A one-size resume does not fit all

The one-size-fits-all resume (and its cousin, the one-size-fits-all cover letter) doesn’t work anymore. Put yourself in the employer’s shoes, and you can understand why. Employers dread sifting through the deluge of resumes they receive every time they advertise an open position – especially when the majority of applicants fail to tailor their resume to the position.

So when you use a generic, one-size- fits-all resume shows up alongside dozens of others, it’s likely to be ignored. Instead, consider using the following tips to ensure your resume stands out from the crowd.

Learn about the company

Firstly, research the company that you want to work for. Thoroughly read the job description and highlight any keywords. If there are no jobs advertised, you can still proactively apply. When conducting research, ask yourself these questions:

1. What are the company’s values and what is their mission statement?
2. Who are the key players in the organization?
3. What are 3 recent news stories either from the company or within the industry?

Finding out this information will already put you ahead of 90% of applicants. It shows your initiative and that you are interested in the company.

Customize your resume

Applicants who are passionate about the position are those who invest the time and energy necessary to customize their resume and cover letter to suit both the role and the company at hand.

If you take the time to identify those characteristics in the job description and highlight them on your resume (and cover letter), you’ll present yourself in the best possible light and elevate your application above and beyond the competition.

As a candidate, you need to understand what skills will be required from you. Make a list of products, services and who the company’s clients are to give you a better understanding of what or who you could potentially be working with.

Use an active voice and strong action words

Learning how to correctly use verbs and an active voice will make your resume stand out and sound punchy. What exactly are action words? These are verbs that clearly demonstrate an action. The active voice shows that you were directly involved rather than sitting on the sidelines, watching it all happen.
Make sure you start each bullet point with a verb because it connects your work to the goal you accomplished.

The first sentence sounds boring and doesn’t show results. The second sentence is punchier and shows what you were involved in and your accomplishments. Scan through your resume and change a passive voice to active.

Highlight your achievements

Use language that showcases your achievements, rather than just “doing,”. Quantifying your achievements with figures, percentages and statistics will make you sound confident and your resume will stand out compared to the rest. Remember, focus on YOUR achievements as well as the company’s results.

Spell check your resume

Last but not least, look up the spelling of any unfamiliar words, technical words, or pronouns. If you’re not confident in your writing skills, then have a respected peer check your resume.

Why customizing your resume works:

Managers trying to fill an open position within their organization don’t want to hear from applicants half-heartedly ‘taking a shot’ at the role – they want to hear from those who really, truly want the opportunity.

Put yourself in the shoes of the hiring manager – which of the following candidates would be of greater interest to you?

Candidate 1 – Sent a generic cover letter and resume not particularly suited for any particular role or industry. This candidate has clearly applied for a large number of open positions as quickly as possible.

Candidate 2 – Has evidently researched your organization and tailored both their resume and tailored their resume and cover letter to suit the specific requirements of the role, and nuances of your organization. This candidate has clearly taken a keen interest in the position.