Do You Ever Tweek Your Résumé?

Whenever you are applying for jobs, do you tweek your résumé accordingly? Most people download the same résumé over and over again for every job they apply for. That is really a bad mistake on their part. And, they wonder why they are not called in for a job interview!

Every job description lists what the requirements are in order to fill the position. Some list "desired" or "preferred" and "required" skills. The "required" skills are the most important and the "desired / preferred" skills are gravy. Usually the first few items listed in the job description are the ones that hold the most impact and are the most important. Most HR professionals list "required skills" in the order of importance, listing the most important ones first on the list. Meaning, you must have these skill sets in order to be considered. That's why it's so important to read and understand the job description thoroughly. When you don't you're wasting everybody's time including yours.

Once you have read and understood the job description, you MUST make sure your résumé can speak to those points listed in the "required" section, hence the reason why you need to tweek your résumé accordingly. Showing your value upfront where it counts when speaking to those "required" skill sets is a smart idea. This way the reader can see within those 8-10 seconds we talked about previously, you are a "fit" for the position. That's why you get called into an interview. Your value is found quickly and easily saving time and money. Don't assume the reader is willing to search your entire résumé to see if you fit. Especially if your résumé is not reader-friendly or pleasing to the eye so the information they are looking for is found within a short period of time.

Got a job you are applying for? Then, take a look at the "required" skills and the "desired / preferred" skills if they are listed. Then, take a look at your résumé to see if you have addressed those specific skills that are listed in the job description. Now, I don't mean just listing you have those skills so that your résumé is caught by their ATS (Applicant Tracking System). You must prove you have these skills as well as showing the value you can bring to the workplace. If you just merely list them, the reader WILL look for the evidence in your work history. It should be balanced.

Don't take your résumé lightly. This is a serious matter. It's the difference between you becoming gainfully employed or not. The competition is fierce out there! And, that's why your résumé has to be on point. Tweek your résumé for every position you apply for to make sure your skills match up to those that are MOST important to the employer. And, that means reading and understanding what's required and what is not.