You see a job that you really want in the help wanted section. You know that you are qualified for it. You have a great resume and excellent job experience. You wonder if you should either leave the resume the same, or take a few minutes to spruce it up. Why? Some companies have filtering software that will reject any candidate that does not have specific job requirement words in his or her resume!
My advice – spruce it up! You want to let them know that you are not only qualified, but you are “the one.” Let me show you an extremely easy way to do it.
Here is your existing resume (or one like it)…
Resume
Accounts Manager (Company XYZ)
- Sales, Monitoring and Business Development for top customer management
- Support for customer account; financial planning, editing and customer management
- Testing, implementing and training new programs
Store Manager (Company KLM)
- Overseeing daily functions of running a business
- Handling escalated concerns, tracking inventory, reconciliation
- Managing and overseeing multiple store functions and employee management
- Buying merchandise for the store
- Marketing and sales
It looks pretty good, right? But it can be even better if you “tailor it” to the job you want. Now below is the job description for the job you want. Notice that I have highlighted key words that are important for this employer, below I have color coordinated it with key words that you would want in the resume.
Now, change a similar existing word, or add the word that the employer wants where it is appropriate. Aren’t promotion and sales the same thing? If this employer wants a promotions person, change “sales” to promotion. Also, don’t have it the last bullet — move it to the top!
Job Description:
Publicist/speaking engagement booker needed for internationally renowned inspirational speaker. If you have experience in public relations, media relations, marketing or promotion, contact us and tell us about it. Training, contacts and professional development provided for the right go-getter. Skills needed: excellent oral and written communication, pleasant persistence, excellent organization, “hunger to succeed.” This is an ideal part-time, from-home job that can provide substantial supplementary income. Requirements: Excellent oral and written communication, pleasant persistence, excellent organization, “hunger to succeed.” Ideal candidate also has public relations, media relations, training, marketing or promotion experience.
Now polish her up! Take your same resume and put it back together with the key words first like this….
“New” Resume
Accounts Manager (Company XYZ)
- Marketing and promoting new accounts.
- Public relations and customer management
- Business development including writing and editing
- Public speaking, training, testing and implementing and new programs
Store Manager (Company KLM)
- Marketing and sales
- Public relations, training and managing employees
- Buying merchandise for the store
Now for the cover letter….
Dear sir or madam,
I am very interested in the publicist/speaking engagement booker position.
I have had many years of experience in marketing and sales, public relations, editing and writing, and training.
I am extremely motivated and organized. I believe that I will be an excellent match.
I would enjoy speaking to you about the position.
Sincerely,
BudgetQueen
