When you’re searching for new opportunities, it’s very tempting to create one resume you submit to every position you find interesting. It saves time and energy, and when you’re applying for multiple positions, it seems like the most efficient option. From the perspective of the recruiters reading your resume, though, this approach could be hurting you.
Generic resumes are useful in situations where you would like to be considered for a variety of opportunities. Your LinkedIn profile, for example, should cover all of your experience and skills. When you are applying for a specific position, though, you have about two seconds to get your recruiter’s attention. They will decide almost instantly whether they think you’re a fit or not. With that in mind, a tailored resume could be the determining factor in whether or not you get the phone call you’re hoping for.
Tailoring a Resume for Your Dream Job
1. Print and Look Over the Job Description
Start with the requirements. Are you a good fit for the position? If they say they want a minimum of three years of admin experience, and you have none, it may be best to move on. If you have two years of excellent experience, and you feel that you can fulfill the responsibilities of the position, you may be able to tailor your resume so that the recruiter can see that you’re a fit even without the full experience level they’re hoping for.
If you feel that you are a match for what the recruiter is seeking, look more closely at the responsibilities and summary. Highlight anything that you could include on your resume. These are the things you’ll want to be sure are immediately noticeable would your recruiter first glances at your resume. Here is an example below from a real job posting:
2. Create a Career Profile
Instead of an objective statement, I recommend a career profile, or branding statement. Rather than simply focusing on what you want, this short sentence can summarize your most relevant skills. For the position listed above, an example would be:
Administrative professional with over six months of experience providing detailed administrative support and excellent customer service in a fast-paced corporate environment.
3. List Your Skills in Light of the Position You Want
Below your career profile, include a bullet-pointed list of the skills you possess that are listed in the job description. It could look something like this:
- Written & Verbal Communication
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Administrative Support
- Customer Service
Tailoring your resume is about making sure your most relevant skills are highlighted. Do not lie about your experience or abilities!
4. Be Sure to Include Relevant Responsibilities
As you list your work experience, be sure to mention any relevant responsibilities. If you used Outlook heavily in your last position, be sure to include that! For this position, any administrative, customer service, or data entry experience you have should be carefully noted. Even if your previous position is not directly related to the work you are applying to do, you may have multiple transferrable skills to highlight.
Carefully articulating your work experience this way will serve the additional benefit of helping you prepare to explain your qualifications in an interview. You will have a clear and concise understanding of how your experience uniquely qualifies you for the position you want, and the recruiter will be able to tell that you put in the extra effort to match your resume to their need. It’s worth the time and effort!
