Having a customized resume for each job you apply to is like the secret weapon of the job search. It can help you stand out from the competition, and give you an advantage over other candidates who did not take the time to tailor their resume specifically for that position.
Take a look at these five reasons why customizing your resume is an excellent idea if you want to improve your chances at getting an interview:
Personalized attention
Personalized attention is more important than ever. Employers are looking for reasons to disqualify candidates, so a personalized resume helps you stand out. “The last thing an employer wants is a resume that looks like all the other ones they're getting,” says ResumeEdge founder Douglas MacLeod, who has been in the business of helping job seekers write resumes since 1984. A customized resume can also help avoid resume filtering: when an applicant's application never reaches the hiring manager because it's not prioritized by human judgment or automated software processes.
Relate to the company culture
What is the company culture?
How does it relate to the job?
How does it relate to you?
How does it relate to the job description?
How does it relate to your resume?
The answer to these questions will help you customize your resume for each submission.
Focus on qualifications that matter
The first step to customizing your resume is to identify the qualifications needed for the job. Every job description will list a few key factors that are required, but it's important to note that these requirements will vary depending on the company and its culture. If you can't find any information about what they're looking for in terms of qualifications, then it's okay to ask them! You should also take into consideration how your background aligns with their mission statement and goals. For example, if you see from their website that they focus on providing quality service at an affordable price, this could be interpreted as an indication that they want someone who is reliable and efficient—and those qualities may be reflected in their hiring decisions.
Make the case for why you’re a good fit for this job
Make the case for why you’re a good fit for this job.
One of the biggest mistakes I see job seekers make is that they send out resumes with generic descriptions of their skills and experience, without focusing enough on how those skills and experience match up with what’s needed in each specific job.
If you want to stand out from your competition, you need to show how your skills and experience will benefit the company more than any other applicant.
Higher quality
The quality of your resume is higher when it's customized for the job you're applying to. You'll be more likely to get a response, an interview, and even the job itself.
A generic resume can be used for all kinds of jobs—it's like using one size fits all when trying on clothes in a store. But imagine if every time you went shopping, every salesperson was handing you off a pair of pants that had been altered for someone else who happened to be about your height but had different proportions and body type than yours? Not only would it be weird but also probably not very effective at helping you find something that fits well!
That's what happens when you send out generic resumes without customizing them first: they don't fit well with each job posting (that's why they don't get read). Instead, customize each one so that it matches the requirements listed in an opening—and then watch how much more attention comes!
A custom resume helps you get the attention of employers. A resume that is tailored to each job application means that you can show off your skills, personality, and work experience in a way that will appeal to employers. When an employer looks at your resume, they want to see how well you are a fit for their company. Customizing your resume allows them to see this and makes sure that there’s no doubt in their mind about whether or not they should hire you!
For example:
When applying for an entry-level position in accounting at Company X (a large accounting firm), I choose my focus on my bookkeeping experience within my previous internship as well as showing off my skill set (Microsoft Excel). In contrast, when applying for an entry-level marketing role at Company Y (a small local business), I wanted to emphasize my ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously due towards the fact that it’ll be expected with both roles being very hands-on jobs where multitasking is essential.
Job seekers often think that a generic resume is the best way to get their foot in the door. After all, it’s easy to write and does not take much time at all. However, this type of resume has been shown to be less effective than customized resumes because they don’t relate specifically enough to the company or job description. By creating a custom resume for each submission, you can ensure that employers see your most relevant qualifications first when reviewing candidates. This will help increase your chances of getting called in for interviews which means more opportunities for success!
Ready to put your resume to the test? Take a look at these latest remote jobs from Legit Mom Jobs here.