Your resume is your first opportunity to impress hiring managers. Crafting a resume tailored to each job description increases your chances of landing an interview.

Have you ever wondered if there’s an exact formula for resumes that can help you get the job of your dreams?

I have some good news for you: there is! And you can learn how to do it yourself.

1. Start by identifying the job you want to apply for

This may seem obvious, but it’s important to identify the specific job you want to apply for. Don’t just look at the title of the job, look at the responsibilities and requirements. You may find that a job you never considered is a great fit based on the description.

Or, you may find that a job you were planning to apply for is not a good fit based on the description.

2. Research the company and the job description

When you find a job that you like, you should research the company and the job description. This is a critical step because it helps you understand what the company is looking for in a candidate. It also helps you determine if the company is a good fit for you.

When researching the company, you should look at their website, read their mission statement, and find out what their values are. You should also look at their social media profiles to get a sense of their company culture. If you can, try to find out who the hiring manager is so you can address your cover letter to them.

When researching the job description, you should look at the qualifications and responsibilities listed. This will help you determine which skills and experiences you should highlight on your tailored resume. Identify specific skills, tools, and keywords mentioned.

3. Highlight the keywords

You’ll want to pull out the relevant keywords and phrases from the job description and make sure you sprinkle them throughout your resume.

This will help you get through the initial ATS scan and show the hiring manager that you have the skills and experience they are looking for.

You can also use the keywords to help you decide which roles and responsibilities to include in your resume.

Example:
If the job requires technical skills like Python, SQL, and machine learning, ensure these terms are prominently featured in your resume.

Tip: Use these keywords throughout your resume. Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan resumes. Including the job description’s keywords increases the likelihood your resume passes ATS screening and helps recruiters quickly see how your experience aligns with their needs.

4. Skills Come First (For Entry-Level Applicants)

If you’re just starting your career, consider placing your Skills section immediately after your profile summary. Highlight your technical abilities, as you may have limited work experience to showcase.

Tip: Reorder your skills based on the job description. For instance, if Tableau is prioritized in the listing, place it before Python or other tools. Tailor this section for every application.

Modern resumes can benefit from embedded links, such as your GitHub, LinkedIn, or portfolio. Instead of pasting long URLs, embed these links into text or use small icons.

Why This Matters:
Some ATS systems may flag exposed URLs as sensitive information, potentially rejecting your resume. By embedding links, you keep your resume sleek and ATS-friendly.

5. Quantify your achievements

One of the most common resume mistakes is not quantifying your achievements. If you don’t quantify your achievements, it can be difficult for a hiring manager to understand the scope of your work and the impact you’ve made.

Even if you lack formal work experience, you can showcase relevant experience from internships, freelance projects, or academic assignments. Focus on the impact you made and quantify your achievements wherever possible.

A. Use Action Words, Tools, and Results

Go beyond listing responsibilities by emphasizing outcomes and the tools you used. This combination demonstrates real-world application of your skills.

Example 1:

  • Developed SQL queries to analyze customer behavior, leading to a 15% increase in retention.

Example 2:

  • Built Power BI dashboards to visualize insights used by senior management.

Notice how these examples combine:

  • Action Words (Developed, Built)
  • Tools (SQL, Power BI)
  • Results (15% increase in retention)

B. Why This Matters for ATS and Hiring Managers

Including tools and methodologies in your work experience boosts your resume’s ATS ranking and provides hiring managers with tangible proof of your abilities.

When you quantify your achievements, you make it easy for a hiring manager to see the value you can bring to their team.

6. Show how you will add value to the company

Last but not least, you want to make sure you are showing how you will add value to the company. The best way to do this is by highlighting your most relevant skills and experiences in the top third of your resume.

You must include keywords like teamwork, leadership, effective communication that highlights your soft skills. This is where most hiring managers will look first, so you want to make sure you are grabbing their attention right away. If the job description mentions any specific skills or experiences, be sure to include them at the top of your resume.

You also want to make sure you are using action words to describe your experiences. This will show the hiring manager that you are a go-getter and that you will add value to their team.

7. Proofread your resume

Last but not least, it’s time to dot your I’s and cross your T’s.

Proofreading your resume is essential for catching any spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors. Even if you’re confident in your writing skills, it’s easy for small mistakes to slip through the cracks.

One of the best ways to proofread your resume is to read it out loud. You can also ask a friend, family member, or colleague to review your resume for you.

Another option is to use a free online tool like Grammarly, which can help you catch any errors you might have missed.

Final Words: Create a Tailored Resume That Opens Every Door

To save time when creating a tailored resume, consider using a template or a resume builder. The best part about using the resume builder is that you can easily tailor your resume to the job description in just a few clicks. Check out ReviewNPrep resume builder templates and see how it can help you land the job of your dreams!

It goes without saying that there’s no universal resume format that works for everyone. Some resumes emphasize education, others prioritize skills or work experience.

Regardless of format, ensure these key elements are clear and concise:

  • Contact Info: Include embedded links to your professional profiles.
  • Profile Summary (Optional): A brief introduction tailored to the job.
  • Key Skills: Tailored to the job description and reordered for relevance.
  • Work Experience: Highlight tools, action words, and results.

A tailored resume for each job application may take extra effort, but it significantly improves your chances of landing interviews. Show employers you’re the perfect fit by aligning your experience and skills with their needs.

An applicant who submits five tailored resumes is more likely to receive a positive response than one who sends out ten generic resume. It’s a simple step that can make a big difference in your job search.

Further Reading:

Breaking Down the Pros and Cons: Are Coding Bootcamps Really Worth It?

Unlocking Career Success with a Simple Resume Template