You Should Customize Your Resumé
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Employment candidates who do not take the time to learn something about the employer must rely on a generic resumé. However, we all know that one size does not fit all. Therefore, if you want to make the best possible impression, a customized resumé is a valuable tool.




To increase the number of invitations you receive for interviews, customize your resumé for each employer. Just like you, employers appreciate people who have taken the time to learn something about them and show an interest in what they do. You show your knowledge of the organization and demonstrate interest by sending them a resumé that has been customized to the advertised position.



How Can You Customize Your Resumé?



1. Research - Learn about each employer by carefully reviewing their ad, visiting their web site, checking out their presence on social networking sites, talking to current and former employees and listening carefully to anything a recruiter volunteers. Before you apply for the position, do some additional research by looking for recent articles that can tell you more about the company.



When you become familiar with an employer?s people, products, services, finances, direction, competitors, culture, reputation and job requirements, you are in a better position to make a strong presentation.



2. Key Words - From your research, try to identify five or more important words that are used frequently or seem to represent the company and the specifics of the job opening. These key words should be used in the material you send when you apply for the position. Additionally, it is important to understand that some employers use scanners to look for key words in your submissions (Letter & Resumé). If those key words are not there, you are unlikely to be interviewed.



3. Resumé Content - The best job applicants skillfully incorporate key words, phrases and learned information into the various sections of their resumés. In that way, the information that you present will closely match the advertisement and the needs of the target employer.



Sections of the resumé often include: (a) Contact information, (b) Objective, (c) Summary of Qualifications, (d) Selected Accomplishments, (e) Education and Coursework, (f) Employment History, and (g) Any Remaining Elements. Within each section of the resumé, except your contact information, there are opportunities to utilize your research to align yourself with the employer?s needs.



Wise applicants see the benefits of alignment. When employers receive 50 to 250 resumés for an open position, they look for ways to eliminate as many people as possible. Most employers will interview only six or eight candidates for an open position. Therefore, the candidates who are best able to demonstrate a clear alignment with the requirements of the position will greatly increase their chances to be selected for an interview.



The act of customization takes a bit of work. However, that work, when done properly, will take a mundane resumé and bring it to life for the reader. To be selected, your resumé must stand out and meet the needs and expectations of the reader. For even the most qualified candidates, customization must become part of your employment arsenal.