As I mentioned in an earlier blog posting, there is no such thing as a single resume version that a job searcher can use for any position. Sometimes people have the idea that the resume should be like those “Have you seen me?” posters put up on telephone poles and memo boards everywhere to help find a lost dog or cat. The idea is: Create one message and then get as many as possible out there and, eventually, the right person will see it and respond.

This cannot be further from the reality of today’s job search! Companies have different specifications for each position they look to fill, even if it is for a similar position title. This means that your resume must be flexible enough to modify and customize for each one, without having to rewrite the entire resume at the same time.

To have this option, your resume must have the type of Objective Title, Profile and Areas of Expertise sections at the top of your Combination format resume that allows you to swap in or out the high-impact language, key concepts or buzz words you need to make your case. The goal is to “mirror” the actual job opportunity as much as possible with the relevant skill sets you already have. This pulls the potential employer/reader along to see and understand how you would be the optimal match for their position opening.

As easy as you make it for the employer to figure out what you offer and who you are professionally, the faster you sell yourself. Spell it out and connect the dots for the reader, and it will pay off. However, if you make it harder or less clear, then you are pushing yourself further away from that golden opportunity you want and need.

Send over your current resume to me for a free, personalized analysis!