Sitting across from the hiring manager in the interview room and handing them a single piece of paper as your CV, is that sufficient? Or worse, is it even acceptable? At least 7 out of 10 applicants are as confused about it as you are.
We realise how several questions like these keep circling in a job-seeking candidate’s mind. Moreover, they are already nervous and self-doubting because of the high stakes. So, it is about time we reveal the answer to the most anticipated question of all time: Is one page CV enough?
One-Page CV: Purpose, Benefits, Process, & Template
· 60% of candidates submit single-page resumes because they are usually early-career professionals or applying for entry-level positions.
· Then, 30% write a two-page CV Ireland. They mainly belong to the mid-career levels with several years of experience.
· However, only 10% go beyond two pages of employment record. These people are often senior professionals, researchers, or those in academia or technical fields where detailed credentials matter.
Purpose & Benefits of Writing a Brief Resume
A single-page employment record is nothing to be ashamed of. Over 60% of the candidates in the market are already doing it because it helps present your professional story clearly. It also efficiently shows respect for the hiring managers’ time. Therefore, ensure that your document only focuses on what matters the most: What value can I bring to the table?
Moving on, in competitive markets, oftentimes only the short and sharp work best. Therefore, it is neither about listing everything nor about bragging about yourself. The bigger picture is about demonstrating how perfectly you fit in the desired role and how quickly.
In a nutshell, it is your first and potentially last chance to introduce yourself to the hiring manager, so stick to the core details. The employer is not interested in your full autobiography. Here is what the applicants can achieve by just going basic with a single-sheet document.
· It helps them grab recruiters’ attention faster.
· It lets them present their strengths upfront, without the clutter.
· With the help of CV maker UAE agencies, they can highlight their skills and achievements.
· This style matches digital-age expectations and mobile-friendly viewing habits.
· It also reflects confidence and clarity of the potential employee.
· Moreover, it helps in keeping the candidate’s story tight, free from overwhelming details.
· One-page CVs enable smoother networking as they are effortlessly shareable.
· They also work better with applicant tracking systems due to their clean structure.
7-Step Process That You Must Follow with Examples
1. Now that the question, Is one page CV enough? is finally answered, let’s move on to the seven effective steps of writing it. You need to begin with a compact header that includes your name, contact info, and key links (e.g., LinkedIn or portfolio).
E.g., Emily John | California, USA | Emily.j04@gmail.com | linkedin.com/in/emilyjohn|
2. Then, in 3 to 4 lines, you need to explain who you are, what you do, and what you bring to the role. You must keep this section very job-specific and impactful.
E.g., Results-driven marketing specialist with 5+ years’ experience in brand strategy, digital campaigns, and performance optimization. Known for transforming audience insights into actionable growth.
3. After that, if you still haven’t hired one of the professionalCV writers, do some research and list only the most relevant roles. Ideally, the candidates must not go for more than 3. Apart from this, action verbs should be at least 70% of the text.
E.g., Digital Marketing Executive – XYZ Agency (2021-2024)
– Led a 6-month Instagram campaign, boosting follower.
– Created content strategy that increases website traffic by 3.2 percent.
4. After the achievements, the applicant must not focus too much on the education. This means you can simply write about the degree you are enrolled in, the name of the institution, and the passing year. However, one must add honors or achievements, if impactful.
E.g., MBA, Marketing – ABC Institute, California (2020)
5. Then comes the list of relevant skills, which can include the technical tools as well as soft skills for balance.
E.g., Campaign Planning | SEO/SEM | Google Analytics | Team Leadership | Canva |
6. Last but not least, you can include awards, certifications, or projects only if they’re recent and role-relevant. Also, try to keep it short.
E.g., ABC Content Marketing Certified (2023)
A Nice and Easy-Going Template That Works Every Time
Full Name
City, Country
Phone: +000-0000000
Email: your.email@example.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/yourprofile (optional)
Professional Summary
Here you must write 2–3 short sentences that summarize your background, key strengths, and goals. Moreover, keep it focused and relevant.
· Example: Motivated and adaptable professional with a strong foundation in problem-solving, communication, and teamwork. An experienced professional across various roles and industries, with a proven ability to learn quickly and contribute meaningfully.
Work Experience
Job Title – Company Name
Month Year – Month Year
· List your achievements, responsibilities, or projects here.
· You can also focus on what you did and the value you added.
· Also, write in simple bullet points.
Make sure you repeat it for 2–3 recent roles.
Education
Degree or Certificate – Institution Name
Month Year – Month Year
(Try to include GPA or honors only if relevant)
Skills
Mention a mix of transferable and job-related skills. 6–8 at maximum.
Examples: Communication · Time Management · Problem Solving · Microsoft Office · Customer Service · Leadership
Additional Sections (Optional)
You should only include this section if it adds value to the role you’re applying for:
Certifications
- [Course Name], [Institution], [Year]
Projects / Portfolio
- [Project Name] – Short description and result
Languages
- [Language Name] – Fluent / Intermediate
The Key Takeaways
The lesson to learn from this blog about single-sheet CV writing is that if you research the company and job role enough, there is a 95% chance that you will be selected. So, the answer to the universal question: Is one page CV enough? is that yes, it is enough. If written with the right approach, a single sheet is enough to convince the employers to call for a second round. Furthermore, you must only share the relevant details in this brief draft. The manager is not sitting there to read your personal narratives. Hence, save it for the cover letter.
