Natasha Pinero ⋅ Simi Valley, CA Sapphire Management & Consultant Group LLC ⋅ 21 years experience

All of the answers listed are perfect. I would only add that you shouldn't hesitate to use the wording within the text of the job description as the same language you use, within the body of your resume. There's nothing wrong with that. I would also add that you should make sure that the one reading the resume can easily see ascertain your skill set as a direct fit within the scope of the job you are applying for.

GOOD LUCK!

David Eastman ⋅ Gresham, OR Gamma Therapeutics, Inc. ⋅ 35 years experience

Dear Veteran,

The recommendations for your resume from Jim and John are right on. I also believe it is not necessary to change your resume for each job you apply for. Too time consuming and really just not necessary.

That said, you can change your cover letter to fit the job description and to illustrate your value. Resumes, whether historical or functional, illustrate what your skills are, where you applied them, and for how long. I add a unique element to the top of my resumes which I call the "Value Statement." This is not a list of skills so much as a statement of value--what I will bring as a professional in my field to this company or organization. I find it to be unique and makes my resume stand out from all the others.

The cover letter is your opportunity to address the specific job that is being offered and it is important that you use both the industry and the job catchwords. If the job is seeking a "supply chain manager", illustrate your skills sets in this specific area using common terms like "logistics" and "material control" etc. Hiring managers want to know if you understand their business, their industry and the job you are applying for.

I hope that like John and Jim's advice, this is helpful to you.

Thank you for your service.

Regards,

David F Eastman, CEO
Gamma Therapeutics, Inc.
US Navy Veteran, P-3 Anti-Submarine Avionics

Jim Schreier ⋅ Milwaukee, WI 212 Leadership/Career Coaching ⋅ 50 years experience

This is a very difficult task which is why the previous answer is right on target in one respect. It is unlikely you have great information on the real expectations for the job when you apply. Ads and/or postings tend to be very general -- often more of a job spec than a job description -- stating what the company is looking for in terms of qualifications -- the "haves." Job Descriptions are often no better -- listing tasks.

So the key is that your resume should focus on your "accomplishments" -- not tasks and not skill lists that really don't say what you can accomplish. You should also describe strengths. I've posted a couple of different articles on the site that speak to these issues.

John Green ⋅ Cary, NC Information Technology ⋅ 40 years experience

If contacted by a recruiter, ask the recruiter for a position description.

If applying online, most online job postings describe clearly the requirements.

However, this strategy of modifying the resume for each job is not an efficient way to market your skills. The idea is, your skills do not change just because you read something on the internet or on email. You should build a strong resume that markets your strengths. Not all the time will your strengths align with all jobs you might like.

You should acquire the specialized skill that makes you capable of obtaining the dream job you want.

https://www.roberthalf.com/workplace-research/salary-guides

Then you should market that skill through a well written resume and only apply for those jobs that match your skill.

For example, if the job description says you need to know how to drive a forklift, whats the point of changing your resume to forklift specialization when you have no experience driving the forklift?

Skills in high demand for IT right now are Cyber Security and Artificial Intelligence. If this interests you, go get trained in these specialization areas then market yourself to companies who need this skill. A good Cyber Security engineer can make more than $200k annually as a full-time salary.