3 Ways to Customize Your Resume to Get the Job That You Want

While most resumes look the same on the surface, a few key areas differentiate well-written winning resumes from those that never make it into the hands of hiring managers. Some recruitment factors, such as applicant tracking systems (ATS), are hard to beat. But what you can control and update and control is customizing your resume for the job you want.

To customize your resume for the job you want, pay attention to the following three elements:

• Resume style,
• Career objective,
• Personal profile summary.

Choosing the Correct Resume Style

The layout and style of your resume are as important as the information you include about your experience and qualifications.

The two most commonly used resume styles are chronological and functional.

• Chronological resume: A chronological resume calls for listing your professional expertise in order, much like the name implies. It is for those with extensive professional experience.

• Functional resume: A functional resume showcases your experience by the type of qualifications and is typically used by those lacking professional experience or those changing careers.

While there are no set rules on determining the best resume style to use, the resume format can help or hurt your chances to put your best foot forward. You will want to pick the format that will best highlight your qualifications and your experience. Thus, it is important to understand the difference between the two, as well as research which format is more preferred in the field of your choice.

Career Objective

Career objective is very important to your resume. While there is an ongoing debate about the need to add your objective to your resume, choosing to include this goal statement shows that you have given your professional growth some serious thought. Consider your career objective as the first impression you make on your potential employer. Make sure that your goals are specific and directional in terms of industry, position title, and future professional achievements. Most people make the mistake of including generic statements under their career objectives. To be effective, your statement must tell a potential employer that you know what kind of job you want, what experience you have to get the position, and what you are willing to do to become a successful professional with the company.

Profile Summary

While your career objective tells your potential employer why you are applying for the job at their organization, your professional profile sells your expertise and convinces the employer that you are the best candidate for the job. Your professional summary/profile allows you to differentiate yourself and give your employer an insight into you. Two commonly made mistakes in this section of the resume are poor writing and the inclusion of personal information. Note your age, ethnicity, gender, religious affiliations, etc.

Do not make a difference in how you handle yourself as a business professional. Adding this information to your resume is not recommended, or any job application materials (even when asked on a job application, such information is optional and is for demographics study only). Make sure this section is well-written and error-free. Strong positive statements about your expertise will give a good first impression to your employer. Make sure to proofread the whole resume, with emphasis on this section, as it appears at the start of your resume. An effective personal statement must leave your employer with the impression that you are confident, credible, and professional.

Finding your dream job can be a long process, and perfecting the small parts can help you reach your destination faster. Your resume is your sales pitch, demonstrating your qualifications and experience to your potential employer. Seize the opportunity to put your best foot forward, and you will reap the rewards. We hope you find these tips by the Applycup team useful!