Have you been applying to jobs online and hearing nothing back? You're not alone. One of the biggest mistakes job seekers make is sending the same resume to every job posting. In today's competitive market, a one-size-fits-all approach may not work anymore.
Here are three simple steps you can take to customize your resume for each online application you submit.
Step 1: Scan the Job Description and Your Resume: You need to know what keywords and skills the employer is looking for. Tools like ChatGPT (you can ask it to act like an applicant tracking system!), JobScan, or Cultivated Careers make this easy. These platforms "scan" your resume against a job description and show you which important keywords you're missing. Think of it as getting insider information on how to align your resume with the job's needs.
Step 2: Update Your Experience and Skills: Once you have your keywords, weave them naturally into your experience section. But don't stop there — be specific! If the job mentions "cold calling," don't just list it as a skill. Share concrete numbers and results: How many cold calls do you make weekly or monthly? What results have you achieved from those efforts? Numbers and achievements make your resume stronger and more believable.
Step 3: Customize Your Summary and Title Finally, tailor your resume's title and professional summary to each job. Pro tip: don't waste space by writing "Professional Summary" as your heading. Instead, use the job title you're applying for. If you're applying for a VP of Marketing role, your heading should say "VP of Marketing," followed by a summary that speaks directly to the needs of that position.
Quick Recap:
Scan your resume and the job description.
Update your experience and skills with relevant keywords and accomplishments.
Customize your professional summary and heading.
Customizing your resume doesn't have to be overwhelming. Small, targeted changes can make a big difference and help you move from the "no" pile to the "call for interview" pile.
If you need help making your resume stand out, I'm here to support you. Feel free to reach out at jasmine@jasminebriggs.com.
Stay inspired,
Jasmine Briggs Rogers
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