You’ve likely heard that you need to tweak and adjust your resume for every job you apply to. This is absolutely true if the positions differ significantly in terms of job responsibilities.
For example, let’s say you’re currently a marketing manager but previously worked in finance. You’re now looking for a new role that offers more pay and greater flexibility for your interests or family. After some thought, you decide to return to finance. However, your resume lists all your previous work experience.
You start applying to jobs but realize you aren’t getting the calls for interviews you expected. Confused, you wonder what went wrong. You KNOW you have the experience, background, and knowledge. In fact, you just received high marks from your manager.
So, what’s the problem?
The problem lies in your resume and how effectively it conveys the information that makes a recruiter or hiring manager say, “I have to call this person.”
Your ultimate goal when applying is to make the person reviewing your resume FEEL compelled to speak with you—just from what they see on their computer screen.
Your resume tells a story about you before you even have the chance to meet them. If it’s not telling the right story, well…you likely won’t get the call.
Only YOU know about those high marks. Only YOU know how knowledgeable you are in finance. A recruiter or hiring manager won’t see that unless your resume tells your career story the right way.
So, what do you do?
Let’s revisit the earlier scenario. Instead of listing every detail of their career on their resume, XYZ should highlight only the relevant experience. Here’s why: As a marketing manager trying to re-enter finance, someone reviewing their resume might hesitate to take a chance on them. They’d likely prefer a candidate currently working in finance.
This is where crafting the right resume story becomes essential.
Here’s what to do, step by step:
- Highlight only relevant work experience.
Avoid overloading your resume with every job you’ve ever had. If you’re targeting a role in finance, focus on jobs, skills, and accomplishments directly tied to that field.
Insider tip: Recruiters spend an average of 6–7 seconds scanning your resume before deciding whether to keep reading. Don’t make them dig for what’s relevant—put it front and center.
- Tap into your “brag bag.”
Your “brag bag” is full of accomplishments that showcase your skills in the finance space.
You don’t need an “Employee of the Month” award to brag. Did a leader ever say you’re their go-to for tackling complex tasks? Are you known as the person everyone turns to for help?
If that’s you, put it on your resume. These things matter.
Don’t believe me? I’ve done it myself.
Take a look at the picture below. This is an actual copy of the resume I used to get my last promotion. I’ve also used this strategy with several clients, and it’s come up during their interviews.
It might seem small, but it shows interviewers something deeper about you—your abilities beyond just “skills.”
Remember, hiring managers want the best. By including these golden nuggets, you let them know YOU are the best. And don’t forget that—even if you don’t believe it yet.
- Format your resume properly.
A career objective has no place on your resume. If it’s there, remove it and focus on your professional experience instead.
Education should be listed last.
The main focus should be on skills and experience—this is what hiring managers care about. Organize these sections effectively.
Need formatting ideas? Check out my Etsy shop (each purchase includes a video tutorial on how to format your resume) – click here.
- Keywords are your best friend.
Most companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan resumes for specific keywords before a human ever sees them.
- Study the job description and mirror its language in your resume.
- Focus on action verbs like “analyzed,” “led,” “implemented,” or “optimized.”
This small step can mean the difference between landing in the “Yes” pile and disappearing into the black hole of applications.
Final Thoughts
Remember: Your resume is your story. Only you can tell it in a way that makes someone want to turn the page—or in this case, call you for an interview.
By focusing on relevance, brag-worthy accomplishments, and a clean format, you’ll significantly boost your chances of landing your dream job.
Trust me, I’ve seen these strategies work time and again—for my clients and myself.
You’ve got this.
And if you ever need extra guidance? You know where to find me.
Success and blessings always,
Lexi
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