Do you write different and unique resumes for each position? (cover letters, job hunting)

[the_grimace]

This is age old job hunting advice, but does anyone actually do this and would you say it's really worth the effort? I usually will write a unique cover letter per position that takes me about 20-60 minutes to do (depending on the position), but have always used one resume for all positions. I feel like the extra time it would take tailoring my qualifications/job experience on my resume for each individual job posting would be a huge time sink that might not pay off. Probably add another 30-60 minutes per position, which can add up to a lot!

Thoughts? Does anyone here write unique resumes for each position or just one general one?

[bobtn]

I have a few I use which simply place more emphasis on different skill sets based on need, but should you have >1, it is vital to know which you sent per job, have a cover letter in sync with each, and make sure you do not post different ones on boards that may tip folks off you have more than one.

When I am open to new positions, I tend to use any secondary resumes solely in situations where they are subnitted directly to a corp or, usually, a recruiter, I am not using for other prospects. In other words, one offs.

[Hemlock140]

I'm a hiring manager, and I have often rejected an applicant that appears to have not read the job requirements because they send out the same generic resume to everyone. Those that catch my attention are those tailored to the specific job requirements. I have even seen resumes list a goal or objective which is not a job we offer. It makes a big difference to see that a person really wants this job rather than just any job or is just sending out resumes to meet the unemployment requirements.

[arleigh]

Long resume are not read right away,so only pertainaint information is all that is required.

[randomlikeme]

I have them tailored to my specific industries. So far my past experience has been in property management finance and healthcare finance. Each will play up industry-specific experience.

[wireyourworld]

Yes.

[Lubina]

The last time I job searched, yes. I usually took buzzwords from the ad and incorporated them onto my resume. Whenever I was hiring I typically rejected one size fits all resumes. There is a difference between someone trying to enter a field who had zero experience and someone who might, but their resume or cover letter didn't address it. I didn't mind long resumes. Someone who has been in the workforce for awhile or had multiple jobs to make ends meet may have experience that just won't fit on one page without tiny margins and crushed bug sized font.

[oeccscclhjhn]

Originally Posted by Hemlock140

I'm a hiring manager, and I have often rejected an applicant that appears to have not read the job requirements because they send out the same generic resume to everyone. Those that catch my attention are those tailored to the specific job requirements. I have even seen resumes list a goal or objective which is not a job we offer. It makes a big difference to see that a person really wants this job rather than just any job or is just sending out resumes to meet the unemployment requirements.

I would follow the hiring manager's advice.

[groar]

i look at my resume every time and make sure i'm addressing/emphasizing the skills and background that are important to that particular job. that doesn't mean writing a completely new and different resume from scratch, just tweaking what i have. i don't write cover letters from scratch either, but i customize them, sometimes extensively.

[shocktop]

Yes. I match the keywords in the resume with skills that I have, that's all to it. It works for me so far, I gotten a few interviews.