Don’t get me wrong, it’s not fun. It’s just that tailoring your resume to match the job description probably doesn’t need to take as long as you might think, assuming that you’re largely applying for the same type of job over and over again.
Maybe 15 minutes in that case.
Once you get the branding down well, it should not be taking you hours to craft a resume to fit a job you’re applying to. So read on for some initial crafting tips.!
First, Why Tailor Your Resume?
When hiring managers review resumes, they’re looking for candidates who align closely with their specific needs. A tailored resume quickly shows that you’ve taken the time to understand the role and helps highlight why you’re the perfect fit.
Four Pillars of Effective Resume Tailoring
1. Job Title Alignment
Your job titles are often the first things recruiters notice, and they give a quick impression of what your experience and skills are. Make them count by:
- Using industry-standard titles that align with your target role
- Ensuring titles accurately reflect your responsibilities while matching the target role’s terminology (if the title doesn’t accurately reflect your responsibilities it can come off as being deceptive. Or ya know…lying.)
- Adding contextual titles in parentheses when needed for clarity (e.g., “Project Lead (Technical Learning Specialist)”)
2. Keyword Optimization
The right keywords can make the difference between your resume being seen or overlooked:
- Mirror key terms from the job description thoughtfully
- Focus on relevant skills and achievements/outcomes that match the role
- Remove or downplay unrelated experience that might distract from your core qualifications
3. Outcome/Result Framing
It’s not just what you did—it’s how you frame it and what happened as a result:
- Highlight accomplishments most relevant to the target role
- Quantify results in ways that matter for the position
- If you’re having a hard time quantifying things (looking at you, Higher Ed and Non-Profit professionals), use qualitative/descriptive outcomes
- Use industry-specific metrics that resonate with hiring managers
- Transform generic achievements into role-specific wins
4. Responsibility Focus
Every bullet point should serve a purpose:
- Emphasize duties that align directly with job requirements
- De-emphasize or remove unrelated responsibilities
- Use similar language to the job posting to demonstrate alignment
- Focus on transferable skills when switching industries
The Golden Rule: Maintain Authenticity
A crucial aspect of resume tailoring is maintaining honesty throughout the process. Tailoring is not about fabrication or making stuff up—it’s about presenting your genuine experience through the most relevant lens for each specific role. Think of it as translation rather than transformation. You have to help people understand how relevant your experience and skills are.
Practical Tips for Implementation
- Create a Master Resume
- Keep a comprehensive document with all your experience
- Use this as your base for creating tailored versions
- Create a Resume Version for Each Role Type You Apply For
- You’ll want a version that aligns with each of your target role types
- Tailoring within a role type shouldn’t take you long
- Analyze the Job Description
- Highlight key requirements and qualifications
- Note specific terminology and phrases used
- Identify the most important skills and experiences sought after
- Make Strategic Choices
- Prioritize relevant experience by reorganizing bullet points
- Consider the company’s culture and values
- Review and Refine
- Double-check alignment with job requirements
- Ensure all information remains accurate
- Proofread carefully after making changes
The Bottom Line
Resume tailoring is not so much about creating different versions of yourself—it’s about highlighting the most relevant aspects of your experience for each opportunity. When done correctly, it helps employers quickly understand your value proposition and increases your chances of landing an interview.
Remember: Your resume is often your first impression. Make it count by presenting your experience in a way that resonates with each specific opportunity while staying true to your professional story.
The Brave Club!
If you’re looking for a way to be more effective in your job search (in other words, get better at landing interviews and jobs), come join The Brave Club!
It’s my group coaching program designed for job seekers. If you’re an educator, leader, or career pivoter, this was built for you.
The Brave Club is a more affordable/accessible coaching option that provides you with community, strategy, accountability, and confidence you can use to more skillfully and successfully navigate the circus that is the job search.
Check out some quick details below:
- 6 45 minute group sessions focusing on Branding, Resume Development, Job Alignment, and Negotiation
- Access to the private Facebook group for members
- Regular job search advice straight to your email inbox
- Open office hours for you to get specific answers to your questions
Early Registration starts today! Register as an early member by Friday, January 24th and you can get in for only $75!
Click here to learn more and get started with bolstering your job search!
Here’s what someone from the pilot group had to say about their experience in The Brave Club:
I had a great experience for someone that has a non traditional job and has not worked in a corporate environment it definitely made me start to think differently in my current role. I feel more confident having the tools to start applying I am not as scared. I highly recommend anyone to join (already have a few friends that are interested). Come in ready to share job search and interview experiences.
-Alicia S.
This is your sign! Come sign up and let’s get to it. See ya there!
Be Gallant Coaching 