Writing a Resume for the Job You Want

Have you ever known someone with a job in sales but they would rather do marketing? Or how about a secretary who wants to transfer into the legal field? While bridging the gap between fields is difficult, it can done, and it’s made easier by tailoring your resume.  It’s simple to write a general resume that lists a past history of job titles and duties, but employers look for talent specific to the jobs they are looking to fill. Tailoring your resume to fit the position you really desire will help you land your dream job.

Consider these tips to help you tailor your resume to a specific job:

1. Know what job you want- Sounds simple enough, right? Yet how many candidates in an interview cannot answer the simple question “Why do you want this job?” Chances are, if you are applying for a job just for the sake of having a job, it probably is not the right fit for you. However, applying for a job within your field of interest will help you climb the ladder into the career you truly desire. Make sure your resume is written with a focus on the field you desire to enter.
2. Tailor your resume to fit the position- For example, if you have an administrative background but want to dive into the marketing field, describe your experience with a marketing focus. Highlight the brochures you created rather than your phone answering abilities.
3. Bridge the gaps in experience- A resume that is focused on general office duties sent to a potential employer for a marketing position will not convey what you can offer them. Sure, your administrative experiences are great, but your resume needs to connect your relevant skills to the ones needed for your desired position. Your potential employer will rely on you to make these connections. Prove that you are a self-starter by creating a bridge in experience between what you have done and how it can benefit your potential employer.
4. Be Creative- Make your resume your brand. What do you want your resume to say about you? Your resume should give your potential employer insight into what you can offer and a feeling of who you are as a person. There is no approved format for writing a resume, so do what works for you.

Using these tips should help you create a resume that targets a specific position. It will also make your relevant skills clearer to your potential employer and represent the image that you want.

Good luck in your resume writing!