How Long Should a CV Be? (UK Guide for 2026)

It's the most common CV question of all: how long should it be? In the UK, the answer is usually two pages — but it depends on your experience. Here's the rule, the exceptions, and how to trim a CV that's run too long.

The short answer: two pages

Most UK CVs should be two pages. Recruiters spend seconds on a first scan, so two pages is the sweet spot — enough to show your value without burying it. One page can feel thin for experienced candidates; three pages risks losing the reader.

When one page is better

• You have under three years of experience.
• You're a recent graduate or school leaver.
• You're changing careers and only some experience is relevant.
• Your history is simple and fits comfortably on a page.

When two pages is right

• You have three or more years of relevant experience.
• You've held several roles worth detailing.
• You're in a technical or senior role that needs specifics.

What about three pages?

Avoid it unless you're writing an academic CV, you're very senior, or you have publications and projects that genuinely need the space. For most jobs, if you're spilling onto a third page, it's a sign to cut.

How to cut your CV down

• Remove or shorten roles older than 10–15 years to one or two lines.
• Cut duties and keep achievements — they earn their space.
• Delete the 'references available on request' line; it's assumed.
• Tighten your profile to three or four sharp lines.
• Trim repeated skills and filler phrases.

Not sure what to cut? JobPilot UK's AI reviews your CV against a specific job, highlights the weak or redundant lines, and tightens it so your most relevant experience stands out.