Overlong resumes are one of the most common mistakes that lead to rejection by recruiters/hiring agents, and also one of the easiest problems to fix. For 99.99% of job seekers, a 1-2 page resume strikes the perfect balance between readability and providing pertinent info. If you're submitting a resume that's 3 pages or longer (and you're not one of the select few, highly distinguished executives and other top leaders who can get away with it) it is critical to do some editing before continuing with your job search. So what to cut and what to keep? Before you start slicing away at your resume, it's important to understand the principles behind what makes for an effective one.

For starters, A RESUME IS NOT MEANT TO BE COMPREHENSIVE. Now what do I mean by that? Simply this: no professional can possibly detail every single aspect of every job they've held within 1-2 pages. Trying to be comprehensive is what leads to stuffing resumes full of irrelevant information. A good resume is one that's SELECTIVE, providing just enough of the right kind of information to garner an interview, at which point you can expound to your heart's content on the various facets of your career.

Keep Opening Sections Brief

An effective opening for your resume typically consists of a brief paragraph highlighting 3-4 skills that are in-demand for the type of position you're seeking, followed by a "Core Competencies" (or keyword) section listing all pertinent skills. Don't make the mistake of trying to stuff either full of every skill you can think of. Remember that the goal of an opening is to create a POINT-OF-ENTRY for a reader and encourage close analysis of your work history. With that in mind, only stress those skills which can easily be referenced in more detail within your work history.

Focus on Jobs Held within the Past 10-12 Years

Recruiters and hiring agents are primarily concerned with recent work. Resumes that are cognizant of this stand a much better chance of attracting their attention. Place the greatest emphasis on positions held within the past 10-12 years and consolidate others within an "Additional Experience" section with 1-2 highlights per job. The major exception to this is if you have HIGHLY RELEVANT positions that stretch back further than this period. If you're in doubt about whether or not to include a position in detail ask yourself if the resume would be significantly improved by adding it. If not, leave it out.

Keep Closing Sections In-Line With Your Job Target

Many job seekers, particularly those who have spent time working in multiple industries, have racked up advanced training credits and even certifications that are irrelevant to the type of job they're presently targeting. Including all of these credits without exercising judgment won't make hiring agents think you're a "go-getter": it will just leave them confused as to your career goals. ONLY include those credits which support your job target.

Anish Majumdar is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and Owner at Resume Orbit. 95% of clients report a significant increase in interviews within 30 days, and all work comes backed by a 100% Satisfaction or Money Back Guarantee (in writing).

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