Mastering the Art of Tailoring: Tips for Crafting a Resume They’ll Love
A common complaint among job seekers is how long and tedious the job search process can be, especially when trying to change careers. In today's competitive job market, many people are vying for the same positions, and there are numerous challenges to navigate in the current economy.
To excel in the job search, one key piece of advice stands out: know your target audience—the hiring team. Understanding what the recruiter and hiring manager want to see on a resume is crucial. Remember, the resume isn't for the job seeker; it's for the hiring team.
A frequently asked question is, "How do I know what the recruiter and hiring manager want to see on my resume?" and “Do I really have to omit parts of my background and achievements?"
While every achievement in a career is important, it's essential to focus on what the reader of the resume needs to know to consider a candidate for a position.
Here are the secrets to tailoring the perfect resume to the hiring team:
Brand Yourself as a Top Performer
The hiring manager wants to see that a candidate is a top performer. Simply listing job duties isn't enough to capture their interest. Highlight achievements, accolades, and any metrics that demonstrate success and impact in previous roles.
Showcase Recent and Relevant Experience
Recruiters look for transferable skills and relevant experience. For those applying for a job title they've never held before, it's important to clearly outline what makes them qualified for the role now. If it's not immediately obvious, consider using a skills-based resume format or creating a separate section to showcase the most relevant expertise.
Make the Resume Insightful and Skimmable
A resume must be both insightful and easy to skim. If the recruiter and hiring manager can't tell within six seconds why a candidate is the most qualified out of hundreds of applicants, the resume likely won't advance to the next round. Avoid lengthy resumes with excessive detail, clutter, and lack of clarity. Instead, focus on highlighting the most relevant experience and achievements concisely.
In summary, a well-crafted resume should brand the candidate as a top performer, showcase the most recent and relevant experience, and be both insightful and skimmable. By following these guidelines, job seekers can enhance their chances of getting noticed by recruiters and hiring managers, ultimately advancing to the interview stage.
