How Many Resume Versions Should You Have?

Job seekers often want to know if they can get away with having a single, basic resume that includes all their experience and suffices for any job they might apply to. While it's tempting to take this easy way out, the reality of today's job market is that different resume versions are needed for almost every job you apply for. Here are some basic guidelines for tweaking your resumes to make the maximum impact.

Add a Header – Start each version of your resume with a headline or summary that pinpoints exactly why you're the right person for the job you're applying for. Spend a little time to get the wording just right. The next time you send out your resume for a similar job, stop and review that headline, comparing it to the language of the job listing. Create a new resume version for each job, tweaking the headline to reflect the specifics of each new job listing. Doing this highlights your strong points and makes you focus on why you're right for the job.

Create Resume Templates – Many people today have diverse enough work experience and training to be able to apply for significantly different jobs at the same time. This doesn't mean you have to create a new resume from scratch each time. Instead, create specific resume versions for each of the general fields in which you expect to apply for jobs. You might, for instance, have a different resume template for customer service jobs than you do for retail jobs. These basic templates might include much of the same information, but feature it in different order and with different emphases. Use these templates as a starting point for adjusting your resume to match the specifics of the jobs you're applying for.

Tweak Your Resume for Each Job – Every job you apply for has different qualifications, duties and requirements. Using one of the templates you develop, plan to create a new resume version for each position you're interested in. Areas to consider changing from one resume version to the next include the levels of various management positions you've held, the specific experience required for the positions, your relevant industry-specific background, and your experience working under varying organizational structures. In addition, if your experience is all at large companies, but you're now applying to smaller companies, or vice versa, consider changing the language you use to express measurable achievements so that you don't unintentionally overqualify or underqualify yourself for the new company.

If you create a new resume version for each job you apply to, you can be confident that your unique resume will show you off to best advantage. A customized resume catches a job recruiter's eye and puts you at the head of the interview line.

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