Resumania: Tailor your resume to the job you want

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Thomas Jefferson once said, "I'm a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it."

In a competitive job market, a little luck can be invaluable. But securing a job offer requires more than just accidental good fortune. Candidates need to be strategic to distinguish themselves from a crowded field of competitors.

Rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all resume, tailor it to each employer and job that interests you. Highlight the skills, qualifications and achievements that most closely relate to the open position. Also, review the prospective employer's job ad and mirror the language, integrating applicable keywords into your resume. The following candidates definitely didn't care to customize:

"OBJECTIVE: A job. Any job will do. Give me one."

What's the magic word?

"OBJECTIVE: Some type of work and money, please."

At least you asked nicely.

Conduct an online search and review the company's Web site and marketing materials to show a beyond-the-basics knowledge of the firm. This information also will help you tie your abilities to the organization's needs. These people failed to do their homework:

COVER LETTER: "What does your company do? Why would someone want to work for you?"

Aren't we supposed to ask the questions?

COVER LETTER: "Just throw a job at me if you have any openings because I'm sure I can do whatever it is."

Maybe you can, but we need more to go on.

Finally, instead of explaining what they can do for employers, these last applicants erred by focusing on their own interests:

"OBJECTIVE: $eeking a generou$ bo$$."

In other words, "Show me the money."

COVER LETTER: "I am a perfect candidate for the job. Getting it would be a good birthday present."

We'll have to simply wish you happy birthday instead.

For more Resumania, and to submit samples you've come across, visit www.resumania.com. Keep the Resumania coming. Examples can be sent to Resumania, c/o Robert Half International, 2884 Sand Hill Road, Suite 200, Menlo Park, Calif., 94025, or faxed to 650-234-6998.

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RESUMANIA