How Do I Customize My Resume?

Great Careers Start Here
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If you’re ready to start applying for a new job, you need to make sure your resume is in tip-top shape. It’s not enough to just include your most recent work experiences. You also need to customize your resume to the job you’re pursuing.
Here are 5 ways to make sure your resume is a perfect fit to the job you want:
Follow directions
Every company has its own idea of what it wants a resume to contain and how long it should be. Pay attention to the job posting. Does it ask for a cover letter? Make sure you include one. Does your resume need an “objective?” Then don’t leave it out!
Tailor it to the industry
Do your research to find out what’s considered the norm for your industry. A healthcare resume won’t look the same as one for information technology. They’ll use different language and highlight different skillsets. They might even look different from a graphic design perspective.
Pull keywords from the job posting
Speaking of language, you’ll want to make certain to use vocabulary straight from the job posting. This will help you get by applicant tracking systems designed to filter out resumes that don’t match the job, but it will also help you when it’s an actual human reading your resume! You need to know the lingo of your new career and your resume is a good place to show that you do.
Match your skillset to the job
Outline your abilities and accomplishments in a way that fits the job you hope to get. If they’re looking for someone with leadership skills, don’t just say that you’re a leader; show it! Give examples of times you led a team and be sure to include numbers. How many people did you lead and what were your accomplishments?
Link your resume to your online profile
Your resume needs to be consistent with what you present online. Wherever your future employer looks, they should discover the professional you hope to become. Now is a good time to take another look at what you’re putting out on social media. Does it say you’re ready to be taken seriously in your career? It should!
Before you begin your job search, make sure you have the credentials you need to succeed. Charter College has fast-track, career-focused programs in accounting, business, criminal justice, health care, nursing, information technology, paralegal studies, and the trades. If you’re ready for a new career, start your training at Charter College now.