Do you want your resume to get noticed by the hiring manager and land you a job? Then you need to tailor each application you send with the employer’s job description. Let’s face it, hiring managers scan a lot of resume applications when hiring. Checking whether the candidate’s resume matches what they are looking for. If your resume is not aligned with that specific position, it will be ignored, and you will get an interview.
In this article, we will show you strategies on how to align your resume with the employer’s job description and perhaps land that job interview.
What is tailoring a resume?
To tailor your resume means you customize and optimize the content on your resume to align specifically with what the employer is looking for. You do this by checking the employer’s responsibility and preferred skills required and using those keywords to match your resume. A strategically tailored resume proves to the hiring manager that you are the best candidate for that position.
Why is it important to tailor your resume for different job applications?
Tailoring your resume for different job applications is crucial for several reasons:
- Relevance to the Job:
Tailoring ensures that your resume directly addresses the specific requirements and qualifications outlined in the job description. This relevance makes it easier for employers to see how well-suited you are for the position.
2. Demonstrates a Genuine Interest:
When you tailor your resume, it indicates to the hiring manager your genuine interest in that particular role. It shows that you have taken the time to understand the company’s requirements and have crafted your resume accordingly.
3. Matches Employer Expectations:
Every employer has specific expectations and preferences for the skills and experiences they seek in candidates. And when you tailor your resume, it helps align with these expectations, increasing the likelihood of getting an interview.
4. Increases Visibility to Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS):
Many companies nowadays don’t use manuals to screen applications. They use the ATS. If you want your resume to pass the ATS, then you need to understand how to strategically use keywords to match the employer’s description. Doing this will result in your resume passing through ATS and reaching human eyes.
5. Sets You Apart from the Competition:
I have interacted with many job seekers in the past five years. And what I have learned is that most job seekers submit generic resumes for every job position. It should not be like this. If you want to distinguish yourself from many job seekers, then craft a resume for each application you send.
Easy Process of Tailoring Your Resume
The process of tailoring a resume typically includes the following:
- Analyzing the Job Description:
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You need to first carefully read and understand the job description and identify the key skills, qualifications and attributes the employer is looking for. Then take note of the key skills, qualifications, and attributes, such as years of experience and education, the employer is seeking. Also, check how the order of the responsibility is being listed. The one mentioned first may have a higher priority for the employer.
2. Customizing Content:
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After you have analyzed the job description you need to craft the content that matches the target job description. Modify various sections such as the professional summary, skills, work experience, and education, to emphasize the aspects that directly match the requirements of the targeted job.
To tailor your professional summary, skills, work experience, and education means to demonstrate the connection between your qualifications and the requirements of the job.
3. Use Keywords:
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To use keywords on your resume means to strategically incorporate the phrases from the job description on your resume. Here is how to do it:
- Carefully review the job description and identify keywords and phrases that describe the skills, qualifications, and experiences the employer is seeking.
- Look for recurring themes and prioritize terms that are critical to the role.
- Where possible, quantify your achievements and use numbers to highlight your impact. For example, if the job description mentions “improving efficiency,” you might say, “Implemented a streamlined process that increased departmental efficiency by 15%
More detail on phrases to use on your resume
4. Highlighting Achievements:
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Show and do tell. Showcase specific accomplishments and results in your previous roles that are particularly relevant to the new position, providing concrete evidence of your capabilities.
Whenever possible, use quantifiable metrics to showcase the impact of your accomplishments. For example instead of saying “Managed a team of sales representatives,” quantify it as “Led a team of 10 sales representatives, resulting in a 20% increase in monthly sales within six months.”
Remember, the goal here is to showcase your unique contributions and demonstrate how you can bring value to a potential employer. So highlight your achievements, to paint a compelling picture of your capabilities and increase your chances of capturing the attention of hiring managers. Check here on how to hightlight achievements in your resume
5. Formatting Considerations:
Your resume needs to look visually appealing to the hiring manager. As such you need to design and align your resume with industry standards. Be clear and consistent with the standards fonts and format you are using.
 6. Proofread your resume
Before you send your application make sure it is error-free, polished, and well-presented as much as you can.
Tailored resume example
[Your Name]
[Your Address] | [Your Email] | [Your Phone Number] | [LinkedIn Profile]Professional Summary:
Results-driven marketing professional with over three years of experience in social media management and content creation. Proven ability to develop and execute innovative marketing strategies. Seeking a Marketing Coordinator role to leverage my skills in digital marketing, event coordination, and brand promotion.Work Experience:Marketing Specialist | XYZ Company | [Employment Period]
- Spearheaded social media campaigns, resulting in a 40% increase in followers and a 25% boost in website traffic.
- Created and managed content calendars, ensuring consistent and engaging communication across digital platforms.
- Coordinated and executed product launch events, achieving a 30% increase in sales during promotional periods.Assistant Marketing Coordinator | ABC Agency | [Employment Period]
Managed social media accounts, increasing engagement by 35% through targeted content and community interactions.Developed and executed email marketing campaigns, resulting in a 20% click-through rate.Assisted in the coordination of industry trade shows, contributing to a 50% increase in booth visitor engagement.
Certifications:
Digital Marketing Certification | [Certification Issuer] | [Year]Land your next job
Imagine a resume that will secure you an interview and get you hired. We have helped over 739 entry-level job seekers, professionals, and executives land their ideal jobs. Contact us today, at +639062719001 +254797740510 and let us craft a resume for you that will get you hired faster.
