How to Create a One-Page Resume Format

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After you’ve spent years in the workforce, you may decide it’s time to apply for another job. When you have extensive work experience, plus other impressive skills and achievements, your resume can become longer than one page. Read this article to learn how to streamline your experience, education and skills to fit on a one-page resume format.

Why use a one-page resume format?

You should use a one-page resume format because it makes it easier for hiring managers to review and share your resume with other people in the company. In addition, a one-page resume ensures all of your qualifications are easy to find.

How to create a one-page resume format

Here are some things to consider when creating your one-page resume:

1. First, consider the position you’re applying to

You may want to modify your resume plan according to the employer’s needs and your work experience. Sometimes, specific careers need longer sections, but this isn’t always the case. For example, a senior role might focus more on experience than an entry-level job. 

Take time to review the job listing thoroughly to have a better feel for what the hiring manager wants to see. This can help you condense sections so your resume is easier for them to scan. 

2. Second, create a list of accomplishments and work activities

If you have an extensive work history and impressive achievements, it can be challenging to know what to cut out. Make a list of key accomplishments and work duties. Focus on your responsibilities and include any relevant achievements, which may be much longer than one page in the beginning.  

3. Third, identify relevant information 

Now that you’ve created a detailed list of information pertaining to your career and accomplishments, you can begin highlighting or circling key sections that closely match the requirements of the role. This helps you eliminate irrelevant information and helps you create an outline for your resume. When you’re ready, you can start the process of organizing relevant sections into a condensed version that fits on one page. 

4. Fourth, create your first draft and shorten it

Create a new resume that’s as close to one page in length as possible. There’s no need to worry if it goes longer than that on the first try. Think of it as a rough draft that changes in length and content. When you’re ready, go through your resume again to identify any unnecessary information and remove sections that may be better suited for other positions. Reference the job listing as you write and try to only include information pertaining to that particular role.

5. Fifth, list your information with bullet points

Using bullet points creates an easy-to-read format that guides hiring managers to the most important sections of the resume. Plus, it looks more organized. Under each key section, include a bullet point, then describe your key accomplishments related to that role rather than focusing on responsibilities. This strategy creates more of an impact than stating daily tasks because it explains your responsibilities through achievements. Try to include specific numbers, percentages and timeframes in your description while paying attention to length. 

6. Sixth, eliminate unnecessary information

There are a few sections you can remove from your resume to ensure it’s one page. You may opt to remove your objective or summary and instead expand your experience section. If you have decades of career experience, consider leaving off information that is older than 10 to 15 years. It is not necessary to list your high school if you have a college degree and other credentials. It is no longer necessary to include the phrase ‘references available upon request’ at the end of your resume. The job listing or hiring manager will let you know if you need to provide references.

7. Seventh, adjust spacing and font

Another great way to fit information onto one page is by adjusting the spacing between lines and new sections. In most word processors, you can do this within the paragraph settings. Select single spacing and opt to remove spaces in between new paragraphs. Additionally, you should try applying a 10-point font size to your resume (while keeping your name at 14-point or higher) to see if you can create more space while still making sure it’s easy to read.

8. Finally, save your resume in PDF format

Unless directed otherwise in the job listing, save your resume as a PDF to ensure that hiring managers and recruiters see the document as you intend them to see it. This eliminates the chance for changes in formatting that could result in your resume being two pages.

One-page resume template

Follow this template when creating a one-page resume that highlights your most relevant work experiences and career accomplishments:

[Name]
[Address] | [Phone number] | [Email]

Summary (optional)

[Brief summary that highlights your most relevant experience and qualifications]

  • [Use bullet points to list skills relevant to the desired job position]

Professional Experience 

[Current or most recent employer], [Job title]

[Month, Year – Month, Year]

  • [Bullet list of most important successes]

Achievements 

  • [List achievements relevant to the desired job position]

Education 

[University or college] | [Year degree earned] | [Degree]

One-page resume example

Use this example as a reference when writing your own:

Jenna Smith
2002 Maplewood Avenue, Tampa, FL 33601 | 555-555-5555 | jennasmith@email.com

Summary

Senior administrative assistant with 15+ years of experience and degree in business administration. Coordinated complex schedules and travel arrangements for four corporate executives while completing office administration duties. Ready for new challenges related to bookkeeping, office management and schedule setting. 

  • Excellent communication: Proficient in all forms of communication, including online, in person and written
  • Computer savvy: Proficient in QuickBooks, G Suite, MS Office, database management and productivity apps
  • Detail-oriented: Attentive to employee needs, accurate documentation and efficient processes
  • Key strengths: Communication, organization, time management, teamwork and discretion

Professional Experience

Cityscapes International, Executive Administrative Assistant

November 2005 – July 2019

  • Trained over 20 administrative assistants on office procedures, including file management, customer service, professional communication and scheduling
  • Scheduled 500+ office meetings for various departments and executives while providing technical support for online conferences
  • Made weekly travel arrangements for all company employees, including company executives with complicated schedules that required additional documentation

Driftboats Plus, Administrative Assistant

May 2003 – November 2005

  • Communicated with over 2000 clients and customers regarding company products and service; contributed to the implementation of an official return and exchange policy
  • Completed extensive bookwork related to company sales and invoicing
  • Wrote 24 company newsletters that involved interviewing clients and customers and securing digital assets

Achievements

  • Streamlined the data entry process, freeing up 40% of work time for other company resources
  • Saved $10,000 in administrative costs after negotiating a deal with a new software company

Education

University of Florida | May 2003 | Bachelor of Business Administration, 3.9 GPA