How many versions of my resume do I need?
How many resumes is too many?
If you know me, I prioritize comfort and ease. Pretty much every day, you can catch me rocking comfy clothes, attempting to minimize my calendar, and streamlining processes regularly. All to make my life easier.
One thing that doesn't make your life easier?
Having multiple versions of your resume.
Quality over quantity.
It's a common misconception that having an arsenal of resumes tailored for every conceivable job is the key to success.
But let’s get real. Ain’t nobody got time for that.
Quality trumps quantity when it comes to crafting a compelling resume. Create one, amazing, descriptive, ear-perking version of your resume. The version that shares all the spectacular things you’ve done and highlights your impeccable skills.
I’ve seen people drown in a sea of resume variations and agonize about if submitting the right version.
Let’s just make things easy.
Focus on creating one exceptional resume that vividly showcases your skills, experiences, and accomplishments.
Your resume. Your story.
Think of your resume as your career narrative – a dynamic story that adapts to different roles while maintaining its core authenticity. If you are able to share an overview of your experiences along with specific details, you’ll peak the interest of your readers: recruiters and hiring leaders. And they’ll also understand how your experiences can translate to different roles.
Streamlining the application process
As a recruiter, I saw many applicants who accidentally applied with the wrong version, and I just felt bad for them. They obviously put time and energy into multiple versions. But applying to jobs is stressful enough without adding in multiple resumes.
And I couldn’t help but wonder: What else could this applicant have done instead of agonizing about multiple versions of their resume?
They could have directed their energy towards:
Networking
Preparing for interviews
Engaging on LinkedIn *hyperlink to services page for both
Following up with recruiters
Not growing gray hairs
Imagine feeling confident in submitting your sublime resume and feeling like you actually have the energy to network, connect on LinkedIn, and prep for interviews.
What a feeling!
But, what if I do need multiple versions?
Don't get me wrong. There is a time and a place for multiple versions. Like when
You’re changing industries
You’re switching job areas (example: sales to marketing)
You work on highly-specific projects that greatly differ in scope and topic
Here’s the secret: Tailor, don’t overhaul
Tailoring your resume doesn't mean a complete overhaul for every application.
Start with one version of your resume. Write your experiences.
Make a copy.
Tailor your experiences to the new industry, job function, or other specific group.
Use industry-specific terms and phrases in each version. The language that really resonates with your ideal reader.
And here’s the thing: Create two versions of your resume, at maximum.
By strategically adapting your experiences, you’ll identify the key skills and experiences that relate to the jobs you’re applying to. You’ll subtly emphasize those aspects in your resume(s). Your reader will be left thinking: Wow, they have an interesting background, and it will fit well with [insert position applied for here].
This targeted approach ensures that your resume remains relevant without the need for constant rewrites. You’ll save time, feel less stressed, and feel more confident.
One version. Best version.
By composing one masterful version of your resume, you're not just minimizing stress and streamlining the application process – you're conducting a confident narrative that resonates with potential employers.
Remember, it's not about how many versions of your resume you have. It's about the impact your resume leaves. If you craft your professional story with precision, it will resonate across industries, and leave your reader thinking “I want to talk to [insert your name here].”
Interested in creating a resume that captures attention from recruiters and hiring leaders?
Get help or have your resume written by a former recruiter who reviewed 100+ resumes a day, conducted hundreds of interviews, and hired thousands of people.
