Is having a resume really that important?

I learnt to create resumes in a fairly professional style when I initially started my resume building business. Exams were taken, style guides were followed, and I was concerned about getting everything precisely correctly. 

However, as time has passed, the Internet has transformed communication. When we read websites, we expect a more casual tone than we would expect from a corporate brochure ten years ago. And I'm seeing that shift in all of our communications now, with marketing materials taking on a more personal tone even when they're not online.

As a result, I've altered my writing style. Sure, there are some really conservative fields where decision-makers are still older and accustomed to formality, but I don't believe formal ‘resume speak' is the best way to go for many individuals anymore. I now write at least the CV introduction in the first person for young job searchers targeting creative organisations, allowing me to convey a feel of the client's personality and work style. (For instance, "I've been playing video games since I was seven years old, therefore being able to earn a profession as a game designer is a dream come true for me.") That's why you'll never catch me sleeping past six o'clock and why I'm frequently at my work late at night. This isn't a job for me; it's a hobby.")

Recruiters and HR professionals have reacted positively so far, though as a resume building professional, I'm interested if it's ever perceived as a disadvantage.
 

I typically use third-person for more senior executives, but weave a lot more of their own words throughout the text, as well as quoting from selected LinkedIn testimonials. Because they are frequently written in a natural fluid way, the quotes bring individuality. I use capital letters and exclamation points whenever possible, and I aim to find quotes that have the most personality and energy.

I've also started refining my resumes and cover letters to include as much information as possible into as few words as feasible. (Twitter also helps with this – the 140-character message limit trains you to use only the most necessary words!) Recruiters are becoming increasingly busy, with less and less time to find the information they require, so I believe that less is often more. 

I'm curious if any readers have experimented with a more casual approach to their resumes, and if recruiters and resume writers feel that this is the way to go.

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