How to Tailor Your Resume to a Job Posting

I was featured once again in an expert roundup, this time sharing my tried-and-true approach on how to tailor your resume to a specific job posting. In this article, I go deeper—offering real examples, client-tested strategies, and the mindset shift that can turn a generic resume into a powerful, job-winning document.

Why Tailoring Matters More Than Ever

If there’s one thing Mary Southern has learned over her 12+ years writing resumes professionally, it’s this: generic resumes don’t get interviews. A resume that feels like it could be sent to any job rarely speaks to the specific needs, tone, and values of a particular employer. And in a competitive market where recruiters are scanning hundreds of resumes, that tailored spark of relevance can make all the difference.

“Ultimately, tailoring a resume is about showing the employer that you’re not just qualified—you’re relevant,” Mary says.

Use the Job Posting as Your Blueprint

One of the simplest yet most effective tactics Mary recommends is pulling key language directly from the job posting—and weaving it into the resume naturally.

But let’s be clear: this isn’t keyword stuffing. It’s about aligning your experience with the employer’s priorities in a way that feels authentic and strategic.

“If a role emphasizes cross-functional collaboration, strategic thinking, and measurable impact, then your resume should reflect real examples of how you’ve done just that,” Mary explains.

She recalls a time when she applied for a role that emphasized those very skills. Rather than using vague phrases like “Led cross-functional teams,” she rewrote her experience to read:

“Partnered with engineering, marketing, and product teams to launch initiatives that increased user engagement by 35%.”

This shift did more than just tick a keyword box. It demonstrated impact, fluency in the company’s language, and an understanding of their goals. That resume led to an interview within days.

Match the Tone as Well as the Language

Another often-overlooked tip Mary swears by is mirroring the tone and style of the job posting. If the description is packed with data and results, make sure your bullet points are too. If the language leans heavily into culture, collaboration, or mission, let your values and team contributions shine through.

“I read between the lines,” Mary notes. “If the employer leads with results, I emphasize metrics. If they emphasize values, I highlight leadership and alignment with mission.”

Write for Both ATS and Humans

Tailoring also requires writing with two audiences in mind: the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) and the human reader.

Mary advises using relevant keywords naturally—not as isolated buzzwords, but as part of compelling, results-based statements. Her rule? No keyword stuffing. Just real achievements that align with the role and speak to your potential.

What Tailoring Really Means

Tailoring isn’t just about fitting into a mold. It’s about showing an employer: “I see you. I understand what you need. And here’s how I’ve already delivered it in the past.”

When you write your resume like it was written for the job, not just about you, you build a connection that gets noticed—and gets interviews.

Ready to update your resume and optimize your LinkedIn profile?

Reach out today! www.resumeassassin.com or mary@resumeassassin.com

Connect on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mary-southern

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