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On one of the communities I support, Fairygodboss.com, a member expressed frustration when an article suggested a "best practice" of updating your resume every time you apply for a role.
Her frustration is warranted. If you keep applying for jobs and never hear back, it can feel incredibly frustrating!
Update the resume each time!
Here's my rationale to update your resume each time…
When you tailor your resume to use the keywords in the job specification (spec), the application tracking system (ATS) can give you a higher keyword matching score. The higher the match, the better your chances for the ATS to recommend your résumé to the hiring manager.
From a psychological perspective, using the exact keywords the job description uses creates more "affinity" between you and the role, which is what hiring managers are looking for. This technique is well-known in the sales world--use the words of your potential client, and they'll feel heard and understood, which leads to "knowing, liking, and trusting you."
When you don't tailor your resume and keep using the same "baseline résumé" to apply to different jobs, you miss opportunities to get a higher % match on keywords and be more resonant with the hiring manager's needs and expectations.
You don't have to change the core content of your resume necessarily.
However, look for keywords such as "collaboration" vs. "teamwork. " If the spec uses teamwork and your résumé says collaboration, switch your résumé to say teamwork. I call this "talk the same language as the job spec."
What causes the most frustration?
So, let's get to the bottom of the frustration.
It's disheartening if you continue to apply and never hear back.
The strategy I teach my clients successfully is to "focus only on applying for jobs where you know you could be a rockstar and ones that truly match your unique value." This approach will save you valuable time and effort instead of applying for mediocre jobs that are not a "hell yes!"
Don't apply for crappy jobs that you know are not even exciting on paper because you "qualify."
When you do, you realize that if you get them, you'll be miserable and back on the job hunt within a year, max.
Retool to save you effort and time!
I was an employee for over 25 years and a hiring manager for more than two decades.
Now that I'm running my own business, www.ExecutiveBound.com, in 2020, I successfully launched the Personal Branding Masterclass, specifically to help talented professionals in transition to prepare themselves strategically and effectively to land their next "work home." You can get all the details and get the course at https://www.personalbrandingmasterclass.com
One last thing, the cover letter will also help you stand out.
What's the key to writing a compelling cover letter?
Make it as short as possible and touch on these three things, one short paragraph each: why the company, why this role, why me?
I teach our members to identify their unique value and articulate it quantifiably through their resumes and compelling interview stories. They get to revamp their resume and LinkedIn profile to capture their strengths and experiences and prepare to rock the interview--filled with confidence and a sense of self-worth.
What's the value for you in landing your next role?
Yes, income, job security, etc. And, what if you not only get to use your marketable skills but also your superpowers and do it in a work environment that meets your needs?
From my experience and clients' feedback, the framework, tools, and strategies you'll learn in the Personal Branding Masterclass are invaluable! Gift yourself the tools to land that role. You deserve it!
Visit www.personalbrandingmasterclass.com for more info, and reach out to us at www.callwithginny.com to answer any questions you have.
Live with purpose, live with joy!
Coach Ginny 💕
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Dr. Ginny A. Baro is an award-winning transformational speaker & leadership coach, career strategist, and #1 best-selling author of Healing Leadership and Fearless Women at Work. Ginny specializes in partnering with organizations and ERGs to develop leadership dream teams. And she supports individuals navigating a corporate hierarchy or transitioning into an entirely new phase of their career. She has successfully facilitated live and virtual leadership training and coaching programs for individuals and Fortune 500 companies with over 140,000 employees, and delivered keynotes impacting global audiences larger than 7,000. To learn more, visit ExecutiveBound.
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