When I ask prospective clients what they do, I often hear: “Well, I’ll do pretty much anything. I don’t want to limit myself.”
Employers hire when they have a specific problem that needs corrective action. They hire candidates that: 1) understand their problem, 2) have already done what the employer needs to have done, 3) are prepared to apply what they have learned elsewhere to the prospective employer’s problem. How do you communicate this information to get an interview? You provide specific information that relates to a job posting or to your understanding of what a specific role will require. That means you don’t use a resume with a sales focus for an accounting position, a technical resume for an operations position, or a resume that focuses on leadership attributes for a support role. Targeting can also be done—often more easily—through the use of a cover letter.
You can significantly increase your chances of being selected for an interview if you target carefully, using language that resonates with the recruiter or hiring manager.
Ellie Vargo, MRW, CCMC
ev@noteworthyresume.com