Why Your CV Should Be Between 400 and 1,000 Words:
Less than 400 words:
Usually too brief to showcase your experience or skills properly.
Can seem incomplete or underwhelming, especially for professional roles.
May be flagged by ATS as lacking relevant content.
More than 1,000 words:
Often means the CV is too long (usually over 2 pages).
Recruiters typically spend 6–8 seconds scanning a CV so excessive details are ignored.
ATS systems may downgrade overly detailed CVs if keywords are buried in fluff.
Ideal Length by Experience:
Experience Level Recommended CV Length Word Count (Approx.)
Entry-Level (0–2 yrs) 1 page 400–600 words
Mid-Level (3–7 yrs) 1–2 pages 600–900 words
Senior/Expert (7+ yrs) Max 2 pages (unless academic) 900–1,000+ words
An ATS (Applicant Tracking System)-friendly CV doesn’t have a strict “maximum word count,” but here are the ideal guidelines to ensure it passes screening:
Optimal Length (Not Just Word Count):
1 page for early career (0–5 years of experience) — approx. 400–600 words
2 pages for mid-to-senior level (5+ years) — approx. 700–1,000 words
Avoid exceeding 2 pages unless in a senior executive or academic role.
Key Tips for Word Use:
Focus on relevant experience and achievements only.
Use bullet points (5–7 per role) with action verbs (e.g., managed, created, improved).
Avoid fluffy or repeated phrases.
Include keywords from the job description (what ATS scans for!).
Example Word Count by Section:
Section Word Range
Profile Summary 40–60 words
Skills 10–15 keywords
Work Experience 300–600 words
Education 30–60 words
Certifications 20–40 words
Conclusion:
Your CV is your first impression…too short, and you look unqualified; too long, and you risk losing attention or getting filtered out by ATS. Aim for the sweet spot: 400 to 1,000 words, depending on your experience.
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