One Page Resume Format: Free Templates & Guide

A one-page resume is often preferred by employers and recruiters. Learn how to format a concise, impactful one-page resume that gets results.

When to Use a One-Page Resume

A one-page resume is ideal for:

  • 0-10 years of experience: Most professionals with less than 10 years should use one page
  • Recent graduates: Students and new graduates typically need only one page
  • Career changers: When transitioning fields, one page helps focus on relevant skills
  • Job requirements: Some employers specifically request one-page resumes
  • Quick scanning: Recruiters spend 6-7 seconds on initial review - one page is easier to scan

How to Format a One-Page Resume

1. Optimize Your Header

Keep contact information compact:

  • • Single line for name and contact info
  • • Remove unnecessary details (full address not needed)
  • • Include: Name, Phone, Email, LinkedIn (optional)

2. Write a Concise Summary

Keep your professional summary to 2-3 sentences maximum. Focus on:

  • • Years of experience
  • • Key skills or expertise
  • • Value proposition

3. Prioritize Content

Include only the most relevant information:

  • • Most recent 3-5 years of experience
  • • Most relevant skills
  • • Highest level of education
  • • Most impressive achievements

4. Use Bullet Points Strategically

Limit bullet points per position:

  • • 3-4 bullet points for current/recent roles
  • • 2-3 bullet points for older positions
  • • Focus on achievements, not duties
  • • Use quantifiable results

5. Optimize Formatting

Use space efficiently:

  • • Margins: 0.5-0.75 inches (slightly smaller than standard)
  • • Font size: 10-11pt (minimum readable size)
  • • Line spacing: 1.0-1.15 (tighter spacing)
  • • Remove unnecessary white space

Tips for One-Page Resumes

Be ruthless: Remove anything that doesn't directly support your candidacy for the specific role.

Use action verbs: Start bullet points with strong verbs to convey impact quickly.

Quantify achievements: Numbers take less space than descriptions and are more impactful.

Combine similar roles: If you've held similar positions, group them together.

Remove outdated information: Remove experience older than 10-15 years unless highly relevant.

Download Free One-Page Resume Templates

Get started with our free one-page resume templates designed to maximize impact in minimal space.

One-Page Template 1

One-Page Template 1

Concise & impactful

One-Page Template 2

One-Page Template 2

Concise & impactful

One-Page Template 3

One-Page Template 3

Concise & impactful

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