Job Hunting Edition: Create a Simple, but Awesome Resume-Part 2

In the previous post (you can read it here), I talked about the structure and look of the resume. In this post, I’m going to talk about matching your resume to the job that you’re applying for.

Modifying your resume

You should have one main resume, but you should update your resume to match the job that you want to apply for.

Read the job post

Make sure you read EVERYTHING for the job that you’re applying to. In fact, just have a tab open with the job post so that you can reference it while catering your resume to the company’s wants.

Match your resume to the post

The point of the resume is to show that you are qualified for the position that is posted, but sometimes the wording has to match.

Here’s an example of a job posting for an Accounting Clerk that I found:

Job Description

An Accounting Clerk will fully support the Accounts Payable function within the Finance department by following procedures, understanding the purchasing system completely, and training others to use the system and follow procedures.

What will I be doing?

As an Accounting Clerk, you will fully support the Accounts Payable functions within the Finance department. Specifically, you will be responsible for performing the following task to the highest standards:

• Use the company purchasing system, Birchstreet, to match all invoices and purchases orders.
• Meet all payment deadlines.
• Monitor and control the Accounts Payable process.
• Train Team Members who use the Birchstreet system.
• Maintain good communication and working relationships with all hotel areas.
• Attend finance meetings, as required.
• Act in accordance with fire, health and safety regulations and follow the correct procedures when required.
• Respond to guest inquiries and billing disputes in a timely, friendly and efficient manner.
• Daily counts of casino.
• High School Diploma.
• Able to work evenings, weekends and rotating shifts.
• Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

What are we looking for?

As an Accounting Clerk serving Hilton brands you are always working on behalf of our Guests and working with other Team Members. To successfully fill this role, you should maintain the attitude, behaviours, skills and values that follow:

• Previous experience in a high volume Accounts function.
• Computer literate, with good MS Excel skills.
• Good time management and organization skills.
• Passion for providing superior customer service.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish.
• Must be effective in handling problems in the workplace, including, anticipating, preventing, identifying and solving co-worker and guest problems as necessary.

Let’s say I have all this experience, but I didn’t list them in my resume or I worded it differently. Well now I will update my resume to match the post.

For example, what if I didn’t list that I was bilingual or that I had good management skills and communication skills. Now I can update my skills to reflect this. Also, in my job duties, I will make changes under my accounting duties, that I attended finance meetings, consistently communicated with co-workers in different departments, responded to guest inquiries and billing disputes, and so forth.

These changes help HR see that I am the perfect candidate for the job. On the other hand, if you don’t have any of these skills or experiences, don’t lie. No one likes a liar.

Check yourself again!

Check your grammar, spelling, and make sure your resume looks nice before you send it off.

Was this post helpful? Let me know in the comments below.
-P