Many job seekers are finding that the job market is incredibly competitive, especially for in-demand roles. Candidates must set themselves apart and show why they are a good fit for the job. Unfortunately, many people fall into the trap of trying to make their resume one-size-fits all. In their effort to appeal to a variety of roles, they appeal to few if any. Having a generic resume can extend your job search and make it harder to land an interview for the jobs you want.
Although tailoring your resume requires more time, this extra effort can pay off. It can mean the difference between having your resume found by a recruiter or getting lost in the sea of other applicants. Here are a few drawbacks to having a generic resume.
- It doesn’t make you stand out.
Generic resumes are often filled with vague language that could apply to anyone. You could put practically any name at the top and the content would fit. It is not a strong reflection of your brand or who you are. If a hiring manager is skimming resumes to quickly see who has the experience, skills, and impact they are looking for, chances are, your resume would be overlooked because there is nothing that defines you as an individual.
- It doesn’t align with a specific role.
Another problem with generic resumes is that they often are not a strong match for any particular job. By showing off your experience across a broad range of areas or departments, it can make it harder for a potential employer to see how you would perform in the role for which you are applying. A lot of your content may not be relevant or transferable to what you would be doing. The company is looking for someone who meets certain qualifications, and if your resume is too generic, even if you have those skills, they may not shine through.
- It doesn’t showcase relevant skills.
You may have some of the competencies an employer is looking for, but in your effort to cast a wide net, you have missed many others. Applicant tracking systems may not flag you as a potential candidate because your resume does not have enough of the specific keywords desired for the position. This is especially true if you are applying to a specialized position where certain software or expertise is required. It is better to tailor your resume and zero in on the skills and experience that are highlighted in the job posting.
- It can make you appear aimless.
Being a “jack of all trades, master of none” may be helpful in some situations, but when it comes to your resume, it can often work against you. A vague resume can make it appear as though you have no direction within your career. Applying for multiple roles at the same company using the same resume can make you seem desperate and willing to take anything. Even though you may be very open to different positions, your resume should have a clear focus on a specific role. You want to show that you understand the industry or field and have the knowledge and experience to succeed.
Tips for Tailoring Your Generic Resume
Elevate your job search by showing employers that you are serious and have the qualifications they desire. You can do this by effectively tailoring your resume to each position for which you are applying. Remember, you don’t have to completely rewrite your resume each time, just adjust key sections such as the summary, core competencies, and technical skills. When it comes to the content, call out relevant projects or initiatives you worked on, metrics that demonstrate results, and achievements that show you can excel in the role.
You may want to rearrange the order of bullet points to bring certain experiences to the top. Maybe there is certain information you add or remove based on what is required for the position. Take the time to carefully read through the job posting, visit the employer’s website to get a feel for the company and its culture, and customize your resume accordingly.
If you really aren’t sure what you want to do next, it can be a good idea to work with a career coach to gain some clarity and explore different opportunities. It can also be helpful to talk to friends and family to see if they have ideas for roles that might be a good fit. They offer a different perspective and may see connections and transferable skills that you hadn’t considered. Visiting websites of companies you like and seeing what they have open can also provide inspiration, and you can see different titles for jobs that appeal to you, which can help you expand your job search.
Is your generic resume hindering your job search? Turn to the professionals at Grammar Chic. We can work with you to highlight your knowledge, skills, experience, and accomplishments to better position you for roles for which you want to apply. In a sea of competitors, make yourself stand out. Contact us at (803) 831-7444 or resumewriting@grammarchic.net to schedule a consultation and get started!
