When it Comes to Resumes, One Size Does Not Fit All

“Just give me a general resume I can use for any job.” I hear this statement often from my clients as a resume writer and on the surface it sounds like an idea that might work . It is tempting to try to create a generic resume especially since it might save you some time. However, employers can usually spot a generic resume fairly quickly which only reduces your chance of being selected for the interview. However, if you attempt to create a “one size fits all” resume, you not only lose a major opportunity to make an impact with each employer, but you also prolong your job search.

Resumes are marketing documents. This means that as a job seeker, you must be able to do the following:

effectively take inventory of your overall strengths
know how to sell what you learned and accomplished in each job
know how to translate all of this into what the employer seeks for your target job.

The resume writing industry calls this “resume branding.” In other words, it is your personal style, and story on paper. While your overall brand doesn’t change too often with each job, your resume should always reflect the qualities the employer seeks. When you don’t do so, employers pass over you because they just don’t see what makes you unique. As a result, you spend more time trying to get their attention and hoping that they select you for the big interview.

One of the best ways to do this is to make sure your resume is filled with the right keywords for that position and for your industry. You’ll want to make sure that you sound like an industry-insider who is comfortable with the lingo. Your resume should never sound too complicated but should have a nice selection of words that effectively showcase you as a professional. These keywords will not always fit for each job so make sure you use some of the ones listed in the job announcement and review the company’s web page for more clues.

Each company usually highlights one or two qualities in the ad that they find particularly desirable. Usually they include phrases such as “prefer” or “ideally.” If you see this in the job announcement, then consider it a cue to highlight how you would be able to answer to this need if they hire you. For instance, if the job announcement says: “Require a bachelor degree (graduate degree preferred)” then you may want to highlight your graduate degree in the career summary or objective section of the resume. In addition, you should also note it in the cover letter. In this way, each piece of your job application reminds them that you are truly qualified and can match their needs.

Remember that generic only shows the employer that you didn’t take the time to know their needs and address this in your resume. If you make the resume reflect exactly what the employer requires, you stand a better chance of getting the interview. In doing so, you’ll more effectively showcase your personal brand in the best possible light.

Guest Expert:

Sherry Mirshahi is an expert resume writer and a certified employment interview consultant (through Career Directors International) in the DC, VA, and MD area. She 5+ years of experience writing resumes, and cover letters and preparing others for interviews. Sherry has received formal training in resume writing and has been mentored by two of the leading expert resume writers in the industry. Her philosophy is that each piece of a candidate’s package – the cover letter, resume, and thank you letter- should create a story that sells his or her skills.

As a member of Career Director’s International, a prestigious career preparation association, Interview Roadmap keeps its finger on the pulse of the career preparation industry. That means customers will always stay in-the-know on the latest trends. Interview Roadmap adheres to the highest industry standards followed by leaders in the resume, and cover letter field.

Visit Interview Roadmap online at www.InterviewRoadmap.com.

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