There it is! A job announcement for the job you've been dreaming about. The requirements for the job align with your skills, knowledge, and abilities. But
have you demonstrated this on your resume well enough to be invited for an interview?
If you haven't been getting interview, then it is probably because you've been submitting that same ole cookie cutter resume for every job announcement you come across. So, you must re-structure your resume so that it "targets" a specific job announcement.
A targeted resume is written for a specific job opening and highlights your skills and experiences relevant to that position. Each time you apply for a job, you should readjust (or tailor) your resume to make it more relevant to that position. When you make it clear that you have the skills and experience required for the job, you are targeting that job, and you better your chances of getting an interview.
1. Revise your Professional Summary/Profile
Your Professional Summary or Profile is basically you branding statement. It is an elevator pitch that briefly explains who you are and what value you would bring to an employer. It is a great idea to revise your Professional Summary/Profile each time you apply for a job. Carefully look over the job description to see what experience and skills the employer wants, and list all of your applicable qualifications on your targeted resume. You can also add a Career Highlights section with the most recent position at the top to make your relevant experience more obvious.
2. Include relevant skills, qualifications, and experiences.
You might have a large number of experiences that you want to include in your resume, but it is better to submit a shorter resume that is no more than two pages. List only relevant skills, qualifications and positions.
For example, if you are applying for a human resources job, include any human resources related courses, training, or experiences you've had. It is not necessary to include your early positions, such as a high school job at a retail store, unless you can show how those skills directly relate to the position you are applying for.
3. Use relevant keywords.
Job-specific resumes should feature industry key words and phrases, so your potential employer can quickly see you have experience in the field. Many companies also use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that screen your resume automatically. You significantly increase your chances of moving through the ATS and into the hands of a hiring manager.
4. Double-check your resume.
Although some elements of your resume will stay the same, it is smart to edit other parts to suit the target company’s requirements. Make sure you have fully optimized the new version of your resume for the position you want.
Ask a family member or friend to read over your resume and the job description to ensure your have adequately targeted your resume. Additionally, ask them to check for grammatical and spelling errors.
That dream job is out there waiting for you. Using the 4 steps discussed above will increase your chances of getting that interview.