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- Your resume is a brochure, not a novel.
On Today’s Launch
Why you should think of your resume like a marketing document.
How to find a recruiter to work with.
Subscriber Questions
Should you apply to more than one job at the same company?
The real reasons good employees get let go (sometimes).
What you may have missed…
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Imagine walking into a store and being handed a 50-page brochure about a new product…
Someone reached out to me recently asking for help with their resume. They said they’d been looking for over 4 months to no avail.
I clicked on the Word doc that the guy attached to the email. I was shocked to see what was inside.
A 6-page document! It had 13 jobs inside (not all of which were related I might add).
After 250 applications, and not a single interview, I knew the answer. After all, who wants to read 6 pages of stuff?
When I told him that page length was probably a big culprit, he said he tried cutting it down, but couldn’t figure out which experiences to let go of (they were all valuable in his eyes).
That’s one of the many challenges of writing a resume.
You gotta think of your resume as a marketing document. A brochure, not a comprehensive repository of every job you’ve ever held (nobody has the time to read that).
And as a brochure, it’s only job is to interest the recruiter enough so that they invite you in for an interview.
Imagine walking into a store and being handed a 50-page brochure about a new product. You'd probably toss it in the trash before even getting to the good stuff.
The same goes for your resume. Recruiters and hiring managers are busy people. They want a clear, concise snapshot of what you bring to the table – not your entire life story.
So, How Do You Turn a Novel into a Brochure?
It's easier than you think.
No. 1 – Focus on Recent and Relevant Experience
If you've been working for a while, there's no need to include every part-time gig from high school.
Prioritize the last 10-15 years of experience and focus on roles that are directly related to your target job.
No. 2 – Ditch the "Responsibilities" Section
Instead of listing generic duties, focus more on measurable results and accomplishments.
Use numbers, percentages, and dollar amounts whenever possible.
Remember, recruiters want to know what you've actually achieved, not just what you were tasked with doing.
No. 3 – Keep It Short and Sweet
As a general rule, keep your resume to two pages maximum.
If you're a senior professional with a ton of experience (think senior executive roles like CEO), three pages might be acceptable.
However, most people can (and should!) cut it down to a concise two-pager
No. 4 – Use the "So What?" Test
Every bullet point should pass the "So what?" test.
If it doesn't clearly demonstrate your value and how you've made an impact in your previous roles, it's probably not essential.
Remember, your resume is your first impression. Don't let it turn into an information overload.
Do you want to be contacted by recruiters for job opportunities??
If so, join the #opentowork list.
Simply fill out the short form linked below and we’ll add you to our database.
About the Author
I’m James, Cofounder of Final Draft Resumes. I’ve been in the career consulting space for 13 years, and before that, I was a recruiter for AECOM.
I’ve helped thousands of job seekers, from industries like software engineering, IT, sales, marketing, manufacturing, and more generate job opportunities through well-written resumes that translate unique backgrounds into coherent narratives.
If you’re struggling with your resume for whatever reason, reach out - I just might be able to help!
If you’re more of a DIY person, then check out Resumatic, my free-to-try resume builder.
How to find a recruiter to work with
Recruiters are the gate keepers of the hiring world. They’re generally the first point of contact and are the ones tasked by hiring managers with finding the right candidate.
And while they don’t work for you, their goal is to fill the role, and if you can help them expedite that process (by say, presenting yourself the the ideal choice for the job), then they’ll probably at least hear what you have to say.
On LinkedIn
Get a LinkedIn premium account.
Type “Recruiter” into the LinkedIn search field and click on “People.”
Reach out 1st-Degree Connections. Talking to 1st-degree connections is easy—no intro needed. Just be clear on what you’re looking for and mention any roles of interest from their Careers page.
2nd-Degree Connections
Option 1 – Name drop a mutual connection in your message.
Option 2 – Ask a mutual connection to introduce you. This approach is often more effective. Again, mention specific roles of interest.
If there are no openings, explain why you’re interested in the company or job. Mention specific qualifications you have that check their boxes (i.e., years of experience, industry, areas of expertise etc.).
Filters for Targeted Searches
A lot of recruiters work remotely. Besides the desired geographic location, consider selecting “United States” to widen your search.
If you want to find a recruiter at a specific company, use the “Current company” filter and type in the company name.
Shared educational backgrounds can be great for establishing a common ground (people are more likely to help if they have something in common with you) . Use the “School” filter and type in your alma mater.
Industry: This can be tricky. Some recruiters list the industry they recruit for, while others list “Staffing and Recruiting.” Select both your desired industry and “Staffing and Recruiting.” For example, if you’re in marketing, select related industries like “Marketing,” “Advertising,” and “Public Relations and Communications.”
Tailor the Message
Avoid sending generic messages. Tailor to each recruiter, mentioning specific roles and reasons for your interest.
If you don’t get a response, don’t be afraid to follow up after a few days. Persistence can pay off.
Subscriber Questions
Question 1:
Should I apply to multiple jobs at the same company?
Great question – it’s one I get asked a lot. The short answer is: it depends.
Applying to a few similar roles at the same company can actually be a smart move. It shows you're really interested in working there, and it gives you a better chance of landing an interview.
Think of it like casting a wider net in the same pond – you're more likely to catch something.
The key is to make sure the roles are a good fit for you. If you're applying for jobs that require different skill sets, it might make you look like you don't know what you want.
Instead, focus on positions that are aligned with your experience and interests. Let's say you're a software engineer with experience in both front-end and back-end development. It would make sense to apply to both types of roles if they're open at a company you're targeting.
Just remember to tailor your resume and cover letter to each specific position. Highlight the skills and experience that are most relevant for each role as opposed to sending out a generic application to every job posting you find.
Some companies might see multiple applications as a lack of focus, but most won't mind, especially if the roles are similar.
In fact, some companies even encourage it. So it doesn't hurt to ask. Reach out to a recruiter or current employee to get their take on the company culture and hiring practices.
In the end, you have to think strategically. Just don't go overboard and apply to every single opening you find. Quality over quantity, always.
Question 2:
How can I keep a job for at least two years? I have been getting jobs and losing them after months. I don't understand. I do my best to deliver and I have delivered. Where could I be going wrong? The short stints are sabotaging my growth!
First of all, kudos for owning your results and trying to figure out what's going wrong. It's easy to blame the company or the role, but taking a hard look at your own patterns is a sign of maturity.
It sounds like you're delivering the goods when it comes to the actual work, but, like anything else, there's more to thriving in a job than just checking the boxes.
Think of it like dating. It's not enough to just be attractive and fun on a first date (the equivalent of your job skills). You've gotta be compatible on deeper levels to make the relationship last.
So, here are a few things to consider:
Were the jobs you’ve held a culture fit?
Does the company's vibe match your personality, values, and attitude?
Does your communication style hold you back?
Do you feel comfortable speaking up, asking for clarification, or even disagreeing (respectfully)?
Poor communication can be a job killer, even if your work is solid.
Are you adaptable?
Jobs evolve, and so do companies. Are you able to roll with the punches and learn new things? Or do you prefer a predictable routine?
This is where a little bit of self-reflection comes in. Think back on those previous jobs. Were there any common threads when things started to sour? Any clashes with colleagues or bosses? Feedback that, in hindsight, you should have listened to?
Now, this isn't about blaming yourself. But sometimes, acknowledging our own blind spots or areas for improvement can be the catalyst for change.
Think of it this way: the job search is a two-way street. The company is evaluating you, but you also need to evaluate them. Ask questions about their culture, their expectations, and their approach to feedback. Get a clear picture of what it's REALLY like to work there, not just the glossy job description version.
And remember, finding the right fit might take time. It's not a race to the finish line. Be patient, be intentional, and most importantly, be honest with yourself about what you truly need to thrive in a role.