One Page Resume Templates

What is a One Page Resume Template?

A one page resume template helps you organize your top skills and experience onto a single page. Most recruiters spend less than 10 seconds scanning your resume.

You get straight to the point. This format makes it easy for hiring managers to see your qualifications fast, without any extra fluff.

When and Why to Use a One Page Resume

A one page resume works for lots of people, but it’s not always the best choice. Different industries and experience levels have different expectations.

You might wonder if one page is enough or if you’re missing out by keeping things short. I get those questions a lot. Let’s break down when and why a one page resume makes sense.

Who should use a one page resume?

If you have less than 10 years of experience, a one page resume usually works best. This helps you highlight your most relevant skills without overwhelming recruiters.

Recent grads, career changers, or people applying to traditional fields often use one page resumes. Recruiters at big companies scan hundreds of resumes, so concise ones stand out.

You want your resume to show you know how to prioritize. If you can organize your experience and keep things clear, a one page resume makes a strong first impression.

Does your resume have to be one page?

No, your resume doesn’t have to be one page for every job. Still, many hiring managers spend less than 10 seconds on each resume, so shorter can mean more impact.

If you’re early in your career or switching fields, a one page resume often works best. This helps you stay concise and focused, which recruiters appreciate.

Some industries or roles expect more detail, but for most positions, you can fit your most relevant experience onto one page. Always check the specific expectations for your field.

Can a resume be more than one page?

Yes, a resume can be more than one page, especially if you have over 10 years of experience or work in fields like academia, science, or executive roles.

Some jobs actually expect two or more pages. This lets you show off detailed accomplishments, publications, or complex projects that can't fit on one sheet.

If you go over one page, make sure every section adds value. Recruiters skim resumes fast, so stick to the most relevant info for the job you want.

Pros and Cons of a One Page Resume

A one page resume is super popular, especially if you have under 10 years of experience. It’s clean, quick to read, and easy for recruiters to scan.

But it doesn’t work for everyone. Sometimes, you need more space to highlight your skills. Let’s look at both the good and bad sides before you decide.

Advantages

One page resumes keep things short and to the point. You only focus on the best stuff. Recruiters usually spend less than 8 seconds on a first scan.

This format helps you highlight relevant skills and achievements fast. It’s easier for hiring managers to spot what matters most without digging through extra details.

You show that you understand what’s important in your field. That’s especially true if you work in industries where brief, targeted resumes are the norm.

Disadvantages

A one page resume forces you to cut details. This can be tough if you have ten or more years of experience or technical skills to show off.

You might lose important context about your achievements. Sometimes, explaining project results or leadership roles just needs more space.

Trying to fit everything onto one page can mess up formatting. Tiny fonts or cramped margins make your resume harder to read, which hurts your chances.

Think about your career level. If you’re applying for senior or specialized roles, you might need more space to do your background justice.

How to Write a One Page Resume

How to Write a One Page Resume

Key sections to include

What not to include

How far back should your resume go?

ResumeJudge

Writing a one page resume is all about being clear and direct. You want every section to earn its spot.

I always focus on what matters most to hiring managers. You only get about 7 seconds of their attention, so your content needs to be sharp.

It’s not just about what you include, but what you leave out. Space is tight, so every word should serve a purpose.

Let’s walk through the must-have sections, what you can skip, and how much job history to show.

Key sections to include

A one page resume means you need to use your space wisely. I always start with the essentials: contact info, a professional summary, work history, skills, and education.

You want your contact details at the top so hiring managers can reach you fast. Keep your summary short-just two or three sentences about your achievements.

List your jobs in reverse-chronological order. For each, include the company, title, location, dates, and a few key accomplishments. Numbers and data help you stand out.

Don’t forget a skills section. Stick to the abilities that match the job you want. If you have relevant certifications, awards, or publications, add those at the end.

What not to include

I skip personal details like marital status or religion. Employers don’t need this info, and it just takes up space you could use for skills or achievements.

There’s no need for unrelated jobs, outdated career objectives, or lists of daily tasks. Stick to relevant experience and highlight what sets you apart.

Leave references off your one page resume. If the hiring manager wants them, they’ll ask. This helps you keep things tight and focused.

How far back should your resume go?

I usually stick to the last 10-15 years of work history. This keeps things current and makes your one-page resume easier to scan.

If you have experience older than that, only include it if it’s super relevant. You can add it under “Additional Experience” without listing dates.

Focusing on recent roles helps avoid age bias and shows employers what you bring right now. That way, your resume stays sharp and to the point.

Tips for Creating the Best One Page Resume

Tips for Creating the Best One Page Resume

Design and layout

Font and colors

ResumeJudge

If you want to keep your resume on one page, you need to be intentional. Every section and word should add value.

I see a lot of resumes get skipped because they look messy or hard to read. Good design and layout help a lot here.

Font choices and color matter more than people think. Nearly 70% of recruiters say a clean, easy-to-read resume stands out right away.

Design and layout

A one page resume works best when the design is clean and the layout is simple. You want recruiters to find key info fast, without any clutter.

I always recommend using clear section headings and logical order. Start with your contact info and headline, then move right into your summary and experience.

Recruiters usually scan a resume in about 6 to 10 seconds. Organize your layout so your most important details grab attention right away.

Font and colors

I always go with clean, easy-to-read fonts like Oswald, Bitter, or Volkhov. These fonts keep things compact and help you fit more info on one page.

Stick to simple color schemes-one accent color is enough. Use it for section headings, bullets, or icons. This keeps your resume professional and easy on the eyes.

If you use charts or graphics, limit them to two or three colors. Too many colors can distract recruiters. Focus on consistency so your resume looks sharp and polished.

One Page Resume Examples and Templates

One page resumes get straight to the point. You show your skills, experience, and achievements-no fluff.

I see more employers asking for one page resumes, especially in tech and business. The format keeps things easy to read.

Below, you’ll find real examples and templates that work across different industries. You can pick a style that matches what you need.

Professional and industry-specific examples

If you want your resume to stand out, you need a format that fits your field. I see tech, business, and creative resumes all use different layouts and styles.

There are one page resume templates made for almost every profession. For example, creative designs catch the eye in arts, while clean, classic formats look sharp in finance.

You can highlight your strengths with the right template. If you work in healthcare or engineering, a structured, clear format helps you organize credentials and skills so recruiters spot them fast.

Text-only resume templates

Text-only resume templates focus on clean, simple formatting. You don’t need fancy graphics or colors-just clear sections and straightforward text. This works great for quick online applications.

I like that these templates load fast and don’t get mangled by applicant tracking systems. Almost 90% of large companies use ATS software, so text-only formats keep your info readable.

If you’re applying in a field like tech or business, you’ll see text-only templates a lot. They highlight your skills and experiences without distractions. This keeps things easy for recruiters.

Sample One Page Resume Format

A sample one page resume format usually sticks to clear sections: contact info, summary, skills, work experience, and education. This layout keeps everything easy to scan.

I always tell people to keep bullet points short-no more than two lines each. This helps recruiters spot the important stuff fast, especially when they only spend about 7 seconds per resume.

Try using a single-column design, 11-12 point font, and clear headings. You make it easier for anyone to read, print, or share your resume without losing any details.

That’s the basics of a solid sample one page resume format. Keep it tight, focused, and honest. This wraps up our look at effective one-page resume options.