Engagement
rings are not one size fits all. Your job search strategy shouldn’t be generic
either - especially your resume.
When
my husband proposed marriage, if the ring he chose didn’t fit, I would have
answered “no.” Occupational hazard. Allow me to explain.
As
a Human Resources professional, I’m trained to think like hiring managers do.
In this case, I’d think if my husband-to-be can’t figure out my ring size, how
much effort will he put forth in the marriage?
Here
are 5 steps to customize your resume like a marriage proposal
Did
my husband-to-be sneak into my jewelry drawer and get my ring size? Snooping,
err...research, is the key to selecting the right words for your resume.
Research
your employer-to-be. Search beyond the “About Us” page on their website. Use
sources like Linkedin and Twitter to get clues about your target company, their
employees, and even competitors.
Learn
as much as you can before you show, in writing,
why you’re the best fit.
Having
the official job description is like having
your best friend
help select your engagement ring. Both increase the odds you’ll get what you’re
hoping for.
Use
the job description to match the employer’s vocabulary. Is the job title
“Client Services Representative?” Refer to people as clients instead of customers. Voila! Do you
have Client Services experience? Of course you do! I bet you’ve used
communication skills to resolve conflicts! Make your background relevant.
Focus
on the skills and experience that the job description states is desirable.
Every
word on your resume serves the purpose of separating you from the pack.
Highlight
career achievements, such as promotions or awards. Tell a compelling story that
resonates with your target employer.
Avoid
the phrase “Responsible for...” The tasks that follow are typically implied.
Did you save money, make
money, or improve something that created value? Did you do your job more
efficiently or effectively than someone else? What was the result to the
company? Describe what, where, when, why, and/or how. Be specific.
Provide
quantifiable evidence about why you are the “the one.”
Not
everyone has the budget to purchase an engagement ring for a Kardashian. Work
with what you’ve got.
You
can’t change your employment history because it is just that: history. However,
you can reframe, reword, and reposition your past. Approximately 80% of your
resume should match the job description in an obvious way.
What’s
included in your resume is just as important as what’s not. Eliminate
irrelevant information. Keep it clear and concise. Marry your employment
history to your employers’ present needs.
Select
the perfect format to accentuate your strengths. Reserve the most visual space
for the most important message. Use white space and line breaks generously to
make key information easy to find.
Show
creativity and effort when you design the resume for your one and only
employer.
Would
you shout from a rooftop “Will you marry me?” to nobody in particular?
Yes,
I suggest customizing your resume for plan B. Yes, one version per employer. No
need to panic. Swapping out terminology and rearranging key phrases may be
sufficient. If plan B is completely different than plan A, consider starting
your resume for another employer from scratch.
Ensure
that each version of your resume is a perfect fit for the recipient. How?
Review steps 1 through 4.
Convince
your target employer that you’re a match made in heaven. Use a strategically
customized resume to get a “yes” to your employment.
Dani
(Lerner) Mattisinko is addicted to helping women turn job search stress into
success. Her experience in staffing, sales, and social media spans more than 15
years. Dani currently serves as a volunteer career coach and workshop
facilitator at Fresh Start Women’s Foundation in Phoenix, AZ.
Twitter
@danimattisinko
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link to this article: http://www.wehelpwomen.com/blog
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