Take Time to Customize Your Resume and Cover Letter

Take Time to Customize Your Resume and Cover Letter Have you ever received a form letter in the mail? Or, worse yet, received an advertisement that said something similar to: “Heather Rothbauer-Wanish or Current Resident?” Whenever I receive these, I typically throw them away because I know the company is simply mass marketing and is not truly interested in me. What does a mass resume send-out say to a potential employer? I believe it says, “Hey â€" look at me. I am sending 50 resumes this weekend and hoping that someone will contact me for an interview.” Customizing your resume is simple and well worth the time spent doing so. Here are some general tips for customizing that can make your information shine: Study the advertisement. Choose key words and phrases and implement them into your cover letter. Use the appropriate contact person. Nothing says that you didn’t do this when you address your letter to “Dear Sir or Madam.” Research the company. If you discover the company has a 150-year history, use that information in your cover letter. Mention the particular job opening. Don’t say “…your open position…” If the job title is Project Manager, then be sure to use it when crafting your cover letter. What does it say when you take the time to customize your resume and cover letter? I believe it says, “Hey â€" look at me. I did take the time to read the advertisement thoroughly, researched your company, and developed my materials accordingly.” Don’t be lazy. Take the time to customize and showcase the knowledge, skills, and abilities that pertain to the particular positionâ€"your results will shine.