Have you been applying to jobs using the same resume every time? While a resume might seem like a static document, you should update it for each job application. Making these changes will get you the interviews you’ve been hoping for.
If changing your resume for every job sounds impossible, don’t worry: it’s not as hard as it sounds. You can get great results with small strategic changes, and we’re here to show you how to do it. Do this before your next job application, and you’ll be one step closer to hearing those two special words: “You’re hired!”
Why You Need to Tailor Your Resume
When a recruiter looks through resumes, they aren’t looking for someone who’d be good at jobs in general. They’re looking for someone who’s the perfect fit for that particular job—and that’s why you need to tailor your resume each time.
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If that recruiter sees exactly the type of skills and experience they’re looking for, they’re much more likely to call you in for an interview. Updating your resume positions your most relevant information strategically so it can shine.
And today, the “recruiter” reading your resume might not even be a real person. Many companies use software to sift through resumes and pull out the ones that fit well. If you update your resume with relevant keywords and phrases for that specific job, the software is much more likely to place your resume at the top of the list.
To find out how to update your resume, start by carefully reading the job description. Pay attention to the job requirements and what they’re looking for in a candidate. Those are the things you’ll want your resume to reflect. You can also check out the company’s website and social media pages. Jot down any keywords or phrases that come up often.
Ideas for Customizing Your Resume
Now, let’s take a look at some specific ways to update your resume for each job.
Order of Information
One of the easiest ways to make your resume stand out is to rearrange the order in which things appear.
