Where the one-page rule came from
The one-page rule is a legacy heuristic from a different hiring era. Brevity was favored when format and handling mattered more than clarity.
Today, resumes are digital. They're scrolled, not flipped. The constraint that created the rule no longer exists—but the rule persists.
What research shows
TheLadders found that page 2 attention is driven by how compelling page 1 is.1
Recruiter lens: a focused one-page resume beats a padded two-page resume. Extra space must earn its place.
Length matters less than structure. Clear sections and visual hierarchy reduce scan cost.12
ResumeGo suggests some hiring managers prefer two pages for experienced candidates. Treat this as a vendor study, not a universal rule.3
The right answer
Use the space you need—but not more. If you have 15 years of relevant experience, cramming it into one page sacrifices readability. If you have 2 years of experience, padding to two pages signals weak content.
The goal is density of relevant signal, not arbitrary page counts. Every line should pass the test: "Does this make me more likely to get an interview for this role?"
Definition: scan cost
Scan cost is the effort required to extract signal from a resume. Longer does not always mean worse, but dense formatting increases scan cost and reduces attention.1