To maximize your chances of success in your job search, you must make minor adjustments to tailor your resume to each specific job you are targeting.
Table of Content:
Start by Renaming Your Resume
Copy the resume you received and rename it like this:
YOUR_NAME_RESUME_COMPANY NAME_JOB TITLE.docx
Tailor Your Resume for ATS Compatibility
Your resume is optimized with keywords and phrases for your career target, ensuring it matches job postings in Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). However, it’s crucial to review each job description before applying. Identify any unique terms or requirements and adjust your resume accordingly.
For example, if a company uses “sales” and “marketing” interchangeably, ensure your resume reflects the same terminology. If the job description uses “sales” more frequently, replace instances of “marketing” with “sales” as needed.
Utilize Online Tools
If you’re unsure about which keywords to change, use tools like Jobscan.co, cultivatedculture.com/resume-scanner/, or Resume Worded. These tools offer free options to help you optimize your resume for each job application.
Efficiency Tip
If you spend more than one hour customizing a resume, reassess whether the job aligns with your original target.
Common Customizations to Consider
Contact Information
In an age of cybersecurity, omit your street address, but include your city, state, ZIP code, or a general geographic area (e.g., “New York Metropolitan Area”). If you are open to relocating, you may omit your current location.
Summary
Begin with the headline (the job title at the top of the resume, such as Sales Director, Chief Financial Officer. Copy this job title from the job description to ensure alignment.
Areas of Expertise List
Modify this section each time you send out your resume. Highlight the skills listed in the job ad that match your background. For instance, if the job description emphasizes “building trust-based relationships with key customers,” include “Relationship Building” or “Customer Relationship Management.”
Experience
Adjust the experience section to match the core requirements of the targeted position. For example, if you’re applying for a membership sales job and your relevant experience is from three years ago, bring those specific achievements to the forefront of that section.
If your resume uses bolded keywords to highlight themes, adjust these keywords to match the job description better. For instance, if “Stakeholder Management” is listed but the job requires “Cross-Functional Collaboration,” make the substitution to align with the opportunity.
Certifications
Remove any certifications or professional development courses irrelevant to the specific job.
Final Checks
After making changes, double-check your resume to ensure:
- No added spaces between paragraphs, sections, words, and sentences.
- Consistent font, color, and size.
- No errors in spelling, punctuation, or layout.
By tailoring your resume for each job application, you increase your chances of standing out to ATS and hiring managers, setting yourself up for success in your job search.
Clair Levy: Your Partner in Career Success Clair Levy from Precision Resume Solutions has been instrumental in helping executives and job seekers achieve successful career transitions for over 15 years. As a Certified Resume Writer, Clair crafts compelling, customized, and targeted resumes, cover letters, and other job search materials. If you know the job you are targeting, Clair can assist you in landing that role. Reach out to her at clair@precisionresumesolutions.com.