If you’re using the same Resume to apply for every job you want, it’s time to change your game plan.
Experts say it’s critical to put the extra time into individualising Resumes for each job application as opposed to sending out a Resume “template.” With the number of Resumes seen by recruiters these days, a candidate’s message needs to get across in a hurry.
One HR professional estimates that a Resume will get the attention of an employer for 30 seconds to one minute. That means that the writing needs to be concise, specific and focused on the job that is being offered.
A new technique for helping recruiters identify and track top people is the keyword section of the Resume. A candidate’s experience may be broad, and keywords at the top of a Resume will immediately focus attention on the types of job titles, responsibilities, and technical proficiency that are being offered. List your most important qualities in doing the job you are applying for in the keyword section.
When sending an electronic Resume, Kay LaRocca, author of the electronic book “Secrets to Successful Job Hunting in a Sluggish Economy,” also advises applicants to lead with a summary paragraph headed “key words”. This paragraph should include all specific job titles in which the applicant has interest.
Someone looking for a job as an executive secretary, for example, might also include “administrative assistant” or “office manager” in a key words section. The opening statement can be tailored to pick up on the key features of a given job description.
Recruiters shouldn’t have to work to see if an applicant’s experience is going to be a match. Resumes need to be specific, but also need to be concise. Job objectives also matter. If the objective on a Resume doesn’t fit the job advertised, or it looks as if you’re applying for every single job and throwing out Resumes at random, a recruiter isn’t going to take you seriously.
Applicants should be able to articulate clearly what they’re looking for in jobs they want and what they’ve accomplished in jobs they’ve had. So instead of having just one Resume version a jobseeker may keep many. Each draft could highlight job experience to a specific job ad. The language should be tailored to the industry or profession and convey personal qualities that parallel the culture of the targeted company or organisation.
Examples of what can be included in the keyword summary are as follows:
Keyword Summary
ü Sales proficiency
ü Team building
ü Computer literacy
ü Customer service
ü Interpersonal skills
ü Marketing
ü e-commerce
Debbie O’Halloran
