The job market is a competitive environment, and there are often many candidates all vying for the same position. They must make themselves stand out among the competition and prove why they are the best fit for the job. Sending out the exact same resume for every opening can actually put you at a disadvantage. Instead, the professionals at Chic Resumes recommend tailoring your resume for each position.
This does not mean rewriting your entire resume; simply changing a few core competencies or a sentence or two in the summary of qualifications can help your resume to better align with the job. While your resume is about you and who you are, it is also about the company and demonstrating how you fit in. Employers want to know what it is that you bring to the table. How can you help their company to grow and reach its goals? What qualifications and experiences make you a better choice to fill the position than someone else?
Before submitting your resume for any job opening, it is important to do a little bit of research. This can help you to better market yourself and tailor your message to what the employer is seeking. Here are some things to make note of while reviewing job openings:
1. What skills are important for the job?
Core competencies are an important part of any resume. They provide a strong section of key words that not only appeal to applicant tracking systems, but also quickly convey strengths and abilities to hiring managers. Carefully read through the job description and pick out the main competencies necessary. Select the ones that match with your qualifications and include these in your list. This is a very simple section to adjust to various openings but one that can have a significant impact.
2. What characteristics are important?
The summary of qualifications is a good place to incorporate some of your personality. This is where you can help to show your organization, multi-tasking skills, team work, drive, and other assets. Craft your summary to demonstrate your fit with the culture at the company. By researching the job opening and the company, you can get a better sense of what type of candidate they are looking for and what the environment of the company is like. This can also help you to decide if it is a company that you want to work for and if it aligns with your professional goals and abilities.
3. What education or training is preferred?
Some employers seek candidates with specific education or training. For new graduates at any level, moving your education toward the top of your resume can highlight that you have the degree, certification, or training that they are looking for. Regardless of where your education is located on your resume, make sure you include all relevant degrees and certifications. This shows that not only are you qualified, you may also possess additional skills that will be beneficial to the position or future of the business. If you already have an arsenal of skills, that is less training that the employer must provide.
Conducting some research prior to submitting your resume for a job opening can help you to make the necessary adjustments to give you a better chance at landing an interview. While it is ultimately a reflection of who you are and what you can do, it should also appeal to the employer and the needs that they are looking to fill. Taking the time to make some minor adjustments can make a big difference in the impression that your resume makes.
Let Chic Resumes help you to make a stronger first impression and highlight your key skills and experiences. We personally consult with you about the types of job that you are seeking and how your past positions have shaped your qualifications and candidacy. Contact us today at (803) 831-7444 or by emailing resumewriting@grammarchic.net to learn more about our comprehensive services.
Amanda E. Clark founded Grammar Chic in 2008. She is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University and holds degrees in Journalism, Political Science, and English. She launched Grammar Chic after freelancing for several years while simultaneously leading marketing and advertising initiatives for several Fortune 500 companies.
