> First, to get to the phone screen many companies now use some form of automation to weed out applications. Less words simply means less chance of an automated

> First, to get to the phone screen many companies now use some form of automation to weed out applications. Less words simply means less chance of an automated match against the job description criteria. Came here to post this. A lot of modern ATS systems (especially if you're jumping through a recruiter or applying to a large enough company) will screen for keywords. I've always maintained a 2 page CV, one page with the relevant experience pieces/qualitative info, and another page with "Skills", which is essentially keyword fodder. Granted, especially earlier in my career, I got invited to interview for roles that were well out of my league.