Most job requirements differ from one another. On average, corporate job openings attract approximately 250 resumés, but only four to six applicants will be called up for an interview, where only one will be offered the job.
In view of such massive competition, it is important to know how to craft a resumé that catches the employers’ attention and demonstrates that you are the best fit.
Many employers use a software called “Applicant Tracking System” (ATS) to filter resumés with high keyword matches to the requirements of the job in terms of Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA).
Tailoring your resumé to the applied job can help ensure that your resume gets picked up.
Now that you know how hiring managers and HRs sift through resumes, here are 3 steps to tailor your resume using keywords
1. Start by familiarising the employer’s requirements
The job description or job posting is a great way to identify what employers are looking out for in a candidate.
Using this sample job description, ask yourself, what are some of the key Knowledge, Skills and Attributes the employer is looking out for?
2. Make a list of your core competencies
You do not need to re-create your resume from scratch, but it helps to highlight your unique selling points through your core competencies and skills, instead of simply listing down your day-to-day tasks.
3. Support your accomplishments using the C.A.R model
- Show evidence of past successes that are relevant to the applied job, will give you an edge over other qualified applicants
- Remember, your accomplishments give the impression that you are more than just an employee, but a potential performer and key contributor to the organisation’s performance and bottom line.
- Put quantifiable achievements into context. Consider the C.A.R format as a guideline:
C – Context
Provide a summary of the situation, what the task was, and the challenge
A – Action
Elaborate on how you solved the challenge, including the actions you took
R- Result
Share the outcome and how your learnings are relevant to the job you are applying for.
Example: Successfully developed business in a new emerging market through the development of five news accounts within three months, leading to an increase in sales revenue from two to eight million.
Putting everything together, you will have a well-crafted resumé (sample below) with tailored competencies and accomplishments, increasing your chances of it being picked out by HRs and recruiters.
