the length, it’s essential to ensure that all relevant information is included in the resume. This includes details about the individual’s professional history, education, accomplishments, and the skills they bring to the table. Employers want to see a clear and concise snapshot of an individual’s qualifications, and the resume is the best place to present this information.

Determining the ideal resume length requires careful consideration of an individual’s experience level, industry, and the job for which they are applying. Regardless of length, a well-written resume that effectively showcases an individual’s qualifications and accomplishments is the key to standing out in a competitive job market.

Industry-Specific Expectations

When it comes to crafting a resume, it’s not only about your skills and experiences, but also about tailoring your application to the industry you’re applying for. Different industries may look for varying levels of specificity and detail in a resume, which can affect the ideal length of the document.

Factors Affecting Resume Length

There are several factors that can contribute to the length of a resume, such as the amount of work experience you have, the number of jobs you’ve held, and the level of detail you want to showcase in each section. Some other factors that may impact your choice of length include your level of education, the industry you’re applying to, and the specific job you’re targeting. Ultimately, the goal is to make sure that your resume is concise enough to hold a recruiter’s attention, but detailed enough to make a good impression.

Resume Length Expectations by Industry

Generally speaking, most industries will expect you to keep your resume to one or two pages. However, there are some exceptions to this rule.

Academic/Research:  Resumes for academic and research positions may be longer than those for other industries, as they often require a more comprehensive list of publications, presentations, research projects, and academic credentials. It’s not uncommon for applicants in these fields to have resumes that are three or more pages in length.

Creative/Artistic:  For creative and artistic fields such as graphic design, photography, or film, a longer resume may be more appropriate. This is because these industries rely heavily on visual portfolios and creative work samples, which may require additional pages to properly showcase.

Government:  Federal resumes require a considerable amount of detail, as they typically include additional information about your security clearance, citizenship status, and other specific qualifications. These resumes can be up to five pages in length in some cases.

Executive/Management:  For high-level executives and management positions, longer resumes may be appropriate in order to highlight extensive experience and achievements. In some cases, these resumes may also include testimonials and references from past colleagues or clients.

Remember, it’s always important to proofread and edit your resume carefully, regardless of the length. No matter the industry expectations, a polished and well-crafted resume is the key to standing out from the competition and securing your next job opportunity.

One-Page Resume: Pros and Cons

When it comes to crafting a resume, one of the most debated topics is the appropriate length. One-page resumes have become increasingly popular in recent years, thanks in part to the rise of applicant tracking systems (ATS) that prioritize shorter, more concise documents. In this section, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of a one-page resume.

Advantages of One-Page Resumes

Better readability:  A one-page resume makes it easier for hiring managers and recruiters to quickly review your qualifications and career highlights. With a shorter document, important information is easier to find and evaluate.

More effective storytelling:  The space limitations of a one-page resume often require job seekers to be creative and strategic in presenting their experiences and achievements. This can lead to a more focused and compelling narrative, which can capture the attention of a hiring manager and increase the chances of landing an interview.

ATS-friendly:  As mentioned earlier, an increasing number of companies are using applicant tracking systems to scan and sort resumes. These systems often have difficulty reading longer documents, so a one-page resume can increase the chances of your application making it through initial screening.

Disadvantages of One-Page Resumes

Not suitable for all applicants:  Depending on your level of experience, a one-page resume may not be able to adequately showcase all of your qualifications and accomplishments. If you are a seasoned professional with an extensive work history or a strong list of publications and presentations, condensing all of this information onto one page may be challenging.

Risk of omitting important information:  In an effort to cram everything onto one page, there is a risk of leaving out important details, such as relevant work experience, skills or education. If a hiring manager is looking for information that you have excluded, they may move on to the next candidate.

Lack of depth:  A one-page resume may not allow for the same level of detail and nuance that a longer document can provide. This can make it difficult to demonstrate your expertise in a particular field or industry, or to showcase the impact of your work on previous employers.

There are both advantages and disadvantages to using a one-page resume. While it may be a good fit for some applicants, others may find it too limiting or not suitable for their particular circumstances. Ultimately, the decision on whether to use a one-page resume should be based on a careful assessment of your qualifications, experience and career goals.

Two-Page Resume: Pros and Cons

When it comes to deciding the length of your resume, the two-page option can be a tempting alternative to the traditional one-page format. However, there are both advantages and disadvantages to consider before opting for a two-page resume.

Advantages of Two-Page Resumes

Detailed Information: A two-page resume provides ample space to include more detailed information about your work experience, skills, achievements, and education. This allows you to provide a more comprehensive and in-depth picture of your professional background.

Improved Readability: By spreading out the information over two pages, you can avoid clutter and make your resume easier to read. By utilizing bullet points, headings, and other formatting options, you can organize your information in a clear and concise manner.

Flexibility: Certain professions, such as academia or research, may require a more extensive and detailed resume. A two-page format can be a better option in such cases, as it allows you to present a more complete profile of your qualifications.

Confidence Booster: Having a two-page resume can give you the confidence that you have included everything that matters and have the chance to properly communicate your value. This can be especially important when applying for roles that demand a lot of experience, education or skills.

Disadvantages of Two-Page Resumes

Lengthy and Time-consuming: A two-page resume requires extra time and effort to create and may even overwhelm recruiters with irrelevant information. It’s important to strictly follow a clear structure and not fill up space with unrelated experiences.

Risk of Losing Attention: With recruiters spending only a few seconds scanning a resume, the length of your document could also reduce your chances of being noticed. Their attention span may be lost if they have to go through a lengthy document to find information relevant to the position.

Lack of Appreciation: While there can be many advantages to a two-page resume, not all recruiters appreciate this format. Some might consider it unnecessary and view it as an inability to convey the necessary information concisely.

Inappropriate for Certain Industries: A two-page resume might not always be suitable for certain job roles or industries such as retail, hospitality, or even junior-level roles.

Whether a two-page resume is the right choice depends on your experience, industry, and the job you are applying for. You need to put in unique efforts to convey the most relevant information that will separate you from the other candidates. The key is to strike the right balance between presenting a thorough profile of yourself without making it too long or cluttered.

Three-Page Resume: Pros and Cons

When it comes to resume length, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. While one-page resumes are often recommended due to their concise nature, some job seekers may require more space to effectively showcase their skills and accomplishments. Enter the three-page resume. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of using a three-page resume.

Advantages of Three-Page Resumes

Room for detailed descriptions:  With three pages, job seekers have more space to provide detailed descriptions of their work experience, skills, and achievements. This can be especially helpful for those in technical or highly specialized fields, where specific skills or projects may require more explanation. The extra space also allows for more storytelling, enabling job seekers to paint a more compelling picture of their professional journey.

Ability to include additional sections:  Three-page resumes also allow job seekers to include additional sections that may not fit on a one-page or two-page document. This could include a section on certifications, professional development, or volunteer experience. Including relevant and impressive information in these sections can help job seekers stand out from other applicants.

Shows attention to detail:  Submitting a well-organized and thoughtfully written three-page resume can demonstrate to potential employers that a job seeker is detail-oriented and values quality work. This can be especially true if the additional pages are used strategically to provide supporting details and context.

Disadvantages of Three-Page Resumes

May not be read in full:  Unfortunately, not all employers have the time or interest to read through lengthy resumes, regardless of how well-written they may be. Hiring managers may skim the first page or two and then move on to the next applicant. This means that job seekers using three-page resumes risk their most important information getting buried or overlooked.

May come across as unfocused:  If a job seeker takes up three pages to describe their experience and qualifications, it may give the impression that they lack focus or are trying to compensate for a lack of relevant accomplishments. It’s important for job seekers to consider whether every detail they included on their three-page resume is truly necessary and relevant.

May signal an unwillingness to edit:  Submitting a three-page resume may give the impression that a job seeker is unwilling or unable to edit their work. This can be a negative signal to potential employers, who may value concise and effective communication skills. Using a three-page resume can also signal a lack of awareness around current resume trends and conventions.

Ultimately, the decision to use a three-page resume should be based on a job seeker’s individual circumstances and needs. Job seekers will want to consider their industry, experience level, and the specific requirements of the job they are applying for. If a job seeker can make a compelling and concise case for why a three-page resume is necessary, it may be worth the additional pages.

Determining the Appropriate Resume Length

When it comes to crafting a resume, one of the biggest questions is: how long should it be? While there are no set rules for length, there are a few things you can consider to help determine the appropriate length for your specific situation.

How to Identify What to Exclude or Include on Your Resume

One of the first things to consider when determining the appropriate length of your resume is what information to include or exclude. Ultimately, your resume should be a snapshot of your most relevant skills and experiences, so it’s important to highlight those items that are most important to the position you’re applying for. This may mean leaving off certain jobs, skills, or experiences that aren’t directly related to the position you’re pursuing.

One way to identify what to include or exclude is to carefully read through the job description and pull out the most important requirements and qualifications. Then, use these as a guide to determine which items should be included on your resume. Additionally, think about your own career goals and the type of position you’re pursuing. If you have experience or skills that are highly relevant to your career goals, make sure to highlight those on your resume.

Tips on How to Edit Your Resume for Appropriate Length

Once you’ve identified what to include or exclude, it’s important to edit your resume to ensure it’s an appropriate length. Here are a few tips to help you do so:

Use bullet points: Instead of writing lengthy paragraphs, use bulleted lists to highlight your skills and experiences. This will make your resume easier to read and help you save space.

Cut unnecessary information: Take a critical look at your resume and cut any information that isn’t directly relevant to the position you’re applying for. This may include jobs that don’t relate to your career goals or skills that aren’t needed for the position.

Adjust formatting: If you’re struggling to get your resume down to an appropriate length, consider adjusting the formatting. This may include using a smaller font size or reducing the margins slightly.

Keep it concise: Remember, the goal of your resume is to provide a snapshot of your skills and experiences. Keep your sentences concise and avoid adding unnecessary fluff or filler.

By carefully considering what information to include or exclude and editing your resume for appropriate length, you can create a strong and effective document that highlights your most relevant skills and experiences.

Resume Design and Format

A well-designed and formatted resume can impact both the length and effectiveness of your resume. Here are some ways design and format play a role in resume length:

The Role of Design and Format in Resume Length

• Font size: Using a smaller font size can help fit more information on your resume, but be careful not to go too small as it can become illegible and unprofessional.
• Margins: Narrower margins can also help maximize space but it’s important to keep a balance so the resume remains easy to read and visually appealing.
• Bullet points: Using bullet points instead of paragraphs can help break up dense blocks of text and make your resume easier to skim.
• White space: Leaving enough white space between sections of your resume can make it look cleaner and more professional.

Tips for Maximizing Space in Your Resume

• Prioritize information: Identify what’s most important and relevant to the position you’re applying for and highlight that information first.
• Customize for each job: Tailor your resume to each job by emphasizing skills and experiences that directly relate to the job requirements. This can also help you keep your resume focused and concise.
• Use quantitative data: Instead of listing vague job duties or responsibilities, include specific accomplishments and measurable results to showcase your skills and abilities.
• Edit ruthlessly: Be willing to cut information that’s not directly relevant to the job or that doesn’t add value to your application.

By following these design and format tips, you can maximize the space on your resume while still ensuring it’s effective and visually appealing. Keep in mind that while designing for space is important, you never want to sacrifice readability for length. Ultimately, what matters most is that your resume is tailored to the job you’re applying for and highlights your relevant experiences and achievements.

Resume Examples

In order to provide a clearer picture of resume length, it can be helpful to look at examples. Here are three different resume examples varying in length:

One-Page Resume Example

A one-page resume is a great option for recent graduates or anyone with limited work experience. This sample one-page resume includes a summary statement, education section, relevant coursework, and work experience. It also includes a skills section and additional activities and interests. The key to a successful one-page resume is to prioritize the most pertinent information.

Two-Page Resume Example

This two-page resume example includes a summary statement, relevant skills, and experience in the first section. The second section highlights academic achievements, and the third section details community involvement, volunteer work, and activities. The key to a successful two-page resume is to focus on conciseness and relevance.

Three-Page Resume Example

A three-page resume example is suitable for professionals with extensive work experience and an abundance of credentials. This lengthier resume includes a summary statement, skills, education, and relevant work experience in the first two pages. The third page includes extensive details on academic awards, publications, software proficiency, and other relevant skills. The key to a successful three-page resume is to ensure that every detail included is necessary and adds value to the candidate’s professional story.

The length of a resume depends on the individual’s work experience and qualifications. It is important to focus on the most relevant information and ensure that every detail included adds value to the candidate’s story. Whether a one-page, two-page, or three-page resume is necessary, the emphasis should be on quality rather than quantity.

Online Resume Length Expectations

In today’s job market, submitting an online resume has become the norm. With this shift, it’s important to know how online resumes affect length expectations.

How Online Resumes Affect Length Expectations

Unlike traditional resumes, online resumes are scanned by a computer system before consideration by a human. These applicant tracking systems (ATS) look for specific keywords and phrases to determine if a candidate is a good fit for the job. Because of this, online resumes must be optimized for the ATS, which means keeping them concise and keyword-rich.

Additionally, online resumes are typically viewed on a screen rather than printed, which means formatting must be taken into consideration. A resume that is too long or contains excessive formatting may not display properly.

Tips for Online Resume Length

When it comes to online resumes, less is often more. Aim for a length of no more than two pages, keeping in mind that the first page is the most important. Use bullet points to highlight your achievements and skills.

To optimize for ATS, make sure your online resume contains keywords relevant to the job you’re applying for. Avoid using graphics or images that can interfere with the scanning process.

For formatting, stick to professional fonts such as Arial or Times New Roman, and avoid excessive use of bold or underlined text. Use white space to break up sections and make your resume easy to read.

By following these tips, you can ensure your online resume is both optimized for ATS and visually appealing to human readers.

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• Resume Tips

How long should a resume be in 2024?

12 min read

As a marketing tool, your resume needs to be effective, which is a lot to ask from a couple of pieces of paper. It needs to include enough about you to prove that you’re qualified for the job you’re applying for, without overwhelming the reader. How long your resume should be relates to how far back your resume should go.

The length in question relates to the number of pages. Your resume length can vary based on factors such as your experience, your field, and the job you’re applying for. So, how long should a resume be?

This article will guide you through several examples, exceptions, and the keys to success that our team of professional resume writers use to get the correct number of pages for a resume. Here are the topics that this post will cover:

When should your resume be one page?

When should your resume be two pages.

When should your resume be three pages–or more?

10 tips on how to get your resume to the right length

“The one-page resume standard is no longer applicable in today’s job market,” says Jennifer Johnson, a professional resume writer and veteran recruiter. She has spent more than 10 years hiring and developing talent for Fortune 500 companies.

“The strategic goal should focus on keyword optimization, meaning the resume should have a strong mix of skills and terms that support their qualifications. For many job seekers, limiting themselves to one page can mean omitting important keywords, causing their resume to fail ATS scans , and therefore lose out on important job opportunities.”

Confused? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! By the end of this article, you’ll have a clearer idea of how long a resume should be and exactly what those pages should include.

You should limit your resume to one page if:

You’re writing your first resume–congratulations!

Your industry or job target recommends a single page

You’ve just graduated from college

Why your resume should be one page

Your resume can be one page if that’s all you require to market yourself. One-page resumes can be scanned quickly by the human eye, so they are very convenient for in-person scenarios like job fairs and networking events.

If you have a two-page resume with no work experience, it’ll most likely contain filler words and information that isn’t relevant to the job application. Reduce your resume to one page by tailoring your resume to your relevant experience.

If you’re making a career change, your past experience is unlikely to be relevant to the new job. In this scenario, lead with your transferable skills rather than experience. A functional resume format may be better for you.

The same goes for recent grads. Odds are that you don’t have two pages of relevant experience. However, some graduates have multiple internships, volunteer work, on-campus activities, or publications that belong on a resume. If you’ve just graduated, read more about how to search for a job as a recent graduate.

The optimum length for a resume in 2023 is two pages in order to fit in all your keywords, work history, experience, and skills.

Here are some situations that indicate you should use a two-page resume:

You’re not an entry-level candidate

You have enough relevant skills, experience, and keywords to fill at least a page and a half

You’re submitting a resume online

 You’re handing a resume to a hiring manager

If you’re concerned that a two-page resume will slow down a hiring manager during their six-second resume test, remember that this “six-second” figure comes from a review after an ATS scan has determined your fit for the position. If you’re able to get through the ATS, one study suggests that when time constraints aren’t an issue, recruiters are 2.3 times more likely to prefer a two-page resume.

Why your resume should be two pages

Your resume will most likely need two pages to show career progression. If you have more than 10 years of experience, you’ll also want your resume to include a professional summary and a career highlights section. These are both excellent opportunities to fit in more keywords.

For highly skilled applicants, a two-page resume will incorporate all relevant experience , education , certifications , and additional training .

When should your resume be three pages?

Your resume should rarely be three pages or more. Most of the information for a three-page resume is better suited for an academic CV or on a LinkedIn profile.

“Though we generally advise against a resume length beyond two pages, sometimes it’s necessary,” says Jennifer. “Some professions and industries have a different set of standards when it comes to resumes and therefore require more information.”

Why your resume should be three pages

You could have more than two pages if you’re a high-level or senior-level executive, or established in a very complex, technical field. For example, a scientist may need more than two pages to showcase background, education, published work, and studies. An executive resume usually shows a clear progression of responsibility and job titles with many related experiences.

Your professional document can be three pages if you’re writing a Curriculum Vitae (CV). This is more common when applying for jobs outside of the USA. In the US and Canada, there are some other industries that use CVs, such as academia and medical.

Federal resumes also follow a different format, and can easily be three pages or more.

For most job searches, you should focus on your most recent 10 to 15 years of experience.

“Consider utilizing your LinkedIn profile to fit the relevant work experience that’s important, but not strictly necessary on your resume,” suggests Caitlin, a ZipJob career expert and certified professional resume writer (CPRW).

“Most hiring managers will look at a LinkedIn profile before they call you for an interview, so it’s another chance for you to prove your qualifications. On the other hand, it might convince them not to call you if it’s widely different from your resume or includes additional information that’s off-putting.”

Read our article on writing an effective LinkedIn profile for more information.

How to get your resume to the right length

If starting from scratch, check out our advice first on how to write a resume. Once you have a draft to work from, use the 10 tips below to add to or subtract from your resume length.

1. Focus on your most recent experience

A potential employer wants to see your most recent skills and experience. You don’t need to include an internship from 15 years ago! If you haven’t used those skills since, they’re not going to help in any way.

This applies to the work experience descriptions on your resume as well.

If you’ve held the same responsibilities under multiple entries, consider including them just below your most recent position..

Emphasize your most recent professional experience by going back no more than 10 years as this will keep the focus on what you’re capable of now and help to minimize age bias.

2. Focus on relevant experience

If you’ve jumped around during your career, try to downplay (or exclude) positions that aren’t relevant. Your resume doesn’t have to include every place you’ve worked or every job you’ve held–it’s a common myth that doesn’t do you any favors.

If you do want to list all your positions to establish a career trajectory or avoid gaps, limit the information you include with less relevant jobs. Expand the impact and results of your most recent and relevant jobs, and no more than three  bullet points for the other information.

3. Remove graphics

Some content just shouldn’t be on your resume; when applying online, remove all graphics and logos from your resume. These images turn into confusing lines of code for ATS, so save visuals for your LinkedIn or a printed resume.

Your resume doesn’t need a headshot or selfie either. Save that for online profiles, but keep it professional!

4. Do NOT use Bitmojis or other “alternatives” to a photo

“I’m stumped by this trend,” says Caitlin, ZipJob’s Marketing Manager. “I love seeing creative displays of personality on a resume, but Bitmojis are cartoons. Stand out from the applicant pool in other ways that will earn you more respect.”

From a technical standpoint, as with other graphics, Bitmojis turn into jumbled nonsense for an ATS. 

Unlike logos or artistic headers–which can be appropriate for graphic designer resumes in print form–Bitmojis never have a place on a resume.

5. Combine multiple related bullet points into one

If you have multiple lines on the same subject within your job experience, combine the statements into one.

Ensured our marketing had a positive ROI

Utilized marketing tools to ensure maximum ROI

Managed the marketing team to ensure smooth and efficient projects were deployed

 Implemented and managed a marketing campaign with extensive A/B testing to achieve a 190% ROI

As can be seen, the three bullet points are easily grouped together to form one cohesive statement that’s sure to impress an employer.

6. Remove the “references” section

References are assumed and don’t need to be mentioned on your resume. In addition, there’s no need to include the line “references available upon request.”

A hiring manager doesn’t need this so early on in the application process. Instead, make a separate reference document to provide when asked. Your resume’s goal is to get you a phone call to schedule an interview. Keep it focused on you and the value you’d bring to the company.

Pro tip: bring a printed copy to the interview, and keep an email draft with names, contact information, current job titles, and your relationship to each referee.

7. Remove the “hobbies and interests” section

“Sometimes listing your hobbies and interests can help you stand out from the job-seeker crowd,” says Jennifer. “But tread carefully. Some hobbies can have a negative effect based on the biases of your audience.”

A better way to include hobbies or interests is to post about your passions on LinkedIn or join related groups. You can also establish yourself as an expert or thought leader on Reddit and Quora, which might pique the interest of the hiring manager who looks you up online before calling you for an interview.

8. Use an active voice

Your resume should be written in an active voice. This conveys you as a self-starter and that you can connect what you did with the impact it made in previous positions. It also means your experience is more tangible and effective.

Be sure to use the active voice to emphasize career highlights. Focus on accomplishments that are financial, a special award or recognition, or an initiative by which you demonstrated leadership.

Resumes aren’t written with any pronouns traditionally, so using the active voice simply includes whatever would come after “I achieved…” or “I am proud that I…”

When you start using more active language and quantifiable achievements, you’ll see that you’re left with a more concise, effective resume.

9. Change your resume’s formatting

If your resume has wide margins and a large font, you’re going to have a hard time fitting all the information you need onto two pages. After clarifying the content, read our advice on resume margins and font size , as well as the top 10 resume fonts . This will help your resume appear balanced, relevant, and easy to read.

Many people opt to use templates they find online. Those on Etsy, Canva, or other sites are often visually appealing and use a lot of white space; however, multiple columns can confuse ATS scans so proceed with caution. 

“If your resume includes more than a square inch of white space at any point, adjust your settings,” advises Caitlin. “That’s valuable real estate! Play with the margins, tabs, and justification settings.”

Note: white space refers to spaces without content, no matter what color you’ve opted to use or any lines you’ve incorporated into your resume.

Finally, be wary of any sites or resume builders that offer a subscription service for resume templates–they’re notorious for charging unknowing job seekers month after month. When in doubt, DIY your resume or hire a reputable service.

You can find different price points for resume services on our free resource: 10 Best Resume Writing Services 2023 US + CA (All Industries)

10. Keep tailoring

A tailored outfit fits you perfectly. You only manage that by trimming away the excess. To ensure your resume length is a perfect fit, trim away anything that doesn’t fit for each job.

Look at every line of your document from the perspective of a hiring manager: does each line prove you’re a good fit for the position? If not, cut it out!

There’s no set rule when asking, “How long should a resume be?”. What’s more important is that the information on your resume is relevant to the position you seek. In fact, that’s the best place to start when you need to figure out how many pages a good resume should have!  If you need something to measure it by, try fitting your resume into two pages, including only information that’ll help you get that particular job.

Good luck with your job search.

To ensure that you have the perfect resume for your job search, get your free resume review from our team of experts today!

Recommended reading:

Good Skills To Put On Your Resume

Here is What A Good Cover Letter Looks Like

Why Is It So Hard to Find a Job? (+ 5 Tips)

Elizabeth Openshaw, Editor & Content Writer, Elizabeth Openshaw, Editor & Content Writer

Elizabeth Openshaw is an Elite CV Consultant with over 12 years of experience based in Brighton, UK, with an English degree and an addiction to Wordle! She is a former Journalist of 17 years with the claim to fame that she interviewed three times Grand Slam winner and former World No.1 tennis player, Andy Murray, when he was just 14 years old. You can connect with her at Elizabeth Openshaw | LinkedIn .

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How Long Is Too Long for Your Resume?

Published: Jun 09, 2022 By Andrea Moran

It can be hard to prioritize what to include on your resume and what to leave out. This becomes doubly difficult when no one can tell you for sure exactly how long a resume should even be. It used to be a tried-and-true rule that one page was all you had. But now? Times are changing. Here are a few tips to figure out just how long is too long for your resume.

Why the debate?

First of all, let us examine why there is such heated debate in the first place over whether a one-, two-, or even three-page resume is the way to go. EnhanCV points out that a few decades ago (when the “one-page resume” rule was golden), printing costs were something that most people had to consider. Now that printers themselves have gotten cheaper and access to them has broadly widened, that is not really a factor anymore. In fact, CNBC quotes a study saying hiring managers are actually more likely to choose a two-page resume over a one-page one. In other words: There is no correct answer.

The general rule

There are, however, general rules you can follow that might help make sense of it all. If you are fairly new to your career—say, four years or less—you should continue following the one-page rule. The reason is fairly straightforward: You do not have extensive experience with which to fill a multi-page resume. If you have only been in the workforce for a year or two, it will look strange to recruiters to see page upon page of experience—and may even raise a red flag you are exaggerating what experience you do have.

If you are more than three or four years into your career, it is possible you have more experience than will fit on a traditional one-page format. If that is the case, aim for no more than two pages and be sure you are keeping the skills and responsibilities you have relevant for the exact position to which you are applying.

If you are applying to a position in academia, a technical field, or another senior position, three pages are acceptable if that is what it takes to highlight your relevant experience. But even if you have decades of experience behind you, do not take that as an excuse to ramble. Be sure to keep your language as clear, concise, and results oriented as possible.

If your resume is too long, what should you do?

So, you have decided whether your ideal resume should be one, two, or three pages long. But the one you have now is…much longer than that. How do you trim it down?

The first (and easiest) step is to cut out all the “filler” words. These include “a,” “an,” “the,” “that,” etc.—any words that are not immediately needed to get your meaning across. Wherever you can, quantify your achievements. You can also remove your first job (or two), as well as educational details that do not exactly relate to the job post at hand. Finally, carefully reread the job posting and home in on the main key words the employer is looking for. Then look for ways to replace the wordier details on your resume with those key words—which tend to already be nice and succinct

The whole point of a resume is for your hard work and experience to stand out from the crowded field of applicants. It can be a fine line between highlighting your talents and overwhelming the resume reader with too many details. But with a little tweaking, it is possible to find the combination that is right for you—and your dream job.

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10 Ways To Condense Your Resume Without Losing Value

In a culture dominated by short posts, videos, and other content on social media, we all face enormous pressure to communicate ever more briefly. When it comes to resumes, recent trends have lowered preferred lengths to two to three pages. If your resume is long, how can you possibly condense it without losing value?

As a certified and award-winning resume writer, I face this dilemma on a daily basis. Most resumes contain a lot of "fat" in the form of run-on sentences, unwieldy skill descriptions, lackluster branding, and unnecessary details. By trimming these problem areas, your resume can become a lean, mean, brand communication machine.

But isn't it better to include more content so you can weave in more keywords throughout your resume? No, actually.

When it comes to resume writing, less is generally more. Here's why:

• Recruiters, HR professionals, and hiring managers are, like most of us, overworked and inundated with information overload. Crisp, lean sentences filled with the right details will stand out more in a sea of candidates.
• Too many keywords in a document can actually be a negative thing because it may make it appear that you are stuffing your document for the sole purpose of ranking high in resume searches. The database systems, or applicant tracking systems (ATS), that recruiters, companies, and job boards use to store and analyze incoming resumes are sophisticated enough to identify which documents have the right range of keywords specified in applicant searches—enough to meet their needs but not too much to raise eyebrows. In other words, keyword density is important, but too many keywords is a red flag.
• Important details stand out more when there is less text, especially if those details have been whittled and shaped wisely. Clogging up your resume with unnecessary information and vague details impairs its ability to communicate your brand in the four to six seconds it is screened by humans.

Let's take a look at a few length targets to give you an idea of where your resume is out of balance. While there are few hard and fast resume rules, these are general guidelines that most highly experienced and credentialed writers and career coaches follow.

Resume & Content Length Guidelines

Resume Length

Most recruiters expect resumes to be two to three pages in length, with a strong preference for two pages in North America. While this varies from recruiter to recruiter, most like to see two-page resumes for job seekers with up to 10-15 years of experience. For those with considerably more experience, a three-page resume may be necessary to capture and present all relevant details.

One-Page Resume Rule

The one-page-only resume rule is still common, though. Those with limited experience may find that length most appropriate for their needs.

Career Summaries

Career summary statements have shortened since the 2008 recession and now trend at three to six lines of text. In mid-career, mid-management, and executive resumes, it is often appropriate to add branding content to this section of the resume, though generally such material is best restricted to up to the first half of the document's first page. Work It DAILY recommends ditching the career summary entirely and focusing on a headline instead—a short summary of the problem you solve that highlights your personal brand .

Core Competencies

Core competency sections are best limited to six to eight skills. At Work It DAILY, we call this the "Experience Summary," which is a list of any skills and requirements you possess that are needed for a certain job and are relevant to the position you're applying for.

Bullets per Role

Too many bulleted statements in a resume overwhelm your reader. Limit bullets to five per role if possible, but don't list fewer than three, either.

Bullet Length

Ideally, bullets should be limited to two lines of space. If additional critical details must be included, consider separating content into different bullets.

Amount of Work History to Include

Recruiters typically are most interested in the last 10-15 years of your experience, so this is the amount of experience you will want to profile on your resume. Older relevant experience can be briefly summarized in your "Additional Experience" section at the end of your resume. In most cases, any irrelevant work experience can be safely eliminated altogether. The usual exception is recent college grads and young professionals just starting out their careers who already have limited work experience to quantify and show off.

Resume Shortening Strategies

1. Say More with Less

Cut out words that aren't needed and delete words that are repeated. When you're fighting a two-line bullet length, every word counts.

2. Leverage Action Verbs

While all verbs convey action of some sort, some contain more energy and action than others. It may be accurate to say you wrote the company's five-year plan, for example, but it's more powerful to say that you strategized, authored, and executed the company's first-ever five-year plan.

3. Eliminate Passive Language

Passive language on a resume masks the true role you played in the task you're describing. The sentence, "I was exposed to different cultures, people, and challenges" is weaker than "Gained cross-functional and cross-cultural exposure to 5 ethnicities in 12 countries," for example.

4. Be Specific

Avoid vague descriptors and phrases such as "a variety of," "many," "others," and "successfully." Replace them with specific details that add value and meaning to the text.

5. Use Numbers Whenever Possible

Numbers talk, so it's imperative to use them in resumes to quantify key achievements and context information . Don't tell your reader that you exceeded sales targets. Show them how much you surpassed goals year over year. Every bullet point under your "Work History" section should contain at least one number. If you only follow one tip in this article, this should be the one.

6. Reformat

Many old-style resumes and built-in MS Word templates don't use the most effective format to get a hiring manager's attention. In your resume, make sure you're using a clean, 11-18 pt. font (Arial, Calibri). Also, don't shrink your margins to fit more text on a page. This will sacrifice white space and make your resume harder to read. Finally, place your titles and employer names on one line if you held only one role with the company, and eradicate widows and orphans (stray paragraph lines and single words on a line by themselves).

7. Categorize

Some content can be categorized or sub-categorized to convey information in more powerful ways. Subdividing a long series of bullets, say, into three to four categories that emphasize the cross-functionality of your skill set will not only make your achievements easier to read but will also showcase your multi-function brand while adding industry-specific keywords to the resume.

8. Contextualize

Give your readers the right quality and type of detail to help them understand the full scope of your impact. For instance, if you turned around an operation, that's a critical accomplishment to include. However, including before and after context details will automatically strengthen the presentation. How much money was the business losing per month or year before your tenure? How much profit or revenue was it generating by the time you left?

9. Focus on Results

In real estate, it's location, location, location that is critical; in resumes, it's achievements, achievements, achievements. Numerically quantified statements communicate volumes of information in fewer words while conveying your accomplishment in specific, measurable terms. Here's a sentence from a client's original resume: "Managed multimillion-dollar business and IT initiatives from inception to implementation to increase productivity, reduce operational cost, and improve service quality by collaborating with IT staff, C-level executives, business users, and external healthcare service providers." Here's a revamp that shortens the sentence from 35 to 25 words while adding content to dramatically improve its results' focus: "Ramped productivity 15%, cut operational costs $7M, and strengthened service quality 14%, leading $25M to $50M cross-functional business and IT initiatives from inception to rollout." Notice that the original bullet spanned three lines while the revamp needs just two.

10. Ditch Extraneous Details

Choose carefully which details you include and how you do so. For example, in the original client sentence included in the prior bullet, you'll find a list of folks this person collaborated with in his position. The results he achieved are more central to his brand so I substituted the word "cross-functional" to cover my client's list of four groups that required 11 words to describe. A distinction that underlines many of the above points is to recognize the difference between resume content that is important versus that which is critical to include.

There simply isn't room for all of your skills and entire work history on a resume, so sooner or later you have to choose which important details are must-haves. By following the 10 tips above, you'll know exactly what to include and omit so you can successfully condense your resume without losing value.

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.

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Spring Cleaning: 4 Ways To Fix Your Job Search

Is your job search turning into a grind with no end in sight? It may be time to take a step back and reevaluate your entire approach.

In cold weather climates, the beginning of spring is a time to clean the house and get organized—a practice known as spring cleaning. Through the years, spring cleaning has taken on a larger meaning with people using the time to organize and declutter things in their lives.

For professionals on the job hunt, a little spring cleaning (metaphorically speaking) could be a great way to reinvigorate your job search. Here are a few strategies your job search spring cleaning should include.

Reevaluate Your Job Search Approach

Make a list of the last handful of jobs you applied for and see if you can identify any positive or negative trends. Consider things like:

• How did I learn about this job?
• How did I apply for the job?
• Did I earn an interview?
• What was the ultimate result?

A lot can be learned about your job search approach just by answering these questions and identifying patterns. For example:

Negative Trends

You discovered five jobs through job boards, applied to all of them via the job boards, and never heard back from any of them.

The common pattern here is applying through job boards. This isn't to say that job boards don't serve a purpose in the job search process, but they have their limitations , and you can't run your job search entirely off of them. When you apply through a job board, there's a good chance that your materials will never get past the applicant tracking system (ATS) and never be seen by an actual person.

One simple fix is to research who the hiring manager or recruiter is that posted the position and email your materials to them directly.

The more efficient fix would be to take a proactive approach by putting together a bucket list of companies that you want to work for and start making connections on LinkedIn with people who work at those companies. You may already know some people who work there or have connections that can refer you to some individuals.

This is a great way to network your way onto a company's radar.

Positive Trends

You applied to three jobs via referral, were invited to two job interviews, and made it through multiple rounds of interviews for one of the jobs before being passed over for someone with a little more experience.

The pattern here is that getting referred to a job by a professional acquaintance is a great way to land a job interview . This indicates that you're leveraging your network well and you should continue to focus on your networking efforts.

The next step is to review the interview process and determine what went well and what needs to be improved. Sometimes the interviewer will provide feedback , and that feedback can be valuable. However, not everyone is comfortable with giving feedback.

Chances are you probably have a good idea about areas of improvement and the skills you need to gain. Put together a plan for addressing those shortfalls.

The good news in making it deep into any interview process is that it indicates that the company likes you as a potential employee (even if the timing just wasn't right) and the experience could be a roadmap to a job with that company at a later date, or another similar opportunity elsewhere.

Give Your Resume & Cover Letter Some Much-Needed Attention

Are you continuously sending similar resumes and cover letters to each job opening with only minor adjustments? If so, your strategy needs some serious spring cleaning.

Let's start with resumes!

Every resume should be tailored to the position in order for it to stand out to recruiters and hiring managers . It may seem like a lot of work, but it's actually less work than submitting the same resume over and over again and never hearing back.

The reason why it's so important to tailor your resume is that throughout your career, you acquire numerous skills, but the job you're applying for may only be focusing on 6-8 of those skills. In that case, those skills must rise to the top of the resume with quantifiable examples of how you successfully used those skills at previous jobs.

Remember, recruiters go through hundreds of resumes. They need to be able to tell from a quick glance whether or not you're a potential candidate for the position.

While updating your resume, you could also spruce up your LinkedIn profile by highlighting the skill sets that you want to be noticed for by recruiters.

As for writing a good cover letter , the key to success is writing a disruptive cover letter . When you write a disruptive cover letter , you're basically telling a story. The story should focus on how you connect with the particular company and job position. The story could also focus on your personal journey, and how you got to where you currently are in your career.

If your resumes and cover letters aren't unique, now is the time to clean things up and get on track.

Build Your Personal Brand

Just because you're looking for work doesn't mean that you don't have anything to offer. Use previous career experiences and passions to build your personal brand .

Ask yourself, "How do I want other professionals to view me?"

Pick an area of expertise and start sharing your knowledge and experience with your professional network by pushing out content on your LinkedIn and social media accounts. Good content can include blogs, social media posts, and videos.

By sharing content about your experiences and passions, you slowly build your personal brand, and others will start to notice. The content could lead to good discussions with others in your network. It could also lead to reconnecting with connections that you haven't spoken to in years, or making new connections.

You never know when one of these connections could turn into a job lead or referral. The trick is to get on people's radars. So, when you're cleaning up your job search, be sure to build a plan for personal branding.

Maintain Healthy Habits During Your Job Search

Your job search is important, but it's even more important to know when to pull back and focus on personal health and spending time with family and friends.

There are actually things that you can do for your own enjoyment that could help your job search in the long run, such as:

• Grab coffee with a friend - It's good to engage in light conversation with friends during challenging times. And if your job search does come up, remember that most people have been through it themselves and you never know when a friend may provide you with a good idea or lead on a job.
• Volunteer - Volunteering is a great way to get involved in the community and help others. In addition, if you develop a little bit of a career gap while looking for a job, you can always talk about how you filled that time volunteering, if you're asked about it during a job interview.
• Continue to focus on other passions - Are you a fitness nut? Blogger? Crafter? Continue to do the things that bring you happiness. And if you're in a position to profit from your passion through a freelance job or side hustle , even better!

Spring is the perfect time to clean up and improve your job search so you can land the job you want. If you're struggling to find a job, follow the tips above to reinvigorate your job search—and watch your career blossom!

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What do I do if my resume is too long?

Julie walraven.

A frequently asked question is: "What do I do if my resume is too long?" Wondering what to cut, what to omit, and where you should stop in your resume confuses many job seekers.

As with many resume questions, the answer is "it depends."

What if my resume is too long?

What is the right length for a resume? Most of the resumes I write are two to three pages long and they are job-winning resumes. I work with job seekers who have been working for anywhere from new graduates to 30+ years.

Determining what goes into your resume and how long is too long troubles many job seekers.

How many pages is too long for a resume?

You will get varying answers to this question. Your resume needs to tell your story. I would rather expand to a third page than leave out critical aspects of your experience. On the other hand, you want to make sure that every part of your resume shows value.

Your resume should tell the story to market you for the next role. To do that, you need to determine what role you are seeking. A mindset of "I need a job" is way too broad for your resume. You need to hone in on what you want to do and where you want to do it to enable your resume to focus on the right areas to attract the employer.

I want a technology leadership role doesn't cut it.

Determine what you want to do and ensure you can sell the employer on your ability to do the job. As you grow in leadership roles, identify the leadership skills you bring to enable the company you target to be successful. Thinking back on the last 20 years, there have been multiple challenges that companies have faced: dot.com bust, global recession, pandemic, inflation, supply chain issues, and war.

Your resume should focus on solutions you brought or helped create for the companies you worked for in the past.

What is the right length for your resume?

The general consensus in the resume writing industry is that your resume should showcase the past 10 to 15 years of your career. However, if you have stayed in a role for more than 20 years, you do need to list the whole time. You can condense the information under the positions if you need to save space.

For roles beyond the 10 to 15 years, you can use a section such as Early Career Profile (sample linked) to list the roles prior to the 10 to 15 years:

Early Career Profile General Manager | COPPER CARE-A-VANS, INC., Salt Lake City, UT | 14 years General Manager | COPPERLAND CHARTER, Salt Lake City, UT | 2 years

When using this section, you eliminate the dates and list only the span of time. You also can cherry-pick the companies and jobs you list in this area. If you desire, you can enhance these postings with additional information about the value you brought in these older roles.

Key Point: Your resume is a marketing document

People ask me about leaving things out of a resume. The resume is not a legal document. It is a marketing document to attract employers to invite you for an interview. Don't include every job since high school. The employer is looking for relevant experience to ensure that you can do the job.

As you evaluate your resume, ensure that your content is filled with value - not job description information but how you helped the companies in your roles previously, such as these bullets from five different job-winning clients.

• Strategic Sales Growth – Created and executed customer-specific routing design to market targeted accounts in a highly competitive New Jersey market, leading to 2 national sales awards.
• Substantive Results – Successful settlement of decade-long, complex federal class action related to fraud as well as asbestos and talc issues. Motion to dismiss granted in $90B False Claims Act litigation with minimal legal spend. Favorable jury verdict in multibillion-dollar patent trial related to ground-breaking Omega-3 technology.
• Crisis Management – Led operations for a COVID-19 Mandatory Work from Home order for six countries, rethinking strategies to facilitate remote work processes while implementing standardization for critical and essential maintenance as well as enhanced cleaning and disinfecting processes.
• Security Awareness – Recognized vulnerabilities in the password system that could potentially impact every workstation in North America and communicated with Engineering and senior leadership, leading to a global solution implemented system-wide that greatly enhanced security.
• Business Transformation – Transformed digital solution implementation approach from project management to product management to iteratively prioritize feature backlogs for optimal business impact.

Writing your resume should be an exercise in strategizing where you want to go and what you have done in the past to get you to the next step in your career journey.

When clients work with me, we do it together. We strategize, imagine, and write to get you to the place you want to be. I will help you find the right balance of content for your resume so that you don't have to worry about cutting content. Learn more and check pricing here.

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How Long Should A Resume Be?

By Christina Colclough

Last updated: April 25, 2024

Depending on your experience level, some say that a resume should just be one page long, but others feel comfortable sending out a five-page document that includes every aspect of their career path to date. Size is important when it comes to the effective resume length.

So, should a resume be one page or two pages? All the information you require to respond to this query is right below!

In this article:

How many pages should a resume be .

An ideal resume is preferably one page long . However, it can be two pages , depending on your experience. In short, your expertise level and the kind of work you are seeking will determine the precise duration that is best for you.

As someone who has worked in this field for many years, I believe you should write no more than two complete pages, even if you have worked for a longer period. Most senior professionals can relate to this guideline regardless of how long you’ve been in the industry, seven years or twenty-seven.

According to a recent finding of Indeed , the majority of recruiters spend about 6 seconds screening each resume and then choose whether to give a candidate more attention. There’s not much time to create a good first impression, so it’s critical to deliver a brief resume that focuses on the most recent and pertinent aspects of your professional background, training, and experience.

When To Use 1 Page

Typically, a one-page resume is adequate for individuals with less than 10 years of experience or fresh grads.

Although it’s no longer necessary, entry-level applicants shouldn’t feel compelled to limit their resumes to one page, nor should they attempt to extend it to two pages if it does not make sense. It may also be necessary for career changers to limit their resume to one page.

When To Use 2 Pages

A resume can be 2 pages sometimes. Generally speaking, a professional in their mid-to-late career experience should have a two-page resume.

Reducing it to a one-page form runs the risk of omitting important details that highlight your abilities and accomplishments. A two-page resume gives you enough room to showcase quantifiable achievements and jobs from a longer period while still making it easy for recruiters to browse.

Although it is highly recommended that you keep your resume within two pages, there will be situations in which this is practically unachievable. Professionals with seemingly endless lists of technical talents and proficiencies, a plethora of consulting engagements to justify, or an array of published works and research to include frequently experience this.

You might have to utilize the first section of a third page if you fit into any of these categories. Still, there is a limit to the number of pages that a resume may include, so try to avoid doing this if at all feasible.

In the following three situations, the length of your resume is probably going to be more than two typical 8.5 x 11″ pages.

• Your academic resume or CV should be longer than two pages if you are seeking work in the science field or academia. Your CV may even be 15 pages long!
• Your federal resume may be 3-7 pages long if you’re looking for a position with the state federal government to accommodate all the necessary material.
• An international resume should be one to two pages long but written in a different format. This is the kind of document that is used to apply for jobs in most nations outside of the United States. Resumes should be one to two pages on regular letter (8.5″ x 11″) paper, whereas international resumes should be one to two pages on A4 (8.27″ x 11.69″) paper.

How To Fit Your Experience In A One-Page Resume

Let’s be honest. Since an entry-level candidate has little relevant experience, all pertinent information may be included on one page. The other option is to give the impression that they are not putting in enough effort to draft a clear application. However, this may be a little more difficult for people with more expertise. You may make your resume into a one-pager by following these tips.

Utilize An Online Resume Builder

Hundreds of resume-creating sites are available, so I know that you won’t have trouble finding the one that suits your taste. Select a free resume template tailored to your desired length, then let it do the rest. The resume maker will arrange everything on one page, so you don’t need to fiddle with the typeface or layout.

Pay Attention To Crucial Details

Once again, it is essential that you thoroughly review your targeted job description and the primary competencies that employers are looking for. I suggest you avoid bringing up your social media management internship while looking for a software engineering position. 

For example, eliminate “yoga” from the activities you enjoy. It is not required to be on your resume if the company is not looking for it.

Focus On Achievements Instead Of Responsibilities

Don’t enumerate every duty you had. That won’t make you stand out; it will make no difference apart from making your resume longer and boring the company. 

If your resume lists “Sales manager,” your potential employer knows your primary duties. These are the same as 100 others who submitted applications and had comparable employment histories.

Instead, concentrate on observable performance metrics. For instance, say, “Met and surpassed department KPIs by 30-40% for 5 months in a row” rather than “Did sales at XX.”

Try Different Presentation Format

Not many people notice this, but the presentation format does affect the length of your resume. Here is what you can change to mix and match the format to limit the information to just one page.

• Spacing: Reducing the document margins space will always allow you to add additional entries. For instance, you may change the margins from the standard 2.5″ to 0.5″. You may also experiment with how much blank space there is between resume sections and bullet points.
• Fonts: Although 12-point font is standard for academic papers, you don’t have to use it on your resume. To get extra room, try using a font size of 11 or 11.5. However, make sure you can read everything without having to enlarge it!
• Bullet point format: Use bullet points to list employment or educational requirements instead of paragraphs. Don’t hesitate to use concise language.

How To Fit Your Experience In A Two-Page Resume

Several seasoned job searchers find that a two-page resume is a more legible and superior choice for emphasizing all the relevant details that an employer would find useful. 

If you want to include as much information as possible on two pages, it is preferable to make sure the resume is well-structured and easy to read. For the hiring manager to see the potential in your job application, it is more necessary to highlight your accomplishments and experience in your resume than its length.

Key Information On The First Page

The first page is the one that employers look at first. Thus, I recommend mentioning the most important information on this page.

• Goal Position: Although not required, creating a focused job title gives your resume a clear visual foundation and expresses the position you are applying for in concise terms. Even when it might not align with your present role, the Target Job will show that you are interested in moving up to that role.
• Career Growth Summary: The goal here is to accurately and concisely describe your work history and show that you are a qualified applicant for the role. This section should not exceed a few phrases that highlight your unique qualities, relevant skills, and relevant experience.
• Knowledge Or Fundamental Abilities: Include a keyword-rich list of your qualifications and provide a brief overview relevant to the job description in this section. It is best to use 2-3 bullet points to showcase your expertise. The recruiting manager can read and evaluate your experience more rapidly.
• Job Background: Placing your most recent job experience near the very top of the page of your resume is recommended. A resume that places job experience near the top will provide the reader with enough information to decide whether to keep reading.

Additional Details On The Second Page

Additional info will be placed on the second page. These will give more details about your experience so that the employer can have the most vivid vision of you.

• Further Work Experience: Carry over the presentation of your job experience using the first page’s structure. Unless the experience is specifically related to the position being evaluated, it is not required to include in-depth explanations of every previous position.
• Training And Education: Depending on the relevance, the Education part of the resume may appear at the top or bottom. But not everyone has a master’s or college degree, so that’s not a barrier. List your finished courses, certificates, and relevant continuing education if you don’t have a degree.
• Professional Associations: This category can be skipped. If you decide to list associations on your application, be sure the hiring manager will find the memberships valuable.
• Extracurricular Activities And Volunteer Experience: This part is suitable for roles that demand excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

How Far Back Your Resume Should Go

You should limit the amount of experience on your resume to 10-15 years . It should only contain information pertinent to the position you plan to apply for. Most likely, the recruiter doesn’t care about your work from 20 years ago. Even if it is quite amazing and impressive, it’s likely that you have accomplished far more important things in the last three positions than you did 18 years ago.

Additionally, you may avoid ageism by not mentioning experiences that are too far back. If your resume is older than 15 years, the HR manager may estimate your age. Sometimes, your application can be turned down immediately if they’re searching for a young, fresh-out-of-school applicant.

That being said, there are still exceptions when you can present your experience of more than 15 years. For example, when you are looking for a job in a field where you last worked more than 15 years ago, and you don’t have the necessary recent professional experience. Under those circumstances, you can add it to your resume, as prior relevant experience is preferable to none at all.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it better to have 1 page resume or 2.

It depends. A one-page resume reduces the chance that your pages will split and is easier for employers to read. Meanwhile, a two-page one can showcase your experience in detail and may impress those looking for someone highly skilled. Still, notice that your 2-page resume format becomes split; crucial information may be overlooked in the stack. So, be careful with your presentation.

Is A Three-Page Resume Too Long?

Most of the time, yes. Unless you satisfy a specific set of requirements or the sector in which you work explicitly requests resumes this long, you should virtually never submit a three-page-long resume. Resumes of three pages or more are usually the domain of researchers, who frequently have extensive CVs or resumes because of their comprehensive lists of published work citations.

Is It Okay To Bold In Resume?

Yes, but only with caution. While bolding some words and phrases facilitates scanning, you shouldn’t go crazy. Decide carefully what to bold and what not to, based on the messages you wish to convey. It can make the most sense to bold your job titles if they clearly show how you progressed to management-level positions.

You might also like:

You might also like: 10+ Good Skills To Put On A Resume 9 Hobbies and Interests to Write on Your Resume 350 Strong Action Verbs For A Resume 50 Examples of Hard Skills To Put On Your Resume Difference Between Resume And CV How To Add A Resume To LinkedIn

The Bottom Line

Although a one-page resume is ideal for most applicants, there are situations in which a 2-page resume will increase your chances of getting hired. So, be sure to read the job description carefully to create a resume that is suitable for your needs.

Christina J. Colclough

Dr Christina J. Colclough is an expert on The Future World of Work and the politics of digital technology advocating globally for the importance of the workers’ voice. She has extensive regional and global labour movement experience, is a sought-after keynote speaker, coach, and strategist advising progressive governments and worker organisations.

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Is a 3-Page Resume Too Long?

Recruiter-backed advice about the best resume length according to your career level, including how to edit your resume down to the best length to help you land the job.

4 months ago   •   5 min read

Cutting down your past job experiences, freelance projects, skills, and awards so they fit onto a 1-page resume might seem impossible. However, self-editing is critical if you want a recruiter or hiring manager to remember your resume for the right reasons.

In the United States, 1-page resumes are standard. For more seasoned executives , a 2-page resumes are acceptable. Regardless of your career level, though, 3-page resumes are always too long.

Generally, your best resume length depends on which career stage you’re in. As a rule of thumb, entry-level and some mid-level professionals should have a 1-page resume while senior-level employees can justify listing their experience on two pages.

In the sections to follow, you’ll learn why a 3-page resume is too long and how to edit your resume down to a single page before you send it off to recruiters.

Why is a 3-page resume too long?

3-page resumes are too complex and time-consuming. When recruiters pick up your application materials, you want to make sure your resume is as succinct and easy to consume as possible. If your resume is too long, hiring managers might not spend too much time reviewing your application, and won’t know which areas to focus on.

Additionally, long, winding resumes look cluttered. When you have too much content in your resume, recruiters might question your judgment when it comes to prioritizing relevant information.

Likewise, once your resume spills onto a third page, there’s a good chance you didn’t cut irrelevant information from pages one or two. If your resume doesn’t clearly show how your previous work experience relates to the job you’re applying for, hiring managers might question your commitment to the profession.

If the person reviewing your resume can’t draw a clear line from where you’re coming from to where you’re going, there’s a problem.

To avoid having a 3-page resume, consider uploading it to the tool below . It offers personalized insights on optimizing content for a concise and impactful resume.

How many pages should your resume be?

Generally, the best length for your resume is based on your career level. Here are some guidelines to help you determine how long your resume should be according to your seniority and experience.

Students and entry-level job seekers

Whether you’re still in school, just graduated, or have only been in the workforce for a year or two, stick to a 1-page resume. This is the standard for new professionals, and most recruiters for entry-level positions will expect to see a 1-page resume. Otherwise, it’ll look like you don’t know how to prioritize data and edit your accomplishments.

Mid-level professionals

Even once you’ve become a mid-level professional, a 1-page resume is best. However, having your resume overflow onto a second page is acceptable at this stage in your career.

If you have enough relevant work or freelance experience , include a second page to showcase the jobs that make you the most qualified candidate for the job.

Senior-level professionals

Once you reach senior-level status, you likely have a lot of work experience under your belt. At this point in your career, having a two-page resume is more common. This is especially true if you held many different titles as you grew in your profession.

However, having a one-page resume is also fine. If you’ve held a few positions for a long time and can describe them concisely, keep your resume to one page.

How to shorten your resume

Adjust the layout and formatting.

Is your resume format costing you precious space? Here are some practical ways you can adjust the layout to get everything to fit in one or two pages:

• Trim your contact information so it fits in a single line on top of your resume.
• Only use one or two bullet points to list your accomplishments for each job entry.
• Shorten your summary to two or three sentences or nix it altogether.
• Reduce your font size to 10 or 11, but don’t go any smaller than that.

Cut irrelevant skills and experience

Also, make sure you’re only including information on your resume that directly relates to the job you’re applying for. If you still need to shave down your resume, cut from your “ Volunteer Work ,” “ Hobbies ,” or “Skills” sections unless they’re absolutely relevant.

Trim down your reducation

Next, revisit your “Education” section . When you’re short on space, this isn’t the time to list every extracurricular you were involved in during undergrad. Unless you’re a current student or a recent graduate, make sure you only list:

• Your degree
• When you attended
• The college or university’s name
• Any awards or honors you received

Use a resume template

If you still need help with finding the best way to format your resume, get inspiration from our template library . Plug your information into one of our 20+ templates, and you’ll have a resume that’s readable by applicant tracking systems (ATS) in no time.

Use AI to check your resume for fluff

For even more support, run your completed resume through our targeted resume checker . This free tool uses AI to analyze your resume and make sure it’s optimized for the job you’re applying for.

Examples of how to shorten your resume

Shortening sections of a resume is a crucial skill, especially when trying to fit your most relevant experiences and skills into a concise format. Here are some specific examples of how to effectively shorten various sections of a resume:

Work Experience

Before Shortening

Marketing Coordinator, ABC Company, January 2018 - Present • Spearheaded the development and execution of integrated marketing campaigns to increase brand awareness and sales. • Led a team of four to manage social media accounts, resulting in a significant increase in followers and engagement across all platforms. • Coordinated with external vendors for the production of marketing materials, ensuring brand consistency and timely delivery. • Analyzed market trends and customer feedback to inform marketing strategies, contributing to a more targeted and effective approach. • Organized and executed promotional events, including product launches and trade shows, which boosted customer engagement and generated leads.

After Shortening

Marketing Coordinator, ABC Company, January 2018 - Present • Orchestrated integrated marketing campaigns, resulting in a 20% increase in brand awareness and a 15% boost in sales; also managed social media, leading to a 50% follower growth and doubled engagement. • Coordinated with vendors for marketing materials and analyzed market trends, maintaining 100% brand consistency and enhancing marketing strategy effectiveness by 30%. • Organized promotional events, including product launches and trade shows, which increased customer engagement by 25% and generated 40% more leads.

• Before Shortening : "Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, XYZ University, Graduated 2018. Courses included Modern American Literature, Creative Writing, and Literary Analysis. Active member of the English Literature Club and Volunteer Tutor for the English Department."
• After Shortening : "B.A. in English Literature, XYZ University, 2018. Key courses: Modern American Literature, Creative Writing."
• Before Shortening : "Skilled in a variety of software including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Adobe Photoshop, and basic HTML coding. Experienced in social media management and content creation for platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter."
• After Shortening : "Skills: Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, Basic HTML, Social Media Management."

Summary/Objective

• Before Shortening : "Dynamic and results-oriented marketing professional with over five years of experience in digital marketing, specializing in social media strategy, content creation, and brand management. Seeking a challenging position to leverage my skills in a fast-paced environment."
• After Shortening : "Marketing Professional with 5+ years in digital marketing. Expertise in social media strategy and brand management."

Certifications

• Before Shortening : "Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) from the Project Management Institute, completed 35 hours of project management education and passed the PMP exam in 2020."
• After Shortening : "PMP Certified, Project Management Institute, 2020."
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Recruiter’s advice: lying about gpa on your resume, how to right-align dates for a professional looking resume (and why), keep reading, how to name drop in a cover letter (without sounding pretentious), how to show bilingualism on your resume (with examples), why the job you interviewed for was reposted: the complete 2024 guide, subscribe to our newsletter.

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Thank you for the checklist! I realized I was making so many mistakes on my resume that I've now fixed. I'm much more confident in my resume now.

More From Forbes

Don’t flub the one-pager: 6 resume mistakes to avoid.

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In today’s ultra-competitive job market, crafting the perfect resume is akin to unicycling—very hard. Your resume is your first (and sometimes only) shot at making a good impression, so it’s crucial to get it right. Without further ado, let’s dive into the six resume mistakes to avoid:

Excessive Length

A common faux pas is turning your resume into a memoir. Hiring managers have about as much time to read your resume as you do to decide if you want to swipe right on a dude on a dating app who lists his job as “Consultant at Consulting.” Stick to one page if you’re early in your career, and only venture into a second if your experience justifies it.

Not tailoring it to the job

Tailoring your resume for each job application might sound as fun as a root canal, but it’s just as necessary (or even more so, because in America, you need a job in order to get the dental insurance to get the root canal). Customize your resume to match the job description, highlighting the experience and skills that make you the perfect fit. It shows you’re not just looking for any job—you’re looking for this job.

Too Many Keywords

Stuffing your resume with keywords until it reads like a spam email won’t endear you to human readers. Use keywords wisely, ensuring your resume is still coherent and engaging to the real-life humans who will (hopefully) read it after the AI does. And definitely don’t have a large chunk of white text at the bottom. Even if employers can’t read it, it’s just so...2004.

My first resume said I was attentive to detials, so listen, I get it. But please triple-check for typos. It’s the equivalent of having spinach in your teeth during a first date; it’s all anyone’s going to remember. Use spell check, read your resume backwards, have a friend review it, etc. You know what to do.

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Saying you “significantly increased sales” is nice, but it’s like telling someone you’re “really funny” without cracking a joke (I believe you though, don’t worry). Quantify your achievements. Did you increase sales by 20%? Save your company $10,000? Grow your team by 50%? Write it down.

Too Much History

There’s no need to detail every job you’ve ever had since your high school paper route (unless you were really fast at delivering those papers). Focus on recent and relevant experience. Think of your resume as a highlight reel, not a documentary.

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How do I update my resume to help land that job? Ask HR

Johnny C. Taylor Jr. tackles your human resources questions as part of a series for USA TODAY. Taylor is president and CEO of the Society for Human Resource Management, the world's largest HR professional society and author of "Reset: A Leader’s Guide to Work in an Age of Upheaval.”

Have a question? Submit it here .

Question: Since leaving a job I have had for almost a decade, I have primarily conducted my job search online. I have used the same resume design since I started working 12 years ago. Should I update my resume design to be more effective? What do you recommend for building a modern resume? – Sandra

Answer: Updating your resume design can indeed be a wise move, especially if you've been using the same format for a long time. A fresh, modern design can help your resume stand out and leave a positive impression on recruiters and hiring managers. Here’s what I recommend for building a modern resume:

◾ Clean, professional layout: Opt for a layout that’s visually appealing and easy to read. Avoid cluttered designs and overly decorative elements that may distract from your content.

◾ Font selection: Stick to standard, easy-to-read fonts such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. These fonts are widely accepted and compatible with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), ensuring your résumé is easily scannable by both humans and software.

◾ Incorporate keywords: Tailor your resume to each job application by incorporating industry-specific keywords and phrases relevant to the position. Many companies use ATS to screen résumés, so this will increase the likelihood of your resume being noticed.

◾ Organized sections: Structure your resume into clear sections, including Contact Information, Summary or Objective, Work Experience, Skills, Education and any additional relevant sections such as Certifications or Volunteer Work. This organization makes it easy for recruiters to quickly find the information they need.

◾ Summary/objective statement: Start your résumé with a summary that highlights your key qualifications and career goals. Keep it concise, focusing on what sets you apart and what you aim to achieve in your career.

◾ Accomplishment-oriented experience: When listing your work experience, focus on highlighting your accomplishments, rather than just listing job duties. Use quantifiable achievements whenever possible, to demonstrate your impact, such as increasing sales by a certain percentage or leading successful projects.

◾ Skills section: Dedicate a section to showcasing your key skills and competencies, including both technical skills and soft skills relevant to the job. This section provides recruiters with a quick overview of your capabilities.

◾ Proofreading: Before submitting your resume, thoroughly proofread it to ensure there are no grammatical errors, typos, or formatting issues. Consider having someone else review your resume for feedback and additional insights.

By updating your resuméewith a modern design and incorporating these key elements, you can increase your chances of making a strong impression in today’s competitive job market. Good luck with your job search!

Ghosting a job Is it bad to ghost low priority potential employers? Ask HR

I've been denied PTO requests on multiple occasions, which is becoming increasingly frustrating. Most of them are denied on the grounds of staffing needs. Do I have any recourse in fighting these denials? What can I do to ensure PTO approvals? – Chanette

You may indeed have some recourse in addressing these denied paid time off requests. Start by reviewing your company's PTO policy and procedures. Many employers have specific guidelines regarding PTO requests, including deadlines for submission and limits on the number of employees who can be on leave simultaneously, to ensure adequate staffing levels.

First, check if your PTO requests were made in accordance with company policy. If they were not, ensure that you adhere to the established procedures for future requests, to increase the likelihood of approval.

However, if you followed company policy and your requests were still denied, consider discussing the matter with your manager or the human resources team. Seek clarification on the reasons for the denials and inquire about potential strategies to improve the approval rate for your requests.

It's also essential to consider whether your state mandates sick leave, and if your company uses PTO to fulfill those requirements. If so, your employer may be obligated to approve leave requests that align with qualifying reasons for sick leave under the law. If you’re uncertain about your state’s sick leave requirements, consult your HR team for clarification.

Ultimately, unless there is a contractual agreement or policy stating otherwise, employers typically have discretion in managing PTO usage. However, by following company procedures and addressing your concerns with management or HR, you may increase the likelihood of having your PTO requests approved more frequently.

Salaried, nonexempt What does that mean? Ask HR

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Life happens, and sometimes we have to step away from work to live it. This may sound unfathomable, but believe it or not, employment sabbaticals are more common than you think

2022 LinkedIn  survey findings revealed  62% of workers had embarked on some gap time in their careers. 

What’s more, recent data shows that up to 47 percent of under-25s in the UK have taken a career gap of six months or more.

“There is  less of a stigma attached to job hopping  or gaps in a résumé, and joining companies in other geographies without relocating has become easier than ever, making it possible for people to jump from one employer to another,”  Aaron De Smet ,  Bryan Hancock , and  Bill Schaninger  and expert associate partner  Bonnie Dowling wrote per a McKinsey reporting.

Although career fluidity is becoming more widely acceptable, it is still important to effectively speak to the resume gaps when looking to reenter the workforce. Fortunately, there are ways to still demonstrate your commitment to the role you’re vying without scaring the interviewer off when they see the resume gaps.

Accept that you more than likely will have to address it, so get in front of it

“You might’ve noticed it’s been about nine months since my last position. I was focused on caring for a family member during that time. Thankfully they’re in a much better place so I can shift my sights on getting back to what I love—this kind of work.”

Be honest but don’t overshare

It’s always best not to lead with the truth, but it doesn’t mean you have to invite the interviewer into your personal business. It’s perfectly fine to add some context to for the gaps, but refrain from revealing any additional details that aren’t german to why you’re there, exploring whether this job is a good fit for you and vice versa. Be careful to not share too much grievances with a prior employer, sharing that you flat out did not want to work at all, or deep details about your mental health you aren’t comfortable indulging in.

Pivot the conversation back to the present

You’re in this job interview because you want the position now so it’s important not to ruminate too long in the past. Providing a concise statement about the resume is enough to address any question the interviewer may have, and move the conversation back to a place where you’re discussing your future with the company.

“I was on maternity/paternity leave. I immensely appreciate my time at home, but make no mistake, I am ready to get back to work .”

“My last position didn’t necessarily provide the growth opportunities I was looking for, so I left, and dedicated time fact-finding and getting clear on what best aligns with my professional goals. That’s how I know this position is exactly what I’m looking.”

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Trump Trial Adjourns Until Tuesday

The jury heard from three witnesses on Friday: a banker, Donald J. Trump’s longtime executive assistant and the former publisher of The National Enquirer, who explained how he had worked to bury negative stories and help elect Mr. Trump.

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Kate Christobek and Jesse McKinley

Five takeaways from the second week of Donald J. Trump’s criminal trial.

The second week of Donald Trump’s Manhattan criminal trial was dominated by four days of testimony by David Pecker, the former publisher of The National Enquirer, who detailed his efforts to safeguard Mr. Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign.

Mr. Pecker, a longtime associate of the former president, talked at length about a “catch and kill” scheme that he said he had entered into with Mr. Trump and his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, during a 2015 meeting at Trump Tower. The publisher said he would purchase the rights to unsavory stories he had no intention of running.

His testimony also teed up the story of Stormy Daniels, a porn star who claims to have had sex with Mr. Trump in 2006 and received a hush-money payment in the days before the 2016 election, a deal at the center of the case.

Mr. Trump is charged with 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in an effort to conceal the payment. If convicted, he could face four years in prison. Mr. Trump has pleaded not guilty and denied that he had sex with Ms. Daniels.

The week also brought more accusations that Mr. Trump had violated a gag order prohibiting him from attacking witnesses, prosecutors and jurors. Justice Juan M. Merchan has not ruled on the prosecution’s request to hold Mr. Trump in contempt, and said he would hold another hearing next Thursday to address allegations of new violations.

Here’s what happened during the second week, and eighth day, of Mr. Trump’s trial:

Opening statements displayed dueling strategies.

Prosecutors and defense lawyers presented dueling portraits of Mr. Trump’s actions.

Prosecutors sketched a secret scheme to influence the 2016 election. They said Mr. Trump directed men in his inner circle to suppress negative stories about him and then agreed to cover up the payment to Ms. Daniels after taking the White House.

But Mr. Trump’s lawyer Todd Blanche said his client’s actions were “run-of-the-mill” business. Nondisclosure agreements are common among the wealthy and famous, he said, and influencing an election is no crime. “It’s called democracy,” Mr. Blanche said.

Mr. Blanche also attacked potential prosecution witnesses. He called Mr. Cohen, who spent time in prison on charges stemming from the matter, a criminal who “can’t be trusted.” He said Stormy Daniels was “biased” and had profited from her story.

The Links Between Trump and 3 Hush-Money Deals

Here’s how key figures involved in making hush-money payoffs on behalf of Donald J. Trump are connected.

A former tabloid titan opened the case.

Mr. Pecker testified that he was the “eyes and ears” of the Trump campaign, keeping a lookout for unflattering stories.

He detailed a deal with a former doorman of a Manhattan building managed by the Trump Organization who said that Mr. Trump had fathered a child out of wedlock. Despite the story being false, Mr. Pecker said the tabloid paid him $30,000 to prevent embarrassment.

Mr. Pecker also spoke about a deal with Karen McDougal, a former Playboy model who said she had an affair with Mr. Trump, an allegation that he denies. Ms. McDougal was paid $150,000, but Mr. Pecker said he had no intention of publishing anything about the affair.

After two payouts, Mr. Pecker said he had been unwilling to buy a third story: Ms. Daniels’s account of a sexual encounter with Mr. Trump.

How the tabloid sausage was made.

During their cross-examination of Mr. Pecker, Mr. Trump’s lawyers set out to show that such deals were “standard operating procedure” in the tabloid business, and that only about half of all stories purchased made it to print.

One of the defendant’s lawyers, Emil Bove, pushed Mr. Pecker about the real purpose of the deal with Ms. McDougal, whether her top priority was money and whether the agreement had other benefits for her. Mr. Pecker conceded that dozens of articles were published under her name.

But Mr. Pecker later testified that the agreement’s real purpose had been to bury the story of the affair.

Trump continued to speak out.

Mr. Trump has been subdued compared with his appearances at civil trials in Manhattan, where he was known to mutter loudly and twice stormed out.

But occasionally his frustration was apparent. He once shook his head vigorously as Mr. Pecker testified.

When he left the courtroom, Mr. Trump lashed out at the case against him, veering into territory potentially prohibited by Justice Merchan’s gag order.

Who Are Key Players in the Trump Manhattan Criminal Trial?

The first criminal trial of former President Donald J. Trump is underway. Take a closer look at central figures related to the case.

Next week may offer more drama, if fewer days.

Friday ended with few fireworks. Mr. Trump’s former executive assistant, Rhona Graff, testified briefly, identifying entries from the Trump Organization’s computer system that contained contact information for Ms. McDougal and Ms. Daniels.

Prosecutors also called Gary Farro, a banker who helped Mr. Cohen open an account that he used for the $130,000 payment to Stormy Daniels. Mr. Farro’s testimony is expected to continue next week.

It is not clear who will testify after Mr. Farro, but the weeks ahead could include Mr. Cohen, Ms. Daniels and Hope Hicks, Mr. Trump’s former White House communications director.

Monday is an off day for the court, as is Wednesday. Mr. Trump will use the midweek break to campaign in Wisconsin and Michigan, two battleground states in this year’s election. He is the presumptive Republican nominee.

Nate Schweber

Donald Trump’s motorcade left 100 Centre Street at 4:42 pm. A few dozen gawkers, including a small gaggle of conspicuous Trump supporters waving four large flags, strained in vain for a glimpse of the former president. Through the afternoon, those demonstrators traded chants of “We Love Trump” with another group of protesters, who yelled back, “Lock Him Up.”

Wesley Parnell

Court will not be in session on Monday. We will be back Tuesday morning.

Justice Juan M. Merchan

Presiding Judge

Trump Lawyer

Michael Cohen

Former Trump Lawyer and “Fixer”

Stormy Daniels

Porn Director, Producer and Actress

Rebecca Mangold

Rhona Graff

Trump's former personal assistant

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Jonah Bromwich

And now we're adjourned for the day. Trump looks utterly spent as he rises at the end of the long first week of testimony in his criminal trial. As he passes reporters, he grimaces, then glares, putting on a braver face as he leaves the courtroom.

Kate Christobek

At the conclusion of his testimony today, Gary Farro referenced a document showing that Michael Cohen opened a limited liability company called Essential Consultants L.L.C., and indicated that it was a real estate consulting company. The company was later used to pay Stormy Daniels the hush money.

The defense has already told the jurors that Michael Cohen is a liar who is out to get his revenge on Trump. But the witnesses have painted a slightly different portrait — of a very anxious, harried man, who, while he still worked for Trump, would do whatever he could for his boss. “Every time Michael Cohen spoke to me, he gave me a sense of urgency,” Gary Farro just said.

This material is dry but the prosecutor, Rebecca Mangold, is questioning Gary Farro slowly and deliberately. Farro said that Michael Cohen was eager to connect with him and wanted to open a limited liability company immediately. Farro then took steps to open an account for him and specified with his team that Cohen didn’t want addresses on the checks.

Maggie Haberman

Trump is leaning forward, reading an email that is being read into evidence about Gary Farro missing a call from Michael Cohen.

Michael Rothfeld

Here’s what we know about Gary Farro, the third witness.

The third witness in the criminal trial of Donald J. Trump is Gary Farro, a banker who is testifying on Friday about his work with Mr. Trump’s former lawyer and fixer on a $130,000 hush-money deal in 2016.

Mr. Farro spent 15 years at First Republic Bank, where he was a senior managing director, according to his LinkedIn profile. That is the now-defunct institution where the lawyer, Michael D. Cohen, established an account for Essential Consultants L.L.C. Mr. Cohen had created Essential Consultants to pay a porn star, Stormy Daniels, as part of a nondisclosure agreement to bury her claim that she and Mr. Trump had sex in 2006.

Mr. Cohen set up the account in October 2016 and funded it from his home equity line of credit at First Republic. He has previously said he did so to ensure his wife would not know about the transaction. About two weeks before the 2016 presidential election, he wired the payment to Keith Davidson, a lawyer for Ms. Daniels.

After the hush-money payment became public, Ms. Daniels’s lawyer at the time, Michael Avenatti, provided NBC News with an email from an assistant to Mr. Farro confirming the transfer. Mr. Cohen had used his Trump Organization email address in the communications, but said at the time that company funds were not used.

According to NBC, the email, from Oct. 26, 2016, had the subject line, “First Republic Bank Transfer” and confirmed that “the funds have been deposited into your checking account.”

Mr. Trump has denied having had sex with Ms. Daniels.

Enter Michael Cohen, Trump's former fixer. “Do you know someone named Michael Cohen,” Rebecca Mangold, the prosecutor, asks. “Yes I do,” Farro answered. His knowledge of Cohen, who was assigned to him as a client, is the reason he’s here, of course.

For those familiar with Cohen, Farro is making a number of telling statements. He says that he was thought of as someone who was good at working with “individuals who may be a little challenging,” though he says he didn’t find Cohen “difficult.” He also comments on Cohen’s apparent excitement to be working for Trump.

After the first two witnesses testified about Trump’s personal behavior, we’re getting a dry recitation of banking transactions now, a reminder of what this trial’s charges relate to.

First Republic Bank, Gary Farro reminds the jurors, no longer exists. It was seized and sold by regulators last year, one of several banks that were the casualties of bank runs after interest rate hikes. Farro, colorfully, referred to this as “last year’s demise.”

Rebecca Mangold will question Gary Farro for the prosecution. She has been on the team for several years, and she typically sits with Christopher Conroy, another prosecutor, behind the main table. This may be the first time I’ve heard her speak in court.

Justice Merchan is back on the bench. Prosecutors call Gary Farro to the stand as the third witness.

Farro was a banker at First Republic when Michael Cohen was seeking to arrange the $130,000 payment to Stormy Daniels. Cohen, seeking to get the money together, was contacted by Farro’s assistant at First Republic Bank.

Prosecutors forgot something very important — the jury. They will have to call Farro again once the jurors enter. It’s Friday afternoon, all right.

Rhona Graff is now done testifying. Trump stands as Graff is leaving and approaches her, touching her hand. The judge, Juan Merchan, is standing too, waiting for the lawyers to come to the bench. Given all the focus on witnesses and Trump interacting with them, that was a striking moment. The court is taking a brief recess.

Susan Necheles, Trump's lawyer, just asked Graff a clever question: Whether she wants to be here or not. Graff says she does not, and indicates that the only reason she’s testifying is because the Trump Organization is paying her legal fees.

Rhona Graff, who was Trump's longtime executive assistant, was the second witness called and is currently being cross-examined by Trump's lawyer. So far, we have heard her describe her role with Trump, as well as the fact that he had contact entries for both Karen McDougal and Stormy Daniels, two of the women who claim to have had affairs with him. The prosecutor appeared to be trying to use that information to establish that Trump could have plausibly had contact with both. She also got Graff to confirm she saw Daniels at Trump Tower, a visit that Trump's lawyer later suggested could have been about appearing on "The Apprentice."

Rhona Graff is testifying adoringly upon cross-examination about the success of “The Apprentice,” calling it THE most popular television show and saying that Trump had acquired “rock-star status.” This was typical in the trial of Trump's company in 2022: Many of his former employees remain quite fond of their old boss, and seem happy to sing his praises.

In the past few minutes, we again heard the name of Hope Hicks, Trump’s spokeswoman during the 2016 campaign and in the White House. There was not, to my ear, a key reason to reintroduce Hicks, so it may be that prosecutors are seeking to set her up as a key witness.

Susan Hoffinger, the prosecutor, wraps up. Susan Necheles is now cross-examining Rhona Graff for the defense.

Trump cracks a small smile as Graff speaks glowingly of her time working for Trump. She says she never had the same day twice and called Trump “fair” as a boss.

Rhona Graff testifies that she saw Stormy Daniels at Trump Tower, in the waiting area of the 26th floor, where Trump’s office is located.

We are now looking at redacted entries from the Trump Organization's computer system that contain contact information for Karen McDougal and “Stormy.”

Matthew Haag

Who is Rhona Graff, Trump’s former assistant who is testifying against him?

For decades, few people had access to Donald J. Trump like Rhona Graff. Now, Ms. Graff, his former personal assistant at the Trump Organization, became the second person to testify against Mr. Trump in his criminal trial in Lower Manhattan.

At Trump Tower, Ms. Graff served as Mr. Trump’s gatekeeper . She had an office right outside his door, placing her within earshot of Mr. Trump’s requests to get someone on the phone. And when someone wanted to reach Mr. Trump, they first had to go through Ms. Graff, often requiring a secret code to be put through.

“Everybody knows in order to get through to him,” she once said, “they have to go through me.”

Prosecutors on Friday spent about 15 minutes questioning Ms. Graff before Mr. Trump’s legal team started cross-examination, which also was short.

Asked about her role at the Trump Organization, Ms. Graff told prosecutors that she compiled records that included emails, contact lists and calendar entries. She said the company’s directory had contact information for Karen McDougal and a “Stormy.”

Ms. McDougal is a former Playboy model who has claimed to have had sex with Mr. Trump. Stormy appears to be a reference to Stormy Daniels, who has also claimed to have had an affair and whose hush-money payment is central to the criminal case against Mr. Trump.

Ms. Graff testified that, even though she left the Trump Organization and was testifying in the trial, the organization was paying her legal fees.

Under questioning by a Trump lawyer, she spoke glowingly about her time working for the former president, calling him “fair” as a boss — eliciting a smile from Mr. Trump in the courtroom. She also spoke fondly about Mr. Trump’s reality show “The Apprentice,” adding that it helped him achieve “rock-star status.”

Ms. Graff heard about a job opening in 1987 at the Trump Organization and cold-called to get the position. The job appeared to raise her profile. Six years later, Ms. Graff’s wedding announcement was published in The New York Times. She married Lucius Joseph Riccio, the city’s commissioner of transportation, in a wedding officiated by Mayor David N. Dinkins.

The roles in which she served for Mr. Trump extended far beyond being his assistant, as reflected in her title: senior vice president. She acted as Mr. Trump’s media liaison, scheduler, sometimes spokeswoman, fund-raising planner, co-star on “The Apprentice” and as a Miss Teen USA judge.

Ms. Graff continued her service during his 2016 presidential campaign and after Mr. Trump moved into the White House.

Matthew Mpoke Bigg

Trump’s trial is the latest chapter in the rich history of Lower Manhattan’s courts.

For a decade, Robert Pigott, a lawyer, has led walking tours of the courthouses of Manhattan, guiding visitors around landmarks where the city’s rich legal history has played out. Now the trial of Donald J. Trump has added a chapter to the story he gets to tell.

Mr. Pigott’s tours, which he runs in his spare time, revolve around a cluster of downtown buildings that are the borough’s judicial hub. For now, 100 Centre Street — the Manhattan Criminal Courthouse, where the former president’s case is being heard — is the focus.

But just down the street on Foley Square sits Manhattan’s most elegant courthouse building, New York’s Supreme Court, with its sweeping flight of 32 stone steps leading up to a series of imposing Corinthian columns. Other court buildings are dotted around nearby.

“The eyes of the nation and the world are trained on criminal court cases in New York County, whether it’s organized crime, Wall Street cases or federal cases,” Mr. Pigott said.

Mr. Trump’s trial is remarkable because it is the first time that a former American president has been criminally prosecuted. The defendant’s status as this year’s presumptive Republican presidential nominee adds a contemporary political dimension.

For Mr. Pigott, 64, who has written a book about the history of the city’s courthouses, the real significance is what it says about the status of a few blocks of Manhattan as a nexus. He pointed out that Mr. Trump’s civil fraud case and defamation case also both played out this year in courthouses within spitting distance of the criminal trial.

“Now, when I arrive at the expanse of Foley Square midway through the walk, I can point to something truly remarkable — three different courthouses where the same former U.S. president has been on trial,” he said.

Mr. Trump’s trial shows how politics, celebrity and the location of the court itself can reinforce one another to make a big story bigger. New York’s status as a media hub increases the spotlight during high-profile cases and the high-profile cases held over the decades have, in turn, made the city’s courts an attractive setting for fictional courtroom dramas.

In these buildings, a jury convicted Anna Sorokin for grand larceny in 2019 for posing as a German heiress to swindle wealthy New Yorkers — a case that almost by definition blurred fact and fiction. Naturally, the tale has since been turned into a series on Netflix.

The cluster is also where a group of Black and Latino teenagers, then known as the Central Park Five, were wrongly convicted in 1990 of raping a jogger — a case also rendered as a Netflix series — and where Mark David Chapman pleaded guilty in 1981 to murdering the musician John Lennon.

The New York Supreme Court building, a trial-level court, often serves as a symbol of the court complex. It featured prominently in the television show “Law and Order" and the 1957 courtroom film classic “12 Angry Men,” to cite just two examples.

Mr. Pigott, however, is drawn to the history of the legal system before the 20th century and how it evolved through its buildings. The first stop on the tours he runs is a sidewalk nearby with glass blocks embedded in it, through which it is possible to see the excavations of a courthouse built by the Dutch in the colonial era.

The authorities in New York built a judicial infrastructure in this part of Lower Manhattan starting mainly in the 19th century, when the area experienced significant gang violence, he said.

“This one-block radius has been the epicenter of criminal justice in New York since the 1830s,” said Mr. Pigott.

For all the drama associated with the Trump trial, the streets outside the criminal courthouse have generally been calm this week. Reporters and members of the public have lined up for entry to the courthouse. And on Thursday morning, Collect Pond Park across the street, which has been designated for protests, was empty. Its only occupants were some police officers and a few pigeons.

On stand, Pecker fires back after Trump lawyer implies he was untruthful.

The lawyer for Donald J. Trump who on Friday led the cross-examination of David Pecker, the former publisher of The National Enquirer and first witness in the trial, used confrontational questioning to try to catch Mr. Pecker in contradictions.

But that strategy, which led to a tense exchange in the Lower Manhattan courtroom, did not seem to pay off. Mr. Pecker repeatedly rejected characterizations and questions posed by the lawyer, Emil Bove, and resisted the suggestion that he had not been forthright in earlier testimony.

For most of Friday, Mr. Bove had struck a polite tone with Mr. Pecker, spending most of the second day of cross-examination focusing on arcane questions about deals to suppress stories, including one with Karen McDougal, the former Playboy model who said she had an affair with Mr. Trump.

But as Mr. Bove wrapped up his cross-examination, he asked Mr. Pecker about his obligations in cooperating with the prosecution in the hush-money trial.

Mr. Pecker did not play along. “To be truthful,” he fired back, adding: “I’ve been truthful to the best of my recollection.”

And with that, Mr. Bove sat down.

Mr. Pecker was the first witness called by prosecutors. Their questions over three days sought to establish that he and his publication suppressed negative stories about Mr. Trump while both promoting him in The Enquirer and attacking his Republican primary rivals.

Matthew Haag and Jesse McKinley

Three witnesses testified on Friday. Here’s the latest.

The hush-money trial against Donald J. Trump adjourned for the week with its third witness on the stand, a former banker whose client was Michael D. Cohen, the former president’s fixer.

The banker, Gary Farro, said that Mr. Cohen was assigned to him at First Republic Bank. Mr. Cohen always had a sense of urgency and a preference for secrecy, Mr. Farro testified, most notably around the time Mr. Cohen arranged an October 2016 hush-money payment to a porn star who said she had a sexual encounter with Mr. Trump, Stormy Daniels. Mr. Trump’s reimbursement of that payment is at the heart of the criminal case.

The payment to Ms. Daniels was made through a limited-liability company called Essential Consultants, which Mr. Cohen set up through First Republic. Mr. Farro said that Mr. Cohen called him while he was golfing on his day off and said he needed to create an L.L.C. for a real estate consulting company right away.

Mr. Farro spent an hour on the stand being questioned by prosecutors before the trial was adjourned for the day, ending the first week of testimony in the Lower Manhattan courtroom. The trial will resume on Tuesday.

Mr. Farro was called to the witness stand on Friday afternoon after brief testimony by Rhona Graff, Mr. Trump’s former longtime executive assistant, who was questioned for about 35 minutes.

She said on the stand that the Trump Organization, her former employer, was paying her legal fees. Ms. Graff worked for Mr. Trump for 34 years, starting in 1987 and continuing until after he became president. At the Trump Organization, she was called his gatekeeper, the person who controlled his schedule and access to him.

Ms. Graff noted that a company directory had contact entries for both Ms. Daniels and Karen McDougal, another woman who had claimed to have an affair with Mr. Trump.

She also told prosecutors that she saw Ms. Daniels at Trump Tower. A lawyer for Mr. Trump later suggested that her visit could have been connected to an appearance on “The Apprentice,” his reality show.

The testimony followed multiple days of questioning of David Pecker, the former publisher of the The National Enquirer. A key witness for the prosecution, Mr. Pecker described his involvement in suppressing stories that could have damaged the 2016 presidential candidacy of Mr. Trump, who is charged with 34 felonies.

Mr. Pecker said that he and The Enquirer sought to help Mr. Trump’s campaign through catch-and-kill deals to suppress negative news about him and through positive headlines that promoted him.

On Friday, one of Mr. Trump’s lawyers, Emil Bove, sought to find inconsistencies related to what Mr. Pecker had said about his interactions with Mr. Trump and his reasons for publishing negative stories about his opponents.

Mr. Pecker responded defiantly. “I’ve been truthful to the best of my recollection,” he said.

The Enquirer’s parent company paid $150,000 to Ms. McDougal, a Playboy model. Mr. Pecker urged Mr. Cohen to handle paying $130,000 to Ms. Daniels, who was shopping her account of the sexual encounter with Mr. Trump, which she said took place in 2006.

Mr. Trump, 77, is charged with falsifying business records to cover up his reimbursement of Mr. Cohen. He has denied the sexual encounters and pleaded not guilty to the charges he faces.

Here’s what else to know:

Mr. Trump is the first American president to face a criminal trial. If convicted, he could receive probation, or up to four years in prison.

This may be the only trial Mr. Trump faces before Election Day. His three other criminal cases are delayed, including one in Washington, where he is accused of plotting to overturn his 2020 election loss. On Thursday, the Supreme Court heard arguments over whether Mr. Trump should be immune from prosecution for acts he committed while president. The court’s conservative majority seemed poised to narrow the scope of the case , which could make it hard to conduct the trial before the 2024 election.

Mr. Trump has injected an element of menace into his Manhattan case, attacking both witnesses and the jury, which prosecutors say could put them in danger. The prosecution argued this week that Mr. Trump had violated the gag order placed on him by the court four more times , bringing the number of alleged violations to 15. They have asked the judge presiding over the trial, Juan M. Merchan, to hold Mr. Trump in contempt, but he has not yet ruled on the matter.

Jesse McKinley and Kate Christobek

5 takeaways from David Pecker’s testimony so far.

Follow our live coverage of Trump’s hush money trial in Manhattan.

The criminal trial of Donald Trump featured vivid testimony on Thursday about a plot to protect his first presidential campaign and the beginnings of a tough cross-examination of the prosecution’s initial witness, David Pecker.

In his third day of testimony, Mr. Pecker, the former publisher of The National Enquirer, described his involvement in the suppression of the stories of two women who claimed to have had sex with Mr. Trump: Karen McDougal, a Playboy model, and Stormy Daniels, the porn star whose 2016 hush-money payoff forms the basis of the prosecution’s case.

Mr. Trump, 77, is charged with falsifying 34 business records to cover up a $130,000 payment to Ms. Daniels, who has said they had a sexual encounter in 2006 and was shopping that story in the weeks before the 2016 presidential election. He has denied the charges and having sex with Ms. Daniels and Ms. McDougal; the former president could face probation or prison if convicted.

Here are five takeaways from Mr. Trump’s seventh day on trial:

Pecker teed up falsified records charges.

As part of a so-called catch-and-kill scheme, Mr. Pecker testified that his company, AMI, paid Ms. McDougal $150,000 to purchase her story, with no intention of publishing anything about an affair with Mr. Trump.

But Mr. Pecker expected repayment. He said he asked Michael D. Cohen, who was Mr. Trump’s personal lawyer, who would handle the reimbursement, and Mr. Cohen responded, “The boss will take care of it.”

Because Mr. Pecker had such a hard time getting Mr. Trump to pay up, he was unwilling to buy a third story: Ms. Daniels’s account of sex with Mr. Trump.

“I am not a bank,” Mr. Pecker recalled saying.

Mr. Pecker suggested that Mr. Cohen buy Ms. Daniels's story instead, leading to the hush-money deal, repayments and records at issue in this trial.

Prosecutors painted a picture of election interference.

The prosecution’s discussion of the deal with Ms. McDougal — brokered in summer 2016 — served another purpose: trying to demonstrate that the payment was part of a scheme to influence that year’s election.

Mr. Pecker said that Ms. McDougal’s payment was disguised as a contract for services, to avoid violating campaign finance laws.

“I wanted to protect my company, I wanted to protect myself and I wanted also to protect Donald Trump,” Mr. Pecker said.

Mr. Pecker was also asked whether he believed Mr. Trump was concerned that his wife or family would find out about the affairs. But Mr. Pecker suggested that Mr. Trump’s concerns were electoral, not personal.

Trump worried about Ms. McDougal, even after his election.

Mr. Pecker told of least two instances in which Mr. Trump inquired about Ms. McDougal, referring to her at a Trump Tower meeting before he took office as “our girl.” He also asked about her during a meeting with Mr. Pecker at the White House, the publisher said.

At the Trump Tower meeting, which also included notables like James Comey, then the F.B.I. director, and Reince Priebus, who was chairman of the Republican National Committee, Mr. Pecker reassured Mr. Trump that everything was fine.

Mr. Trump then told the group that Mr. Pecker probably “knows more than anyone else in this room.”

“It was a joke,” Mr. Pecker testified, adding, “They didn’t laugh.”

Pecker did a lot for Trump, who could be hard to please.

Mr. Pecker said on Tuesday he had agreed to be the “eyes and ears” of the Trump campaign and used AMI to deal with threats to Mr. Trump’s reputation.

After the “Access Hollywood” tape was revealed in October 2016, featuring Mr. Trump’s boasts about groping women, one of Mr. Pecker’s editors scrubbed an AMI publication’s website of a 2008 article describing Mr. Trump as a “playboy man.”

Despite that, Mr. Trump often made his displeasure known, Mr. Pecker testified, either through Mr. Cohen or in phone calls. Mr. Pecker variously described Mr. Trump as becoming “very angry” and “very aggravated.”

Still, Mr. Pecker said he felt no ill will. “I felt that Donald Trump was my mentor,” Mr. Pecker said, adding, “I still consider him a friend.”

Cross-examination continues Friday. More names may drop.

Mr. Trump’s lawyers, led by Emil Bove, started their cross-examination trying to show that such deals were “standard operating procedure” in the supermarket tabloid business and that the magazines published only about half of the stories they bought.

That offered the first intimation of the defense strategy: presenting as commonplace actions that the prosecutors have deemed criminal. The cross-examination also showed the ugly side of the tabloid trade, including the admission that Mr. Pecker’s magazines would buy stories as leverage against celebrities.

Many famous names were mentioned, including that of Arnold Schwarzenegger, the movie star-turned-Republican politician. Mr. Pecker described a 2002 meeting in which Mr. Schwarzenegger asked Mr. Pecker not to run negative stories about him before his run for governor of California. It worked: the star of “The Terminator” was elected and served from 2003 until 2011.

The name-dropping may well continue when cross-examination continues Friday.

David Pecker recounted a Trump Tower meeting where the president-elect offered his thanks.

David Pecker, the former publisher of The National Enquirer, painted a remarkable scene for jurors at Donald J. Trump’s criminal trial Thursday, describing a meeting he attended at the soon-to-be president’s office with people who would hold key roles in his administration.

Mr. Pecker, who had helped Mr. Trump suppress damaging stories during the campaign, said he was outside Trump Tower in January 2017 when Mr. Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, tapped him on the shoulder and said, “I’ll get you upstairs.”

When he walked into Mr. Trump’s office, he saw Sean Spicer, Reince Priebus, Mike Pompeo and James Comey. Mr. Comey was the director of the F.B.I. at the time and would later publicly turn against Mr. Trump. Mr. Priebus was the chairman of the Republican National Committee and soon to be Mr. Trump’s chief of staff. Mr. Spicer would become White House press secretary, and Mr. Pompeo would be director of the Central Intelligence Agency.

“Trump introduced me to each of them,” Mr. Pecker testified. “He said, ‘Here is David Pecker. He is the publisher of The National Enquirer.”

Mr. Trump, in the presence of the F.B.I. director and the incoming C.I.A. director, then added slyly that Mr. Pecker probably “knows more than anyone else in this room.”

“It was a joke,” Mr. Pecker testified. “Unfortunately, they didn’t laugh.”

But in the courtroom, Mr. Trump chuckled. His lawyer, Todd Blanche, guffawed.

Mr. Pecker said that at the same meeting, Mr. Trump thanked him for purchasing stories for him during the campaign. The president-elect also inquired about Karen McDougal, the former Playboy model whose story of an affair Mr. Pecker’s company had suppressed in exchange for $150,000.

“How’s our girl?” Mr. Pecker said Mr. Trump had asked, to which he replied: “She’s cool. She’s very quiet. No issues.”

It is unclear whether the other men heard those remarks.

In his testimony, Mr. Pecker also spoke of an earlier postelection meeting at Trump Tower, in December 2016. Michael D. Cohen, Mr. Trump’s lawyer and fixer, asked him to persuade Mr. Trump to pay out his holiday bonus, Mr. Pecker said. He also testified that Mr. Cohen had told him he had not yet been repaid for the $130,000 he had spent on a hush-money deal with a porn star, Stormy Daniels.

Mr. Pecker told the jury that he did raise the issue of a bonus for Mr. Cohen with Mr. Trump. “He’s been working very hard, from my perspective, and I believe that he would throw himself under a bus for you,” Mr. Pecker said he had told Mr. Trump.

The publisher recalled that Mr. Trump replied that Mr. Cohen had plenty of money; he owned 50 taxi medallions, valuable licenses to operate a cab in New York City, as well as apartments in Trump buildings. Still, Mr. Pecker testified, Mr. Trump said he would take care of the bonus.

Pecker says he and others around Trump feared his anger.

A recurring theme in the testimony of David Pecker, the former publisher of The National Enquirer, has been how people around Donald J. Trump lived in fear of his wrath.

At least three times while testifying in Mr. Trump’s criminal trial on Thursday, Mr. Pecker described Michael D. Cohen, the former president’s fixer and lawyer, as warning him that “the boss” — Mr. Trump — would be angry if Mr. Pecker did not follow through with whatever had been asked of him in that moment.

Notably, Mr. Pecker kept his eyes locked on exhibits and prosecutors while discussing Mr. Trump’s temper, not once glancing over at the former president in the courtroom. Mr. Trump appeared subdued during Mr. Pecker’s testimony, as he has for most of the trial, but at one point, he motioned to the lawyers next to him and crossed his arms over his chest.

Mr. Pecker and Mr. Cohen were in frequent contact during the 2016 presidential campaign, strategizing over how to bury threatening news about Mr. Trump before the November election. In urging Mr. Pecker to kill harmful stories, Mr. Cohen often invoked Mr. Trump’s potential anger as a reason for Mr. Pecker to do what he asked.

Karen McDougal, a former Playboy model who said she had an affair with Mr. Trump, received $150,000 from American Media Inc., The Enquirer’s parent company. When Mr. Pecker voiced concerns about the potentially unlawful implications of the deal, Mr. Cohen had a warning.

“The boss is going to be very angry at you,” Mr. Cohen told Mr. Pecker, he testified Thursday.

Mr. Pecker also testified about warning Mr. Cohen that he, too, needed to avoid Mr. Trump’s temper. Mr. Pecker said he did not want to pay $120,000 that Stormy Daniels, a porn star, had asked for to keep quiet about the tryst she said she had with Mr. Trump. But Mr. Pecker urged Mr. Cohen to make a deal.

“If you don’t, and it gets out, I believe the boss is going to be very angry with you,” he said he told Mr. Cohen.

Stormy Daniels’s attempt to sell her story began the road to the trial.

Stormy Daniels tried to benefit from Donald J. Trump’s political momentum in early 2016, setting off the saga that ultimately resulted in his criminal trial.

Her agent reached out to Dylan Howard, editor of The National Enquirer, and editorial chiefs at other publications, seeking about $200,000 to tell her story of having sex with Mr. Trump a decade before when he was at a golf tournament in Lake Tahoe, Nev.

Ms. Daniels had no takers. Mr. Howard thought her story had little value because it had already been written about on a gossip site in 2011. At the time, she had publicly denied the encounter.

A month before the presidential election, her story’s value suddenly increased. On Oct. 7, 2016, The Washington Post published a recording of Mr. Trump on the set of “Access Hollywood” talking about groping women.

The ensuing uproar revived Ms. Daniels’s negotiations with The Enquirer. Her agent negotiated a price of $120,000 with Mr. Howard, but Mr. Pecker nixed the deal, unwilling to spend more after having already paid a Playboy model to bury her story of an affair with Mr. Trump in what prosecutors have called a “catch-and-kill” scheme to aid Mr. Trump’s candidacy.

“We can’t pay 120k,” Mr. Pecker texted Mr. Howard. They agreed that Michael Cohen, Mr. Trump’s personal lawyer and fixer, would have to handle the problem.

“Spoke to MC. All sorted,” Mr. Howard later texted Mr. Pecker. “No fingerprints.”

Mr. Cohen had been in London visiting his daughter, who was studying abroad, when the “Access Hollywood” recording hit. He had gotten on a three-way call with Mr. Trump and Hope Hicks, the campaign’s press secretary, and then spoke to Ms. Hicks alone to discuss damage control.

Joshua Steinglass, a prosecutor for Alvin L. Bragg, the Manhattan district attorney, said in court last week that after the recording emerged, Mr. Trump was desperate to “lock down the Stormy Daniels story” and prevent more damage.

On Oct. 10, Mr. Cohen began to negotiate a price with Keith Davidson, the lawyer representing Ms. Daniels, settling on $130,000. A nondisclosure agreement identified Ms. Daniels by the pseudonym Peggy Peterson, or “PP,” and Mr. Trump as David Dennison, or “DD.”

But Mr. Cohen delayed paying for weeks, and Ms. Daniels began contacting news outlets again.

With the election rapidly approaching, Mr. Cohen drew the money from his own home equity line of credit and wired it to Ms. Daniels’s lawyer through a shell company on Oct. 27.

Her silence was assured.

Prosecutors say Trump keeps breaking gag order, with four new violations.

Prosecutors on Thursday accused former President Donald J. Trump of violating a gag order four additional times, saying that he continues to defy the judge’s directions not to attack witnesses, prosecutors and jurors in his hush-money trial.

“He’s doing what the order tells him not to do,” said Christopher Conroy, a prosecutor for the Manhattan district attorney.

As Mr. Conroy laid out what he said were violations, Mr. Trump whispered to his lawyer Todd Blanche and frowned. After they spoke, Mr. Blanche rubbed his face several times.

With the latest allegations, prosecutors now say that Mr. Trump has violated the gag order 15 times in less than two weeks. The judge in the case, Juan M. Merchan, is expected to rule soon on earlier violations and could hold the former president in contempt or issue a fine.

The new instances include two separate attacks on his former personal lawyer and fixer, Michael D. Cohen, once during a recent television interview and another while speaking to reporters in the hallway outside the Lower Manhattan courtroom. Another violation, prosecutors said, stemmed from a recent interview in which Mr. Trump referred to the jury as “95 percent Democrats.”

The fourth example, prosecutors said, took place before the trial began on Thursday, at a campaign stop with construction workers in Manhattan . There, Mr. Trump called David Pecker, the former National Enquirer publisher who took the witness stand for a third time on Thursday, “a nice guy.”

Prosecutors accused Mr. Trump of sending a message to Mr. Pecker and other witnesses to be “nice,” or get attacked. They said they would submit the additional violations to the court.

Justice Merchan imposed the gag order on Mr. Trump in late March, barring him from making public statements about any witnesses, prosecutors, jurors or court staff, as well as their families. But within a week, Mr. Trump found a loophole in the order and repeatedly attacked the judge’s daughter, a Democratic political consultant.

In a hearing earlier this week on the 10 previous violations, lawyers for Mr. Trump argued that the former president had been exercising his right to respond to attacks. Prosecutors noted that the gag order did not include exceptions for Mr. Trump to respond to those who criticize him.