Simple and succinct. Specific and to the point.
^That's what you want when looking at a potential candidate, so give that.
Cover page specific to you, the company and the position.
Single page with relevant work history and education. If you have a long career just write that you can provide more details at the interview, no one wants to read more than a cover page and 1 page. So don't give them more than that period.
What most people fail to put into their resume is the most important thing- their "why".
A quality company and hiring agent doesn't really GAF who, how, where or when, they want the "why"- so give it to them.
Figuring out your why, how it relates to the position and the "why" of the company is the key to not just getting hired, but making sure it is a good fit for YOU and THEM.
Include a bit of your why in the cover letter and in the resume but save the best for a follow-up letter.
I ALWAYS write a why letter that will be sent after the hiring agent contacts me for an interview, I send them a follow up email about the appointment and attach my why letter.
I have NEVER once NOT been offered the position I was interviewing for, and most times I turn them down.
Your specific "why" is powerful. That's how you will separate yourself from the herd and sell yourself.
Anyone can regurgitate their experience, career and education onto paper. Who cares?!?!?.
Tell them why and make them remember you, make them want and need you.
I have done a lot fo hiring, and if I get more than a cover page and 1 page, I throw it int he trash instantly. I don't have time for that shit, get to the point.
You worked at the country club when you were 13, I don't GAF, tell me about that in the interview if it has bearing on your position and comes up organically.
You had 27 jobs before you got here? I don't care nor will I read through that novel of work history, give me your last 4 that are relevant to the position you are seeking and let me know there is more and you are happy to provide them.
Use powerful words, no weak/passive ass shit like- "I try.." or "I believe.." or "I think..." bullshit.
Words have meaning, you use weak ambiguous words and you are weak/ambiguous. You use strong/direct words and you are strong/direct which conveys confidence.
"I will" or "I know" or "I do", etc.
Don't list references, just write that they are available upon request.
99.99% of people write the same boring shit in their resume, literally. It's pathetic- so be different, go against the grain, be strong, be confident, and FFS figure out and communicate your why.
^Do that and follow it up in the interview with the same confidence, honesty and integrity and you WILL get whatever position you want.