When it comes to applying for a job, the worst thing you can
do is send out the same generic resume to each and every employer. You have to
understand that different jobs or roles require different experience and
skills. In short, what is important for one job may not necessarily be valuable
for another. Thus, it is important that you tailor your resume to make sure that
it highlights the most important information relevant to the job you are
applying for.
You shouldn’t think, however, that you have to write a new
resume from scratch every time you apply for a job. You need a basic resume
that serves as an outline, and just make the necessary changes according to the
particular requirements of a job.
Below are some tips on how to do this:
#1 – Create a core resume
First of all, you need to have a basic outline for your
resume. This should include all your skills and experience from you career.
Break this information down into categories, specifically education, work
history, skills, training, and so on.
#2 – Go through the job description thoroughly
Make sure you read the job description a couple of times
until you are sure you understand what is required for the job. Once you are
certain what the employer is looking for in a job applicant, start tailoring
your resume to emphasize the qualities they are looking for.
#3 – Come up with a list of your accomplishments and relevant
experience
As you are reading the job description, create a list of all
your relevant qualities, which should match with all the requirements asked for
by the employer. For every point they ask for, link it to your own experience
or achievements. Remember that your experience does not have to come from your
previous jobs only. Mention also the skills you have acquired through
volunteering, travelling, and so on.
#4 – Use the right keywords
It is common for organizations nowadays to screen resumes
and application letters using a particular software program that detects
keywords in a document. If you want your resume to land in the hands of the
hiring manager and not discarded by the computer, be sure to use the correct
keywords and key phrases all throughout your document. You should be able to
identify the keywords in the job description so you can have an idea what to
include in your resume.
#5 – Write your tailored resume
After identifying your skills and experience that are most
relevant to the job you are applying for, you can now start creating your
customized resume. Once you are done, be sure to check it a couple of times for
errors or typos. Now you can be confident that your resume could land you good employment Canada.
