Job-Specific Resumes Answer the Right Question

I was never a fan of job specific resumes. I thought the foundation resume should be written so well that adjusting it for specific jobs was a lot of unnecessary work. The last year has been a brutal employer's market. This has changed the job seekeing game. If you aren't getting your resume personally handed to the hiring authority by someone who has enough clout to say, "Interview this person. It is worth your time." or "I know the resume isn't the best we have seen, but I have inside information that says this person is right for the job." or "Hire her - I said so!" --- You need to have a powerful resume that puts you on or near the top of the many resumes being submitted for the position.

To make the resume effectively speak to the specific position, you still near to start with an excellent foundation resume. It has to be a sales piece that highlights your strengths, skills, and experiences. It has to sum up your exceptional attributes and make someone want you on her team rather than the competition's team. Once you have that document, you should look at the job description provided by the employer. If they only provided a small ad, contact them to see if you can have an extended job description. When you call, use the interaction as a way to leave an impact. For example, "Hello, I am calling to ask a quick question about the XYZ job you have posted. I am experienced in the area and have seen a lot of success in the industry, but want to make sure I am a solid match to your needs. Would you be willing to share the job description with me? I would hate to show interest in a position that is not a good fit for both sides." Remember, you are making a first impression. Make the most out of it.

If the advertisement said "No telephone calls, please." then don't call. Instead, see if you know anyone in the organization who could ask for the job description. If that doesn't work, then do some thinking about what the job entails. Once you understand the job essentials, make sure everyone is covered in the resume. Then, also consider if this employer has been a part of your history. Have you ever worked on something for them or their competitor? That may result in knowledge other candidate's don't have. Highlight that knowledge. Have you used or purchased any services or products from this employer for a previous employer? Highlight that.

Ultimately, to have the resume speak to the job opening you should have the resume act like an answer to a question. An employer asks, "Why should I hire you over someone else to meet the specific needs of my company?" And your resume answers with all the right reasons.