How to Tailor Your Resume to a Specific Job

Why Tailoring Matters

When you submit your resume for a job, most companies now use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter applications. These systems scan resumes for relevant keywords that match the job description. If your resume doesn't include these keywords, it might never make it to a human recruiter, no matter how qualified you are. Even when your resume is viewed by a human, recruiters spend just 7.4 seconds on average scanning each resume. If your resume doesn’t catch their eye immediately by matching the job they’re hiring for, it will likely be passed over.

Tailoring is essential because it:

• Improves your chances of passing ATS filters.
• Increases relevancy to the job description.
• Highlights your most relevant skills and experiences.
• Shows the employer that you've made the extra effort.

How to Tailor Your Resume to the Job

1. Study the Job Description

The first step in tailoring your resume is to thoroughly analyze the job description. Look for the following elements:

• Keywords: Identify key skills, tools, and qualifications the employer is looking for.
• Job Responsibilities: Understand what the main tasks and responsibilities are for the role.
• Company Culture & Values: Notice if there are specific soft skills or values the company emphasizes.

A great way to do this is to highlight or copy-paste the job description into a document and go through it systematically, underlining the most important points.

2. Mirror the Language of the Job Posting

Once you have a list of keywords and responsibilities, you should mirror the language used in the job posting in your resume. For example, if a job description mentions “project management skills,” don’t simply state you “led projects”—use the exact phrase “project management” to align your resume with the job posting. This increases the chance of passing through the ATS.

3. Customize Your Summary Section

Your resume summary is the first section recruiters will read, so make it count. Tailor this section to reflect the key qualifications for the job. For instance, if you’re applying for a marketing position and the job description emphasizes “digital marketing” and “data analytics,” you could write:

"Experienced Digital Marketing Specialist with a focus on data analytics and customer engagement. Proven track record in managing online campaigns that increase web traffic and boost conversions."

This summary immediately aligns you with the job requirements and piques the recruiter's interest.

4. Prioritize Relevant Experience

Most people have experience that spans various roles and industries. However, when tailoring your resume, you should prioritize the experience that is most relevant to the job you're applying for. If you’re applying for a role in software development, highlight your technical projects and relevant work experiences over other less pertinent experiences.

Here’s a tip: If you have a lot of experience, you don’t need to include every single job. Focus only on the jobs that best match the job you're applying for.

5. Adjust the Skills Section

The skills section is another area where keywords are crucial. Cross-reference the job description with your skill set and ensure that your skills section aligns with the job's required qualifications. However, avoid listing irrelevant skills that don’t pertain to the job. For example, if the job requires proficiency in JavaScript and Python, make sure those programming languages are listed, but leave out skills like video editing unless they are explicitly requested.

6. Use Quantifiable Achievements

When describing your work experience, don’t just list your responsibilities—focus on achievements, and quantify them when possible. Hiring managers want to know what you accomplished, not just what you were tasked with. For example:

• Instead of: “Managed a team of software developers.”
• Try: “Managed a team of 8 software developers, delivering 10+ projects on time and under budget, resulting in a 25% increase in client satisfaction.”

Tailoring this type of accomplishment with data makes your resume more impactful.

7. Update Your Education and Certifications

If the job requires specific certifications or educational qualifications, make sure these are front and center on your resume. You can even list relevant courses under your education section if they align with the job’s requirements.

8. Reframe Volunteer Work and Side Projects

Sometimes, your most relevant experience might come from volunteer work or side projects, especially if you're switching careers. Don’t hesitate to include these, but frame them professionally. Highlight the skills and accomplishments that relate to the job you're applying for.

9. Proofread for Relevance and Clarity

Once you’ve tailored your resume, the final step is to proofread it. Ensure every section is relevant to the job, and that no unnecessary information is included. Remember, brevity is key—don’t add filler. Your resume should clearly present you as the perfect fit for the job within a few seconds of reading.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Sending a Generic Resume: This is the biggest mistake job seekers make. A one-size-fits-all resume will rarely lead to success in today’s job market.
• Overloading on Keywords: While keywords are important, overloading your resume with too many keywords can make it look unnatural and robotic.
• Not Customizing the Summary or Experience Sections: These are two of the most visible parts of your resume, and if they’re not tailored to the job, you’ve missed a huge opportunity.
• Including Irrelevant Information: Don’t include every job or skill you’ve ever had—just focus on the ones that are most pertinent to the job at hand.

Sample Resume for Tailoring

This sample demonstrates how each section can be adjusted to align with the job posting, emphasizing skills and accomplishments relevant to the position.

Final Thoughts

In today’s competitive job market, tailoring your resume to fit a specific job is not just recommended—it’s essential. With Applicant Tracking Systems and human recruiters spending mere seconds scanning resumes, aligning your resume with the job description can mean the difference between landing an interview and being overlooked. The extra time and effort spent personalizing your resume for each job application will dramatically increase your chances of success.**