Writing a resume is time consuming; however, it is the one
document you must submit to an employer to get an interview. It is also the
same document you should change EVERY time you apply for a new position.
Every recruiter and hiring manager is looking for a specific
person to match his or her job description. While your resume highlights the education,
skills and experience you have acquired in the field, a key factor in getting
an interview for your dream job is tailoring your resume to the specific
position you are applying for. Many applicants just send a basic resume to the
email address listed in the job description, but if you do not take the time to
match your resume to the actual job, you are wasting both your own and the
employer’s time. While employers are looking for valuable skills and experience
that stand out on an applicant’s resume, they are also searching for candidates
with strong attention to detail who meet a majority of the skills within the
job description.
These tips will help
assist you in tailoring a successful resume:
Research the company.
Look up the company’s website to learn about their values, mission and culture.
To get further insight, you should also view their social media pages and any
news articles that have been published about them. You can then elaborate on
issues or values that you share with the company as a whole. It can also be
helpful to state where you see yourself fitting into the organization.
Write a cover letter.
This should serve as an introduction and express your interest in the role and
company you’re applying to. It should also be a sneak peek at your skills and
experience. The cover letter should be directed specifically to the hiring
manager or recruiter, and customized for each role you are seeking.
Personalize your
skills. It is great when an applicant appears to have exactly what the
manager is looking for. But, NEVER
lie on your resume to look better. It will come back to haunt you. What you can
do is enhance your current skills and experience to align with the company’s
job description. Keep in mind that most companies use applicant tracking
systems (ATS) or databases. You’ll want to ensure that your resume comes up in
a keyword search. For instance, if you’re applying for a job that requires
expertise in Excel and you’re an Excel expert, be sure to list that – don’t
just list MS Office product experience. The more details, the better; they will
increase your chances of landing an interview.
Before you apply, remember to take the time to thoroughly read
the job posting, highlight your skills that meet the employers needs, and
rework your resume to suit the job description. Best of luck!
