When we think about looking for a new job, the first thing we often do is freshen up our resume and make sure it’s up to date. We dive into the search and start sending resumes and cover letters to companies that seem of interest.
Soon we realize that we want to position ourselves a bit differently for each role.
Different experiences and skills might be more relevant for each of the opportunities in front of us. This becomes even more challenging as our career develops over time and we have a greater breadth of experience.
How might we easily update and curate our resume and cover letter for each opportunity?
My Story
I’m in an interesting position right now.
Launching my own business while simultaneously launching my book One Shade Greener at Home.
As a result, I have a frequent need to share information about myself.
Each opportunity is looking for background information, and a resume isn’t always the format that I’m requested to provide. I was finding myself updating content depending on the situation and request.
This got me thinking that there must be a better way. So, I brainstormed one.
My Perspective
Below is a summary of the approach that could work to address the challenge.
- Establish Focus – Clearly define the type(s) of roles, opportunities, and/or partnerships you are looking for. The focus areas define the lens through which you highlight your experience.
- Experience – Think about the experiences and case studies you have for each specialty area. One role can often be framed in two different ways to align to each focus area.
- Bio – For each area of focus, create a bio. This way, you have a foundation of each at your fingertips when this format is needed.
- Profile Pictures – In addition to the written content, you often include a profile photo – especially with a bio. Having several images that you are comfortable with on hand allows you to have a choice based on the opportunity.
While this seems interesting, the personal experiment to try it out in still in progress. My guess is that the recommendations will evolve over time.
Your Turn
Have you found yourself in a similar position?
Did you come up with any strategies and solutions that helped?
Do you think the approach described above would be helpful?