Ever wondered what hiring managers are really looking for in your resume? Well, you're not alone.
In our recent community poll, resume writing emerged as the hottest topic among job seekers, with one question popping up time and time again: "How do I know what the reader is looking for?"
Let's cut to the chase and tackle this head-on.
The Job Posting: Your Ultimate Cheat Sheet
Here's the thing: you might be overthinking it. The answer is literally right in front of you – it's the job posting itself. Think about it: why would employers spend time crafting detailed job descriptions if they weren't going to use them as evaluation criteria?
They're essentially handing you the answer key.
Let's Get Practical: A Side-by-Side Comparison
Want to know if your resume hits the mark? Here's what you need to do:
Print out the job posting
Print out your current resume
Grab a highlighter
Get ready to play match-maker
Sound old-school? Maybe. But there's something about seeing things on paper that makes inconsistencies jump out at you. Plus, it's easier to spot gaps when you're not constantly scrolling between windows.
Mirror, Mirror on the Wall
Look, you're not trying to win a creative writing contest here. Your goal? Make it crystal clear that you're the right person for the job.
That means using the same language as the job posting. If they say "project management," don't say "oversaw initiatives." If they want "client relationship management," don't say "customer service."
But let's be clear about something: this isn't about making stuff up. It's about presenting your genuine experience in a way that resonates with the reader. Think of it like speaking someone's language – you're not changing the message, just the delivery.
The Art of Strategic Omission
Recruiters spend an average of 6-7 seconds scanning your resume
You know that summer job at the ice cream shop? Unless you're applying for a food service position, it might be time to let it go. Same goes for that advanced Excel certification if you're applying for a graphic design role.
The harsh truth?
Recruiters spend an average of 6-7 seconds scanning your resume. That's barely enough time to read the highlights, let alone dig for relevant experience buried under unrelated details. So why make them work harder than they need to?
Switching Lanes: Industry Changes
Changing industries?
No worries – you've just got to be a bit more clever about it. Instead of saying "managed a portfolio of pharmaceutical clients," try "managed a diverse client portfolio worth $2M annually." See what we did there?
Same experience, different packaging.
Focus on the skills that go beyond industries, like:
Leadership
Project management
Problem-solving
Team collaboration
Budget oversight
Showing Off (In a Good Way)
Once you've aligned your experience with the job requirements, it's time to add some sparkle.
Consider adding a "Key Achievements" section under each job (or at least, under your most recent 1-2 jobs) that speaks directly to what they're looking for.
Did the job posting emphasize cost reduction? Lead with that time you slashed department expenses by 30%.
Are they big on team leadership? Highlight how you mentored three team members to promotion.
Using the Map They've Given You
Think of the job posting as your GPS for resume writing. They're literally telling you where they want you to go – why take a detour? Each requirement is a checkpoint your resume needs to hit.
Pro tip: Most companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes before human eyes ever see them. These systems are looking for specific keywords – and guess where those keywords come from? You got it: the job posting.
Wrapping It Up
Let's not make this more complicated than it needs to be. The job posting is your blueprint for success. It tells you:
What skills to emphasize
What experience to highlight
What achievements matter most
What language to use
Is it a bit time-consuming to customize your resume for each application? Sure. But isn't it better to send out five well-tailored resumes than fifty generic ones?
Remember: the goal isn't to create the most creative or comprehensive resume. It's to create the most relevant one. So take that job posting, use it as your guide, and craft a resume that makes the hiring manager's job easy. After all, who doesn't appreciate someone who makes their life easier?
Want to take the hassle out of writing a phenomenal resume?
That's where we can help – we have over 20 years of combined experience in recruiting and career coaching. James (cofounder of Final Draft Resumes), has helped hundreds of people from almost every industry and every experience level (CEOs to new graduates and everything in between).
To learn more about your services and find out if we're a good fit for your needs, see the buttons below.
If you're more of a DIY person, I got your back too! Try our Chatgpt resume builder that'll guide you through the resume writing process step by step.
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