I got this piece of advice from a CPA client of mine, and I was reminded of the simplicity of the statement.
How many times have you made a choice based on your impressions or hunches, or instincts, when if you laid out the cold, hard facts about your job search (or situation) for that matter, the data would tell a different story?
So here’s what I propose you do. Right now. Because you-and I-know that if you put it off and tell yourself that you’ll get to it later (or don’t even take the time to write it on your to-do list) you won’t.
1. For EVERY job you apply for, from this point forward, copy and paste the job description into a separate document so you have it at your fingertips. ALWAYS! Don’t count on it still being posted if the company calls you for a phone interview. The job descriptions are your key to understanding exactly what the company wants, and provide you the fodder you need to discuss in a job interview.
2. Once you have a collection of those positions-say 5-10, print them out, or somehow organize them on your computer so you can really read all of them and look for trends. You might even end up putting them into different physical piles based on job titles. Applying for jobs one at a time doesn’t give you a chance to see common trends nor the unique qualities some jobs are looking for over others. Looking at the big picture lets you formulate a strategy and see how your resume may or may not be matching what they want.
3. Now customize a few resume “templates” to match these jobs.
Taking this systematic, focused approach can really let you get a handle on what’s going on in your search and with the jobs you’re looking at.
Yes, it is a pain to customize your resume for every job-but when I was a hiring manger, I just wanted to look at resumes for people who matched what I was looking for. What’s happening now is that everyone is applying for any job that they’re remotely interested in-with one generic resume. Hiring managers are left scratching their head over the resume wondering what about this person’s background makes them think they’re qualified for the job?
Customizing the resume well demonstrates a deliberate, focused candidate who clearly understands the qualities of the position and how they fit into the role. You can’t fix it if you can’t see the big picture and how you need to modify your approach to fit better into it.
Now, let’s go get some jobs!
Melanie Szlucha’s company Red Inc. Helps candidates stand out from the crowd–in a good way. Follow her on Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/Red_Inc) or check out her website: http://www.reallygreatresume.com
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