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How to Tailor Your Resume

An image of a hand, writing something on paper

Step 1

Review the job description in the posting. Highlight the important skills required. Highlight responsibilities.

Step 2

Look at your current resume and review the job description and responsibilities you have listed. Compare job duties, qualities, etc. with the job posting. Note similar requirements. If you cannot find any direct matches, dig deeper. (Note: always include items that relate to communication skills. Most jobs require this).

For Example:

Job Posting
Requirements: “The ideal candidate is organized, has the ability to multi-task, displays a high attention to detail and is able to successfully execute both administrative and research-oriented projects. The intern should be motivated, self-directed and able to collaborate. In addition, solid writing, research and computer skills are preferred.”

Responsibilities: “The intern will predominantly assist with the development and administration of key foundation programs, including the  Film Festival as well as the art events in Vancouver and Montreal, gaining experience and developing practical skills from within programming, communications and events.”

Your Resume
In sections where you describe your experience, make sure you list examples that relate to some of the highlighted points in the job description. For example, if you’ve worked in the retail or service industries (bars/restaurants/stores) you can probably list examples that relate to: organization, multi-tasking, attention to detail, motivated, self-directed, ability to collaborate.

Here are a few examples of duties common to retail and service industry jobs:

  • Communicated clearly and positively with clients, coworkers and management
  • Mastered point-of-service (POS) computer system for automated order taking
  • Demonstrated accuracy and speed when handling currency and credit transactions
  • Prepared employee performance reviews for approval by human resources department.
  • Prioritized and handled multiple orders
  • Opened and closed cash registers, performing tasks such as balancing cash drawers and making deposits
  • Maintained records related to sales
  • Collaborated with team to create new sales initiatives
  • Consistently met targets established by management

More tips on describing transferable skills (external link) 

Step 3

Describe specific accomplishments if available and appropriate to your new job. For example, you can say “outsold nearest sales associate by 30 percent or more during fourth quarter in 2010.” Supplying numbers and time frames measures your abilities and provides solid examples of your accomplishments for recruiters.

Step 4

Make sure the relevant experience you have listed (which corresponds with the job posting) is obvious to the reader (ie, don’t bury it in the middle of a long description).

Step 5

Edit your resume! You’ve made a few changes, so it’s time to look it over again. Are all verb tenses the same? Is the format neat and polished? How about spelling and grammar? How about the layout? 

Step 6

Time to tailor your cover letter!  (Side note: this process can take some time when you first build your resume and cover letter. But the more you do it, the easier and faster it gets!)