I recently applied for a program called Google Brain Residency. The idea is that you do deep learning research for one year using Google's resources. Based on the job description, I thought I would be a good match for that program. My biggest selling point where some of the side-projects I had done, which were similar to what they were asking. I used a two page resume layout and described each project on the second page.

I got just got a generic rejection email. I am now wondering if it was a big mistake to use two pages, because whoever scanned my resume didn't even make it to the second page. I would be glad if someone with insight into the recruiting process at big tech companies could confirm that.

I guess my question would be, why did you have all this potentially awesome stuff on the second page instead of the first? I typically tweak my resume every time I send it out, mostly reorganizing or rewording bullet points to emphasize different things. And, of course, the "about me" section -- the very first thing after my contact details -- is basically a short cover letter, custom written to point out exactly what I want them to read.

I didn't want to put side projects first because I thought it looked odd, but I would rethink that next time.

Well you should focus on putting the stuff that's most relevant first, either by editing your "standard" resume or (if you want it to strictly be date-ordered) by including a cover letter that contains that information.

No offense, but I think it's common-sense that people will start reading from the beginning of the document, and a really popular company like Google is going to have at least hundreds of resumes to scan.

I thought it looks odd to put side projects first in a resume. I know I would be confused if I saw a resume like that. It's not like eduction and work experience are irrelevant.

I got the same response and had a 1 page resume.