Resume Writing Guide: Keywords and Customization

Gone are the days when people had to look for jobs in the newspaper, and job hunting was challenging. Although it’s easier to look for one because of the internet, landing one is even more complex because of how competitive the job market is.

As such, when applying for a job, you must immediately make an excellent first impression, precisely where your resumes come in. One study shows that a professionally written resume gives people an edge over self-written ones. Hence, resume writing is given more value than ever.

Beginner Mistake: Sending One Generic Resume to Different Employers

With hundreds of job openings, sending a generic resume to different employees may be more productive. Still, this approach is counterproductive since each job opening has different qualifications and requirements, and each company has specific needs that they need to fill.

When you send a generic resume to various companies, you’ll get rejected immediately because your resume needs to reflect the specific skills and experience they’re looking for in a candidate.

As such, resume customization when job hunting is crucial for your application, especially if you want to make an excellent first impression. It shows the company how much you value and care about this job since you tailored your resume precisely to their needs.

Companies nowadays value candidates who take the time to research the company and the job opening, identify the required skills and qualifications, and tailor their resumes accordingly with relevant keywords and achievements, rather than someone who sends out resumes without care.

Why You Should Customize Your Resume Based on the Position You Are Applying to?

Nowadays, many job hunters spend their time and energy making their resumes but then make the mistake of using one resume for every job application. As a result, more often than not, those applications are commonly the ones that are rejected from the very beginning.

Customizing your resume based on the position you are applying to increases your chances of getting an interview. This is because employers are looking for candidates with the

specific skills and experience required for the job. By customizing your resume to match the job description, you show the employer that you have the skills and experience they seek.

Customizing your resume also shows the employer you are serious about the job. It shows that you have taken the time to research the company and the position and are willing to put in the effort to tailor your resume to the job.

In addition, customizing your resume can also help you stand out from other applicants. Employers receive hundreds of resumes for each job opening and are looking for ways to narrow down the pool of candidates quickly. Customizing your resume shows the employer that you are the best fit for the job.

Customizing your resume based on the position you are applying to is essential in the resume writing process. It shows the employer that you have the skills and experience they are looking for, and it can significantly increase your chances of getting to the next level of your job application.

Adding Keywords to Your Resume

One of the main things managers consider is the resume keywords that appear in what you send. According to one study, hiring managers nowadays don’t read the entire resume; instead, to become more productive and efficient, they use tracking systems and look for resume keywords to know which applications pass.

As such, it’s essential to ensure your resume passes through. How? Simply include resume keywords that align with the job description given by the company. Since the company is looking for candidates that fit that job, it’s only fitting that they look for resume keywords that fit the description.

In other words, to help increase your chances with the job that you’re vying for, resume customization is essential by adding the relevant resume keywords. However, ensuring that the keywords are appropriate and not just randomly inserted in your resume is vital.

Tips on Customizing Your Resume for a Higher Chance of Interview Callback

The key to resume writing is customization. Companies do, too, just like each person has their interest. To ensure you catch their eye, you must make your resume stand out above the rest. Here’s a short resume writing guide to get you started.

1. Curate your resume to the job description.

One good resume-writing tip is to read the company’s job description. There’s a reason why they put it there: read it carefully and tailor your resume according to the job description.

This shows the recruiter that you’ve read their job posting and have the skills and experiences they seek.

2. Highlight your relevant experiences.

Recruiters go through thousands of resumes daily but only take seconds to know which applications are in. So, when writing your resume, it’s essential to highlight the experiences relevant to the job you’re vying for. This way, people can quickly identify your experiences. You can use bullet points and shortened phrases about your previous experiences.

3. Use a clear and concise format.

No one likes reading complicated and wordy text. As such, it’s essential to use a clear and concise format that’s easy to read. Use bullets and section your resume with headings so that the recruiter knows where to look for.

4. Avoid generic wording.

Another great resume-writing tip is to avoid generic words when describing your previous job. Instead, use more formal words like “managed” or “improved” to enhance your resume to a more professional level.

Wrapping It Up

In a world where job hunting is more competitive than ever, resume writing guides people to create better resumes that make them stand out. Adding resume keywords is one way recruiters can notice you more, making you one step closer to your dream job. By using resume keywords, you highlight your skills and experiences more efficiently and market yourself better.

Whether you’re a first-time job seeker or an experienced employee looking to shift careers, we can help you find your dream sales job. Explore more resume tips here and then submit your resume to companies that fit well with your ideas and aspirations. Browse or apply for open jobs and get your career started.