4 Tips for Making Your Resume A Perfect Match for Any Opening

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When a hiring manager reviews your resume you want them to say, “Wow! That person sounds like the perfect fit for the job!” And then, of course, they call you for the interview! So how do you create a resume that communicates that you’re exactly what they’re looking for in a new employee? Below are four tips for creating a perfect-match resume.

 

Customization is critical

 

Remember, you always want to tweak your resume when you apply for a job. No two positions are exactly alike, and each employer is going to have different standards and requirements that are very important to them. Key in on those requirements, and be sure to incorporate them into your resume. You’ll know what these requirements are by reviewing the job advertisement and noting special keywords throughout; or, in most cases, the employer will state required skills or preferred qualifications. You’re a perfect match when you meet all of the required and preferred qualifications. Which leads me to my next point.

 

Required and preferred skills are essential

 

When reviewing the description for a job opening, be careful to note exactly what the employer lists as required and preferred. This is critical information. You want to make sure your resume communicates very clearly that you possess all of the required skills. This means you’re capable of doing the job and performing the essential functions. Preferred qualifications are the employer’s wish list of things they’d like to have in a new employee. They can live without them, but if you can prove you possess them, you just upped the ante for the other candidates being considered and are one step closer to positioning yourself as the ideal candidate.

 

Keywords are a must

 

Scan the opening for important keywords listed throughout. Chances are any recruiter or HR person is going to use these keywords when searching job boards for your resume. You want to make sure these keywords are listed throughout your resume or the applicant-tracking software the organization is using won’t pull your resume in the search results.

 

Don’t forget about branding

 

Branding your resume is important to your job search, but it is also vital to proving you’re the perfect fit for an opening. You need to think about what makes you unique as a candidate. What can you offer that others can’t? Show the employer you can offer them value and benefit that others cannot. Do this through a branding statement, branded career summary, and metrics-driven accomplishment statements.

 

Creating a resume that communicates your perfect fit for an open position can be challenging, but following these simple tips can make the process easier and less painstaking.

 

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  • Steward M
    Steward M
    I have to admit that i was not including what you have highlighted in the 4 tips in my resume.This information will be so helpful to me and others.   
  • Marcia C
    Marcia C
    I strongly agree with you key points, customization, using keywords including skills and preferred qualifications.  What make(s) YOU unique, personal values etc.How can I access Applicant Tracking Software?
  • Luis G
    Luis G
    I agree with these suggestions.
  • David J
    David J
    For a job of any significance, it still seems that networking is your best bet.  The old adage that “it is not what you know but who you know” did not become an old adage without merit.  All of the rest of these requirements for resume gymnastics simply illustrates the immaturity of those who are selecting employees.  It is the prosperity gospel of the new US economy – give them what they want to hear and you might have a chance.
  • Renee B
    Renee B
    Very helpful hints.  Thank you.Regards,Renee
  • Divendar S
    Divendar S
    i did not work for two years iam afraid to tell the truth to employer in my resume
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