The Problem with Generic Resumes
Most job seekers create one resume and send it to every job. This is the single biggest mistake in the modern job search. Here's why:
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) scan your resume for keywords that match the job description. If your resume doesn't contain the right terms, it gets filtered out before a human ever sees it. Studies show that 75% of resumes are rejected by ATS before reaching a recruiter.
What "Tailoring" Actually Means
Tailoring doesn't mean rewriting your entire resume for each application. It means making strategic adjustments:
1. Match Keywords from the Job Description
Read the job posting carefully. Identify the key skills, tools, and qualifications mentioned. Then ensure those exact terms appear in your resume.
For example, if the job says "project management" but your resume says "managed projects," you're missing an exact keyword match. The fix is simple:
Before: Managed projects across 3 departments
After: Led project management across 3 departments, delivering on time and under budget
2. Reorder Your Bullet Points
Put the most relevant experience first. If a job emphasizes "data analysis" and your current resume leads with "team management," swap the order so the most relevant accomplishments appear at the top.
3. Customize Your Professional Summary
Your summary should directly address what the employer is looking for. Reference the specific role and company:
Results-driven marketing professional with 5+ years of experience in digital campaign management, seeking to leverage SEO and content strategy expertise at [Company Name].
How AI Makes This Easier
Manually tailoring each resume takes 30-60 minutes per application. With AI-powered tools like Superpower Resume, you can:
- Auto-match keywords from the job description to your experience
- Generate tailored bullet points that highlight relevant skills
- Produce ATS-optimized formatting that passes automated screening
The result: a tailored resume in minutes instead of hours, with better keyword matching than most humans achieve manually.
The Bottom Line
Every job application deserves a tailored resume. The companies that interview you are the ones where your resume clearly demonstrates you're a fit for their specific role — not just any role.
Sources
- LinkedIn Talent Blog: What Recruiters Look For — Insights from LinkedIn recruiters on what makes a resume stand out, including the importance of keyword alignment with the job description
- CareerBuilder: Hiring Manager Survey — Survey data on how hiring managers evaluate resumes and why customized applications significantly outperform generic ones
- Jobscan: Resume Match Rate Study — Research on how ATS keyword matching works at Fortune 500 companies and the impact of resume tailoring on pass rates
Start tailoring your resumes today with Superpower Resume.
