Resumes are not one-size-fits-all. Job-specific resumes are more impressive and effective in landing a job interview.

Here’s the thing…

When recruiters screen resumes, they are looking for exact words and phrases that tell them an applicant has the specific work experience and skills that they are looking to hire. So that means job seekers have to ensure their resume tells and sells the right message.

That’s when developing a job-specific resume built around key elements outlined in a job posting is a job seekers best bet. This is particularly true because of how many employers use keyword scanning software – like search engine optimization (SEO) features on the Internet – to narrow down the field of candidates.

So to put job seekers on the right path to the right job, here are some tips on how to be sure their resume sends the right message.

Carefully Review the Job Posting

Want to get noticed?

In order to do just that, job seekers need to tailor their resumes to fit with whatever position they want to obtain, and not just what they see posted in some generic, everyday, run-of-the-mill job description on the Internet.

Instead savvy candidates work hard to identify very real job openings and then design their resume to fit the exact qualities outlined therein. That means carefully reading what the company is really looking for in their candidates and selecting the words that recruiters will later search their resume database to find.

This includes keywords, industry-specific skills, unique techie terms, job titles, certifications, education, buzz words and jargon. Some recruiters even focus on area codes and zip codes to identify geographically desirable applicants.

Check Out the Employer’s Website

Want more hints on what to include in a resume?

Conducting additional research can help job seekers find other keywords and important information to include in their resume; like on the employer’s website, where they might find things such as company values, company mission statement or a bit about the organization culture.

Be Sure to Use Action Words

Want to be perceived as a proactive employee?

In order to be considered a person of action, candidates need to use active phrasing when describing responsibilities, achievements and/or accomplishments.

Instead of using a laundry list of job duties or tired, old phrases that don’t pack a wallop, candidates should spice up their resume by choosing words that show they took an active part in performing their job.

Words like created, developed, advised, planned, organized, recommended, identified, trained, and so many others communicate to recruiters that this candidate is engaged and involved. Review the job posting and company website carefully to get ideas for the best action words.

Wrap it Up in the Right Format

Want to be included on the short list?

In order to move on to the next round, job seekers have to know how to properly organize and format their resume. This fact cannot be overemphasized.

Even with all the right background and experience, a candidate that submits a resume that is sloppy, disorganized, unprofessional, difficult to follow, too wordy or filled with grammatical and typing errors will have a difficult time getting an invitation for an interview. Bad resumes send the wrong message.

Get professional help if necessary, review free sample resumes on line, look at what other job seekers have posted, ask friends and family, whatever it takes to do it the right way.

The goal should always be to create a top-notch job-specific resume.