What to Do If Your Resume Is Too Long (And How to Fix It in 2025)

So, your resume is longer than two pages. You're trying to figure out what to cut, what to keep, and whether it's really a problem. Here's the short answer: if your resume is too long, you're probably not making it to the interview stage as often as you could be.

A long resume isn't always a deal-breaker—but it does need to be relevant, scannable, and targeted. In 2025, when hiring managers are using AI tools and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter through hundreds of candidates, clarity is key.

Let’s walk through how to trim your resume down without losing the substance that makes you stand out.

 Related: What Jobs Should I Include on My Resume? (A 2025 Guide for Every Career Stage)

How Long Should a Resume Be in 2025?

For most professionals:

• 1 page if you’re entry-level or early career
• 2 pages max if you have 5–15 years of experience
• Senior executives may go slightly over 2 pages, but only when the roles demand deep experience

If your resume goes past those limits, it should pass the sniff test: is every line working for you, or is it just taking up space?

Common Reasons Your Resume Is Too Long

If your resume is bloated, chances are you're:

• Listing too many jobs without trimming irrelevant ones
• Including redundant responsibilities across multiple roles
• Using full paragraphs instead of bullet points
• Writing generic statements like "responsible for managing projects"
• Over-explaining early career roles

These are easy fixes once you spot them.

 Related: How Many Jobs Should You List on a Resume?

Step-by-Step: How to Shorten a Resume Without Losing Value

1. Cut Older or Irrelevant Roles

Focus on the last 10–15 years of experience. Group older roles under "Early Career" with no bullet points.

2. Remove Redundant Bullet Points

If multiple jobs involved managing teams, just show that once—where it had the biggest impact.

3. Merge Similar Roles

Combine contract or freelance roles into one block. For example:
"Freelance Content Specialist (2020–2023) — Clients included X, Y, and Z."

4. Replace Paragraphs With Bullets

Bullet points are easier to scan, especially on mobile and ATS platforms.

5. Quantify Achievements

Swap generic statements with metrics:

• "Managed projects" ➝ "Led 12 cross-functional projects with a 98% on-time rate"

Bonus: Formatting Tips That Save Space

• Reduce margins to 0.5” on all sides (still printable)
• Use a professional font like Calibri or Arial, size 10–11
• Keep job descriptions to 3–5 bullet points each
• Skip the Objective section (use a Summary instead)

 Pro Tip: Use Jobcamp’s Resume Builder to instantly reformat your resume for ATS and recruiters.

FAQs: Fixing a Resume That’s Too Long

1. Is a 3-page resume too long in 2025?
Yes, unless you're in academia or applying for a C-suite role with decades of experience.

2. Can I remove entire jobs from my resume?
Yes. If they don’t add value or match your target role, leave them off.

3. Should I remove internships or volunteer work?
Only if you have stronger, more relevant experience now. Otherwise, keep them brief.

4. Do I need to explain every gap in my resume?
No, but be ready to address gaps in interviews. On paper, focus on your most impactful roles.

5. Should I include every task I’ve ever done?
Absolutely not. Focus on results, not responsibilities.

Final Word: Slim It Down to Stand Out

Trimming your resume isn't about removing value—it's about increasing clarity and impact. By cutting excess and focusing on relevance, you'll create a resume that speaks louder in less space.

 Ready to declutter your resume in minutes? Use Jobcamp’s Resume Optimizer to make every line count.