As is the case with any conversation, a lengthy, generalized list is too all-encompassing to pertain to an individual employer (or a blind date, for that matter). Although you may be more than qualified, your broad-based answer could miss the job conversation target. You might be surprised by how many times I’ve read a resume and thought a client wasn’t well-qualified, only to give them a call and find out they meet nearly every requirement!
To avoid employment missed connections, think about answering the questions you generate from the job description as specifically as you can. When you move beyond simply answering “yes” to questions such as: “Do you have experience leading a team?” you can further develop why the teams you’ve led are significant, and how your experiences as a leader will make you a good fit for this specific job posting.
When you break these job descriptions down into questions rather than statements, you also have a chance to see your own requirements and abilities in a different way. Often, your resume and application may list what you can do, but neglects to mention several tasks and skills that you know that you can do internally (but never thought to put to paper). Whenever you do answer “yes” to a question, make sure to bring that qualification back to your resume. Addressing the job description as a conversation will allow you to make persuasive claims backed by evidence, rather than supplying general answers and hoping that a company will be able to infer your value.
While there’s no such thing as the perfect candidate, well targeted resumes do exist—and they depict your abilities in a manner that aligns with the company’s needs. By using the job description as a basis for creating questions, you can craft a resume that addresses specific needs that the employer is looking to fill, rather than supplying a generalized narrative about your work history.
If you find that you are falling short on required qualifications, use it as motivation to assess what you need, and mention these goals to your Employment Specialist. We are more than ready to help you with self-evaluation tools, and will be happy to assist you with getting your resume targeted.