Tailoring Your Résumé to a Specific Position

You’ve been searching some online job boards, and you have found the perfect position. You are getting ready to send out a résumé. Wait just a second before you push that “Send” button! Since your résumé is a marketing document, you should tailor it to each position. That may sound intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. You can alter a well-written résumé to fit each position in just a few minutes. Here’s how:

1. Ensure That Your Goal is Clear
Whether your résumé has a title at the top or an objective, a hiring manager should be able to see immediately the type of position you want. If you have a title, you can alter it slightly to fit the job title. For instance, a “Sales Professional,” could easily change their title to “Account Manager,” “Senior Sales Executive,” or even “Marketing and Sales Professional” – depending upon the job description and your employment background. If you have an objective, try to avoid generalizations. It is a waste of space to claim to be looking for “a challenging position that utilizes my skills and abilities.” Instead, mention the position title, organization’s name, and some of the specific required skills in your objective. For example, “Seeking position as Early Childhood Educator at St. John’s Preschool that utilizes degree in child development, three years of experience in classroom settings, and caring and compassionate demeanor.”

2. Identify Key Words and Key Skills
Look carefully through the job listing and find the responsibilities, education, and skill set they are looking for. Your cover letter should emphasize that you meet those specific skills and requirements. If there is an area where you don’t meet the skill set (for example, they want someone with five years of experience and you only have three), simply don’t mention that aspect in your cover letter. Quickly read through your résumé and make sure you included any pertinent positions, certifications, job duties, or projects. Hiring managers aren’t psychic; if you don’t mention your experience, they won’t know that you have it.

3. Personalize Your Cover Letter
The best cover letters leave their readers with the impression that you are the perfect candidate for a specific position. There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all cover letter. While your cover letters may be similar, they should address the specific skill set and requirements of each position. Be sure to mention the job you are applying for and the company name in the cover letter. This will help emphasize that you are committed to the company and the position and not simply “spamming” every job posting you see.

With just a few changes, you can turn your résumé and cover letter from a general document into a targeted and effective marketing piece that can help you land your ideal position. It just takes a few moments. So take a second before you press that “Send” button and make sure you are putting your best foot forward.