Day 28...Tailor Your Resume

Enough already about networking...what can you do to stand out of the crowd when applying for a job? One of the most important things you can do is tailor your resume. This means directly respond to the qualifications of the job for which you are applying.

It's best to explain this with a story...

Let's say I am applying for a position as a marketing coordinator at an architecture firm (this is position is posted on Indeed.com). The position requires the following qualifications...

• Excellent writing, editing and strategic thinking are fundamental skills necessary for the position


• Technical requirements include a strong background using graphic/page design (ie, InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, etc.) and information management (ie, Deltek Vision) programs


• Knowledge of MS Office (ie, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) is also required

It's important to make sure that your resume specifically points out the relevant experience you have in relation to the position. In the software section of my resume, I would make sure that all the software is listed and called out. In my job experience, I would make sure I use the same verbiage on my resume as the position I want. It's important to be that perfect match.

Many companies use software that searches your resumes for specific words. If that is the case, you want those words in your resume. Be sure to address all the qualifications so you will be the perfect fit for the position. Keep your chin up and good luck!