I have been working as an executive level recruiter for almost 6 years.  Prior to that my background is in B2B Advertising and Marketing.  Recently I have started to help people with their resumes.

I feel very strongly that a resume is a marketing document whose sole purpose is to generate enough interest to invite the candidate in for the interview.  I look at a resume as a billboard or even a print ad.  I think it should be short, concise and to the point.  First and foremost, I think benefits to the ‘buyer’ need to be emphasized.

Especially in this market, HR and hiring authorities are not taking the time to read even all of a two page resume.  If your resume is longer or is densely packed (Think textbook or legal brief) it is almost guaranteed NOT to be read.  Most people are not willing to work that hard.  Sorry, but it’s true.

Hitting hard on the top of the first page with all the information that differentiates you from the pack and speaks directly to how you can solve ‘their’ problems, is the fastest route to an invitation to an interview.  This is why it is so critical to customize resumes to particular opportunities.  This is not a ‘one size fits all’ situation.

For candidates who have an extensive resume, I suggest addendums to the resume.  You can add a Project List, a Products List, a Patents List, an Educational Achievements List, a Publications List…  You get the idea.

Yes, the length may be the same, but it will not be perceived in that way.  It’s a similar concept to why Wal-Mart sells items for $9.97 instead of $10.  It just doesn’t sound as expensive.  A two page resume with a couple of pages of addendums are just not as off putting as a four page resume.   Readers can always chose to flesh out the areas that they are interested in without feeling an obligation to read the entire document.

Remember too, that many times your resume will be read by an HR Generalist who really has no clue about the detailed specific achievements that you have so painstakingly described.  HR is really looking for a way to rule you out NOT in.  Excessive detail on highly technical information is usually a good reason to do that.  Save the detail for the hiring authority that will understand and appreciate it.

Another point worth noting is the use of bold face type.  Use it sparingly to call attention to the quantifiable statements of achievement that will catch the attention of the reader.

It is very difficult for anyone to judiciously edit their own resume.  I suggest using another set of eyes, a professional or even a trusted colleague or mentor.