Changing Your Resume for Each Company

IP is over the quota
IP is over the quota

A recruiter once gave me an excellent tip when she said to change my resume every time I applied for a job. Why I asked? She told me that company recruiters will often use a keyword search to select the candidates that they feel matches the position. This keeps them from having to sort through the hundreds of resumes they receive. She said that if the resume does not have the keywords that they look for, then they typically go into the rejected pile.

Depending on the position you're applying for, you should use words that will notify HR managers about your qualifications. For example, if you're looking for a position as the Vice President of an accounting company you might want to include words such as:

- Tax Accounting

- Reconciliations

- Profit and Loss Statements

It can be very difficult to find a job in today's economic climate, and looking for high level or executive work requires a keen eye, and often, knowing someone whose already in the organization. After updating your resume, send it to your friends in the industry and see if they are able to direct it to the appropriate HR managers.

If you're looking for a job as an administrative assistant you should use the following words when updating your resume:

- Ability to type 80 wpm

- Microsoft Office

- Mac office

- Reception

- Phone support

No matter the type of work you're looking for make sure you ask past colleagues or friends if they know of any open positions within their companies. It's always an excellent decision to put your feelers out and see what kind of work is available. And always change-up your resume to meet the requirements of the job. It may be a entry-level position, but as long as you can turn it into something down the road, it may be worth looking into.

Tips for Working with Keyword Search Software

Many companies will use a type of software that identifies keywords in resumes. But what can you do to beat these machines?

Revise your resume so it includes keywords included in the job description during your opening. Take for example, if the job description says, "Coordinate and develop websites and blogs," your resume must include keywords such as "websites" and "blogs". But only if you have the experience, of course...

Update your multipurpose resume with frequently used keywords so that you do not have to revise it every time you have another job interview. One idea is to revise it every six months in order to stay current. Newer keywords may be used in the future, so stay current with them.

Add the most important keywords to your cover letter. Don't over do it though. You just want to have a few of the choice words that HR managers are looking for.

Erin Kennedy, MCD, CMRW, CPRW, BS/HR, is a Certified Professional & Executive Resume Writer/Career Consultant and President of Professional Resume Services, Inc. She is a nationally published writer and contributor of 12 best-selling career books. She has achieved international recognition following yearly nominations and wins of the prestigious T.O.R.I. (Toast of the Resume Industry) Award. Erin has written thousands of resumes for executives and professionals.

As a proud member of CDI, NRWA, PARW, and AORCP, Erin also sits on CDI's Credentialing Committee for new certification candidates and serves as a Mentor for CDI's Member Mentoring Committee. She also is a featured blogger on several well-known career sites. Reuse of this article is encouraged but must include a link to http://exclusive-executive-resumes.com/.

Want to know more about Erin Kennedy, CPRW? Read her LinkedIn profile at: http://www.linkedin.com/in/erinkennedycprw

Best Executive Resumes

IP is over the quota
IP is over the quota

What makes an Executive Resume different from an Entry-Level resume? Check out these helpful hints when writing your next resume.

Introduction

To begin, entry level candidates usually start with an objective that tells the reader what they would like to get out of the job that they are applying for. While this is a good way to start, in today's job market, companies care less about what you want and more about what you can bring to the table in terms of talents and abilities.

So, for an executive level resume, it is essential to start your resume off with a clear profile including your best strengths, capabilities, and notable accomplishments. This will show the reader right from the beginning that you intend to bring value to your future employer and seek to further their success.

Clear Goals

Entry level candidates are often general in their job search and have a broader focus in terms of skills that are highlighted in their resume. Again, this is good to start out but without a clear direction, hiring managers and employers are left to guess what you might be good at doing. If there is too much effort required in determining the applicant's intentions, the resume will likely end up on the bottom of the pile.

To ensure you do not end up on the bottom of the pile, state clearly what your targeted career goal is. For example, if you are targeting executive positions in sales or marketing begin your profile with the title: Sales & Marketing Professional. By doing so, you eliminate any unnecessary confusion and the reader is very clear about your intentions, even if you have never been at the executive level before. Then, instead of your experience causing the reader confusion or work to decipher your goals, it will only add further proof of your capabilities and targeted career goal.

Format and Design

Entry level resume are generally brief and unpolished. This is to be expected to some degree. However, as an executive you want to find a very clean, well-organized format that does not overwhelm the reader with too much information but is a perfect balance of responsibilities and accomplishments. Additionally, choose a layout that includes enough white space so the document does not appear cluttered or forced and choose traditional, common serif fonts at a reasonable size. This will convey a sense of professionalism and attention to detail that is admired no matter what industry you are targeting.

Check additional help and examples for your next Executive Resume at Your New Resume today!