Some friends and I participated in a bar hoping night. Seeing as though I am in my 60's, the night started early and ended early. But along the way, we had a few drinks and heard a different band at each stop. The first one was a duo playing a version of "Fat Bottomed Girls" by Queen. To say it was horrible is to be kind. At the last place we went, we ended the night to an outstanding version of the Toadies' "Possum Kingdom".
SIDE NOTE - I almost burnt the Possum Kingdom State Park down in 1976 when I was on a Boy Scout camp out during a very real re-creation of Noah's flood. I didn't burn it down, but it was only due to the rain.
Anyway, on Monday, I posted a video on LinkedIn combining these two cover bands and associated the two songs to the two different ways to use your resume to apply for a job.
In the first song, I experienced the visceral punch of listening to a bad cover band murder one of my favorite songs. The notes were out of sync, the lead singer was off-key, and the melody that once supercharged my teenage angst was just a source of noise pollution. That's exactly what a one-size-fits-all resume feels like to a seasoned hiring manager.
Conversely, I think about how the second band got it right. They took a classic, respected its essence, and infused their own flavor to create a rendition that resonated with the audience on a whole new level...and reminded me how close I came to burning down Possum Kingdom.
What if I told you that your resume could do the same? No, not burn down Possum Kingdom. Rather, a carefully customized resume has the power to sing to the unique tune of each job you apply for, making a compelling impact on the listener (in this case, the recruiter).
Just as a cover band picks the songs that best showcase their talents, you must tailor your resume to highlight the experiences that best match the job description. A hiring manager can easily spot a mass-produced resume from a mile away, and a generic setlist will get you nowhere in today's competitive job concert.
Imagine your resume as a personal playlist curated to woo every recruiter. For each job application, tune your resume to align with the company's beat—incorporate keywords from the job listing, mirror the language of the company, and adjust your professional experiences to hit the high notes that the employer is seeking.
Before you step on stage, you need to know your audience. In job-hunting terms, this means researching the company culture and understanding the qualities they value. A tech startup may appreciate a more creative riff on the traditional resume format, while a law firm might prefer a classic, conservative interpretation.
Infusing your resume with the company's culture not only demonstrates that you've done your homework but also that you’re already in sync with the team. And like any memorable performance, it shows you’re not just going through the motions—you're playing right to the hearts of your intended crowd.
Why settle for a one-time performance when you can get an encore? Make your resume impossible to forget by articulating not just your skills and experiences, but the nuances that make you the right fit. Like a cover band adding their unique spin to a well-known tune, include achievements, projects, and skills that show you're capable of elevating the role you’re applying for into a top hit.
Ensure your closing notes (i.e., the skills and experiences most relevant to the job) are powerful enough to resonate long after the music stops. This is what turns a standard application into a callback, an interview, and ultimately, a job offer.
Don't be that forgettable cover band that my friends and I talked over at the first bar. Be the act at the last bar that captivated our attention and reminded me of how close I came to being labeled an arsonist. By customizing your resume to fit each job's unique rhythm, you create a symphony of success that will have recruiters calling for your tour dates. When done right, your resume won’t just be a document; it will be a command performance that puts you in the spotlight where your career belongs.
Now it's your turn to step up to the mic. If you need more guidance on how to fine-tune your resume to perfection, get in touch and we can make that happen!
*and start changing your life TODAY.
