As a job seeker, you know that your resume is one of your most essential tools. It’s what potential employers will use to decide whether or not to interview you, and if they do, it’s what they’ll use to evaluate whether or not you’re a good fit for the position.

So, your resume must be as strong as possible. But should you have multiple versions of your resume?

Your resume: One version or Multiple versions?

One size does not always fit all, as the saying goes, and neither does one resume.

Gone are the days when you could tweak a few words here and there, throw your resume in an envelope, and expect to get a callback.

In today’s job market, you need to be strategic about presenting yourself on paper – especially if you’re applying for jobs in different industries requiring different skill sets.

A recent study found that the best way to improve your chances of landing an interview is to have multiple versions of your resume, each tailored to a specific type of job listing.

This way, you can showcase the skills and experience most relevant to each position. So don’t just have one resume gathering dust in your drawer – make sure you have multiple versions that are ready to impress potential employers.

What to do if you need a new resume format?

If you are considering changing careers or even just looking for a new opportunity, there are many reasons why you might require multiple versions of your resume. Here are some examples of situations where having multiple versions of your resume may make sense:

• If you are interested in switching careers, or even interested in the same position, in different industries. Suppose you are interested in becoming a graphic designer but also interested in becoming a web developer. In that case, you may need to include both graphics design experience and web development experience on your resume.

• When applying for your first job, you may want to tailor your resume based on the specific role you are applying for. If the position requires writing, you may want to focus your resume on writing experience, while including additional experience in other areas such as marketing, management, etc., to demonstrate your broader skill set.

• If you are pursuing several degrees or certifications, you may want to customize your resume based on each credential. If your goal is to become a doctor, you may want to highlight medical school applications, while highlighting professional certification programs like the Certified Public Accountant exam for accounting professionals.

• If you plan on taking advantage of certain opportunities, you may want to emphasize those experiences on your resume. If a potential employer asks what courses you took during college, you may want to list those classes on your resume. But if the employer wants to know about internships, volunteer work, extracurricular activities, etc., you may want to include those items on a separate resume.

• If you have multiple interests, hobbies, or passions, you may want to consider creating a portfolio of projects that showcase your talents. These portfolios can help you stand out among other applicants and show employers how much value you bring to the table.

• If you want to add a personal touch to your resume, you may want to use a template that highlights your personality, hobbies, interests, and accomplishments.

Create a new and improved resume by following these steps

Once you’ve decided it’s acceptable to have multiple versions of a resume, it’s time to start thinking about what those different resumes should look like.

You’re probably familiar with the standard resume format; however, there are many variations. Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you work on creating your next set of resumes.

1. Your keywords throughout

Keywords are essential because they help recruiters find you. They’re the words you want to include in your resume, cover letter, LinkedIn profile, social media posts, etc. But there’s a delicate balance between having too many keywords and being generic. You don’t want to sound like every other candidate.

When it comes to writing your resume, keep in mind that most people skim resumes rather than read them carefully. So, you want to ensure your resume contains enough information about yourself so someone skimming it will still understand what you do and why you’re qualified for the job.

Include your keywords throughout your resume, where appropriate. In addition to general terms such as “Marketing Manager,” consider adding specific terms like “Facebook Marketing Manager” or “Digital Marketing Manager.” This gives recruiters more particular ideas about what you can offer.

2. Add relevant skills

The skills section of your resume is often overlooked because it seems like a lot of work to fill out. However, it’s essential to include information about what you know and how well you do. Employers are looking for candidates who have experience working with technology, understand the importance of teamwork, and demonstrate strong communication skills.

You’ll want to make sure you include relevant keywords in the skills section of your CV. For example, if you’re applying for a software developer position, you might list “JavaScript,” “HTML5,” “CSS3,” and “JQuery.” If you’re applying for a marketing position, you could include “social media management,” “email marketing,” “content creation,” and “marketing automation.”

3. Tailor your work experience

The work experience section of your résumé is one of the most important sections because it sets you apart from other candidates. Your work history should highlight what you did, how you performed, and why it matters.

Including relevant experiences helps make you stand out from other applicants. You want to emphasize the knowledge most applicable to the job you’re applying for.

If you don’t include enough work experience, employers might think you aren’t qualified, even though you could be ideally suited for the role. On the other hand, including too much work experience can look unprofessional.

If you have multiple jobs listed under “work experience,” try grouping similar positions together. For instance, if you had two different jobs working in sales, group both into one category called Sales Representative. Doing this makes it easier for the recruiter to scan your résumé.

4. Adjust your summary

A resume summary statement is a short paragraph that introduces your resume. This introductory sentence serves as a quick overview of your experience, education, and accomplishments. Think of it like a one-paragraph elevator pitch for your career.

The resume summary can help employers easily identify whether you meet their requirements. You could risk being overlooked if you don’t include enough information about the skills and qualifications that matter to the organization.

You can use the resume summary to highlight the skills and qualifications you think are essential for the job you want. For example, suppose you’re applying for a marketing manager role. In that case, you might write, “Marketing Manager — I am driven by my desire to develop strategies that increase revenue while expanding customer base.”

Stay organized

Applying for multiple jobs at once isn’t always the best idea. If you want to find a job fast, consider applying for just one position at a time.

A recent study found that people are most likely to accept a job offer within three days of submitting a resume.

So what does this mean for job seekers? Start by thinking about each job application as a separate project. You’ll succeed more if you dedicate time to searching for each job opportunity individually.

For instance, say you’re interested in both marketing and product manager jobs. Instead of searching for both at once, look for marketing manager openings first. Then, once you’ve heard back from those companies, switch gears and search for product manager positions.

This approach allows you to keep track of each job without feeling overwhelmed. Plus, it helps you avoid wasting time applying for positions that aren’t a good fit.

You can apply the same strategy for different roles, such as sales, marketing, HR, etc. Make sure to prioritize each role differently based on how much time and effort you want to put into each role.

Summary

Whether you decide to have one or multiple resumes, make sure that each is tailored to the specific job you are applying for.

You may also want to consider working with a professional resume writer who can help you highlight your skills and experience in a way that will resonate with potential employers.

If you’re looking for assistance crafting a winning resume, our team of experts at LancerBee is here to help. Contact us today, and let us show you how we can get your resume noticed!