For most people, the assumption is that one resume fits all, which is exactly why you should be customizing your resume to the job you’re applying for. Your resume should stand out from the rest, and when you have tailored it to the position you’re applying for, your chances of being
It’s tempting to use a resume template, especially since there are hundreds available, but this won’t really help you. Do you really want your resume to look just like thousands of others? Probably not. Change it up a bit and design your own. Just don’t take it too far— keep it simple and easy to read.
Job descriptions will use words or phrases to describe the ideal candidate, including industry jargon, so reproduce this by using the same wording in your profile and throughout your resume. Remember, it’s not always the hiring manager that reviews a resume first. Instead, many times it is an internal HR team comprised of people who are not experts in your field. A quick scan for keywords may be all the attention your resume will get, so if you don’t have the right keywords included, you could be quickly passed up.
Meanwhile, always proofread your own work. Just one error can drastically change the way people see your resume, and it can affect your future job prospects with the company. Putting your resume down for a few hours or for a day, then re-reading it, can give you a completely fresh perspective.
By a similar token, don’t forget to let someone else read over your cover letter and your resume. While a spellcheck function is a handy tool, it doesn’t mean it’s going to catch all mistakes, so get a friend to check it out for you and let you know if there are any errors that need to be fixed, as well as anything you may have forgotten to include.
If you want to incorporate multimedia and portfolio materials into your resume, a site like can be invaluable. The site and others like it allow you to add audio and video, as well as graphs and even samples of your work. This can help you create a multidimensional resume that stands out from the rest.
While Times New Roman or Arial font is the standard option that most people use out of habit, some hiring managers and recruiters dislike them and feel they are overused. Georgia is an excellent choice; it’s easy on the eyes for computer reading. Layout is also important. Keep the paragraphs or sections fairly short. Using short paragraphs, bullet points, and subheadings will make things far simpler to read.
Most importantly, the content of your resume is what will gain the attention of a hiring manager. The details of a custom resume are what can make you stand out against the competition.
Lindsay Olson is a founding partner and public relations recruiter with and a niche job board for public relations, communications and social media jobs.
By Lindsay Olson
y.usnews.com
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ReplyDeleteDear Lindsay, it's amazing how things happen. I have been looking for another position in the marketing communication industry. And there comes you and your so useful words. For sure, your text contains much more than tips. It reminded me of how much I customize my marketing efforts and obviously my clients and prospects. On the other way, I was taking for granted the importance of my own resume. Why so, not doing the same, with even more intensity when dealing with the most important client I can possibly have; myself. Eventhough I know I can't pretend all of the recruiters are the same, I was in an awkward and naive way looking at my resume as a marketing communication piece of art. Thanks a bunch for your kind, relevant and stimulating words. I'll run back to my monolitic resume and shake it, putting a large dose of flexibility and customization in it. As in one strong tree I'll take different fruits. Some smaller, other bigger, some a little sweet, others more bitter, but all of them from the same tree. Only then, my different resumes will always be original and unique texts, able to present more than my overal habilities, that's the minimun effort. I'll make it fit in such a way that will turn on the green light in the hands of a recruiter searching relevance, originality and an experienced professional. Best regards, Olivieri
ReplyDeleteYou mention a site but don't name it that I can see....which is it. Here's the portion of your blog - the asterisk shows that missing info.
ReplyDeleteIf you want to incorporate multimedia and portfolio materials into your resume, a site like *** can be invaluable. The site *** and others like it allow you to add audio and video, as well as graphs and even samples of your work. This can help you create a multidimensional resume that stands out from the rest.