How To: Resume Muti-tasking

"Applying for a job is a full-time job within itself" could not be more true. A tough economy calls for more effort and most importantly more time put into applying for jobs. When dilligently checking daily job listings, most of us can spot 3-5 jobs that we are qualified for and interested in. But do you really have the time to sit down and tailor 3-5 resumes daily? Even when unemployed most of us do not. So how can you effectively manage your resumes to make the most of the time you have to apply for jobs?

First Step: Keep a general resume handy on your desktop.

Keeping a general resume is like keeping a job diary. Update your resume while you are currently working and also after you leave a job. This way you are better able to quantify your accomplishments as well as getting some great feedback from your co-workers and boss. Try to do this frequently so you are prepared when applying for a new job.

Second Step: Find the jobs you want to apply for and read their descriptions carefully.

We cannot emphasize this enough. Cut and paste the job description, put it onto Word, then print it out. Have this document at your side when editing your general resume and keep using keywords found in the description in your resume. Recruiters and companies want to find a perfect fit for the job - if you already do not have all the qualifications needed, its best to tailor your resume as much as possible.


Third Step: So now you are finished tailoring your resume. Time to submit?
NOT YET! Most people think that after tailoring their general resume they are ready to submit. Applicants like these mostly use a general cover letter that is not tailored to the company they are applying for. This is a HUGE mistake. Cover letters give the HR coordinator a first impression of the employee. You do not want your first impression to look like you mass-emailed companies your resume. So that some time out to re-write the cover letter as well.

Cater your cover letter to the industry you are applying for - that means changing the skills you list for every job. Also, do not forget to address the recipient in your cover letter. If the job description lists a name for reference, then address your cover letter to "Ms. Hudson or Mr. Lee". Do not simply put "To Whom It May Concern". At the top of the letter, list the person you are writing to, along with the address of the company. A cover letter should be written in the style of a formal letter.

Last Step: Naming your documents

It may seem minimal - but naming your attachments is also an important part of making a first impression. Do not put the company name into the resume. This sends off a message that you are apply for hundreds of other companies and that the only way you can organize your millions of resume files is to name them by the company you are applying to. Instead, name your file "Jane Doe resume" and "Jane Doe cover letter". You may also want to add in the date as well. Recruiters and Human Resource coordinators save dozens of resumes onto their computers everyday. Providing them with this information will help them remember your name and also the date when you applied. This translates to them getting back to you faster as well.


Lastly, there is one final step : FOLLOW UP! Refresh the memory of your recruiter or HR coordinator. We see hundreds of resumes everyday - giving us a call about your job application not only helps us but gives you a higher chance of scoring the job.