Article4b

How many resumes should you have?

I think the most logical answer is: One for each job you're applying for. And at least
one more! Trust me on this. And let me explain why having so many resumes really
isn't as hard as it sounds.

Imagine you're going after your dream job. You are applying for a position at this
company and you know that company well. You also know the job requirements inside
and out. Well, then clearly, the resume you prepare for them should be tweaked to
their specific requirements and should include information that you know they are
looking for. It is your job to make sure that your resume is as easy as possible on the
eyes of the person reading it, that the way you meet the requirements are clearly
spelled out.

I don't think many people would disagree with my "one resume per job application"
when it comes to those really great jobs. But what about lesser jobs? You know, the
ones you don't really want but might have to accept in order to make ends meet? Well
the same rule holds true. Each application package, whether or not it includes a
coverletter and supplemental materials, should include a resume fine-tuned for that job.

The job market is not infinite. If you were to go to a major job search website, how
many jobs are out there that you are 100% qualified for? And of those, how many
genuinely interest yout? Odds are, not a whole lot. Even if you deem a job to be
beneath you, the fact that you are applying for it means you must put in your best
effort.

Sure, the temptation is there to shortcut the process, after all, you probably aren't that
enthusiastic about that mediocre job anyway, it would just be an okay job, something
to tide you over. But wait. What happens if you put less than your best effort into
applying for that lesser job? The answer, most likely, is that you won't be called back
and that small amount of effort you invested will go up in smoke as wasted time and a
wasted opportunity. And then what? Then not only do you not have a job, but you also
have one more rejection. And one more failed attempt at finding a job. More
importantly, you also have one less job to apply for.

So now that I've shown you why every job deserves it's own resume, I'll explain why it's
not that big of a deal. And then you'll learn why you need at least one more resume.