How to Tailor a Resume to a Job Posting Quickly and Efficiently

To tailor a resume, pinpoint the essential skills and qualifications from the job description. Add these throughout your resume. Don’t just list out these skills, but prove them through relevant experiences and accomplishments. To find these key terms, carefully review the job description or use a resume keyword scanner tool. If applicable, adjust job titles to align with the company’s expectations. 

You should tailor every resume you send. If you don’t, your resume could get filtered out before a recruiter even sees it.

Recruiters don’t need your entire work history—they just need a clear snapshot of the most relevant skills, achievements, and qualifications that prove you’re the best fit for their particular needs. 

Even for the same job title, each company has unique expectations. Your resume should immediately show you meet them.

But I get it, tailoring your resume can feel even more draining than writing it from scratch... It’s extra work on top of an already long process.

This guide will show you how to do it efficiently, so you can customize your resume for every role without spending hours on each application.

What Is a Tailored Resume?

A tailored resume is customized to match a specific company’s job description. To tailor a resume means intentionally aligning your skills, qualifications, and experience with the company’s job requirements. 

And this isn’t just about minor wording tweaks. 

It’s about strategically adding keywords from the job description, highlighting key achievements, and structuring your content in a way that shows you’re the right fit for the role.

Tailoring your resume is a necessity for job applications nowadays since most companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to filter resumes based on how well they match the job description. 

If your resume doesn’t align with the listed qualifications and keywords, it could be rejected before a human ever sees it. That’s why tailoring your resume is crucial if you want a real shot at landing the job.

The meaning of a resume job description

When referring to a resume job description, it typically means describing a job on your resume or including key details from a job posting. Your resume job description should reflect the company's expectations for what they want in a candidate. 

When reviewing resumes, hiring managers check more than just your previous job titles and responsibilities. They want proof that you can deliver results in all the right areas. That’s why a strong resume doesn’t just state what you did; it quantifies how well you did it.

For example, instead of simply writing “Managed social media accounts,” a stronger, tailored version could be “Increased engagement by 35% by implementing a content strategy.” This provides concrete evidence of your abilities and makes it easier for hiring managers to see your value in the role.

How to Tailor a Resume to a Job Description Step-by-Step

Here’s how to tailor your resume: 

• Find keywords from the job description.
• Adjust job titles and roles.
• Tweak the wording of your achievements accordingly.
• Add keywords naturally into your resume sections, such as the summary, work experience, skills, and education. 
• Make sure there are no grammar or spelling errors.
• Use a resume checker to confirm that your resume is application ready.

Finding the keywords is one thing, but knowing how to best include them in your resume is another. The biggest challenge, however, is completing this entire process within minutes and not hours.

Below, I’ll go through each step in detail and share the most efficient way to tailor a resume so you can send more tailored applications in less time.

1. Find keywords from the job description

The first step—often the most time-consuming if done manually—is identifying the essential words and phrases from the job description that need to be included on your resume. 

You can easily find keywords from the job description by copying and pasting it into a keyword scanner, like Rezi AI Keyword Targeting. This will compile a list of important terms to include in your resume.

If you upload your resume into Rezi, you can also see which keywords you’ve already included and which ones are missing. 

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And if you need help including these keywords on your resume, you can use Rezi AI Keyword Tailoring. Simply press “Yes - add bullet point” and it’ll generate a suggestion, as shown below.

How to find keywords without using a resume keyword scanner tool

To find essential keywords without a resume keyword scanner, simply review the job description. Check for the following: 

• Job titles and positions
• Important skills (e.g., SEO, project management)
• Qualifications (e.g., certifications, degrees)
• Experience (e.g., industry background, years in a role)
• Achievements (e.g., increased revenue, improved engagement)

For example, if a company is hiring a digital marketer and specifically seeks someone with experience in “managing paid ads” and “driving social media engagement," there’s a good chance that these are keywords and phrases that you need to include. However, never lie on a resume (more on adding keywords into your resume later). 

Since the first round of resume reviews is typically automated by hiring software to filter through a high volume of applications, finding the right keywords is crucial for passing this initial screening

2. Adjust job titles and roles 

Adjusting job titles on your resume can help clarify your experience and make it more relevant to the position you’re applying for. However, it’s important to do this ethically—without misleading hiring managers or exaggerating your background. 

For example, if you’re applying for a "Social Media Manager" role and your previous title was "Marketing Associate", but your work focused on social media marketing, you could adjust it to "Social Media & Marketing Associate" for clarity. This highlights your relevant experience without misrepresenting your role.

Just don’t completely change your job title to something you weren’t, like claiming to be a “Marketing Director” when you were an associate. 

When in doubt, a slight adjustment for clarity is okay, but always be truthful. Focus on highlighting relevant responsibilities rather than stretching the truth. 

3. Tweak the wording of your achievements accordingly

Focus on highlighting relevant achievements and refine the wording to align with the employer’s needs. 

If the job description for a “Marketing Manager” position emphasizes SEO experience, for instance, focus on highlighting achievements related to SEO. Likewise, if they mention a specific tool, showcasing a notable contribution using that tool can make your resume feel tailored specifically for the company.

However, don’t exaggerate numbers or claim responsibilities you didn’t have.

Also, always prioritize resume achievements that are most relevant to the role. Avoid including accomplishments that don’t relate to the job requirements 

4. Prioritize relevant career highlights in your summary section

Tailor your resume summary by adding keywords that highlight relevant career achievements, areas of expertise, and key skills. 

For example, if a job description states that they want a candidate proficient in data analysis and Excel, you could write something like, “Financial Analyst specializing in data analysis, forecasting, and financial modeling. Proficient in Excel, SQL, and Power BI, with a 5+ year track record of identifying cost-saving opportunities and improving financial reporting accuracy.”

Alternatively, you can use Rezi AI Resume Summary Generator to draft a tailored summary for you. Simply enter your job title and the key skills you want to highlight, and it will generate a draft. If you also input the target job description or have already completed your resume in Rezi, it will incorporate these details for a more personalized and accurate result.

5. Focus on relevant outcomes in the work experience section

Tailor your resume work experience section not just by including key skills and responsibilities, but by proving them. 

Let’s say a job posting is seeking candidates with strong project management and stakeholder communication skills. 

Here are example bullet points you could write:

• Oversaw 3 account management projects while overseeing a team of 5 sales associates, resulting in a 15% increase in quarterly revenue.
• Presented monthly performance reports to C-suite executives, providing data-driven insights to align sales strategies with business objectives.

If you’re stuck writing resume bullet points, you can use Rezi AI Bullet Point Writer to generate them for you. Just enter your job title and click “Generate Bullet.” For more tailored results, add the company job description. 

On the other hand, if you already have existing bullet points but want to refine them, Rezi AI Bullet Point Editor can help. Simply highlight a bullet point and press "Rewrite Bullet" to get improved suggestions or complete unfinished sentences.

6. Add qualifications related to the role in the education section

The resume education section is fairly straightforward, but it’s a section where it’s possible to include relevant keywords. 

Start by adding your university degree as usual. However, you may want to consider tweaking it depending on the job description. For example, if the job posting mentions a “Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or a related field”, list your degree as “Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science” rather than just “BSc” to match ATS keywords.

You can also mention relevant coursework, research projects, or extracurricular activities if they align with the role. If hiring managers value data analytics, for instance, it can be worth mentioning courses like “Statistical Analysis” or “Machine Learning.”

7. Put job-specific skills into the skills section

The skills section of a resume is one of the easiest places to add resume keywords, but it should be done strategically. 

Include hard skills, technical proficiencies, and industry-specific tools directly from the job description. For example, if the posting mentions “Google Analytics, SEO, and content strategy” as essential skills, list them in your resume skills section.

That said, never list every skill possible. Only include genuine competencies that you can confidently discuss and prove in an interview. 

Recommended guides:

• The Best Skills to Put on a Resume
• How to Show Technical Skills on a Resume
• Top Computer Skills to Include on a Resume
• What are the Best Resume Hard Skills?
• What are the Best Resume Soft Skills?
• How to List Language Skills on a Resume
• Communication Skills for a Resume
  

8. Add resume keywords into additional resume sections

Beyond your standard resume sections, you can use additional sections to further highlight relevant skills and qualifications that align with the role. 

Here are a few examples of other sections to consider: 

• Certifications. If the job requires specific qualifications, list relevant certifications on your resume, such as “Google Analytics Certified” or “PMP Certification.” 
• Projects. Showcase desirable experience by listing relevant resume projects, such as “Developed a predictive sales model using Python” for a data analytics role.
• Publications. If you’ve written industry-related articles, research papers, or reports, include them using a publications resume section. 
• Volunteering. Create a resume volunteer section to showcase transferable skills. 
• Awards. Mention awards on your resume that validate your skills, such as “Recipient of the Top Sales Performer Award in 2023.”
• Hobbies. If applicable, include resume hobbies that reinforce job-related skills or interests.

9. Make sure there are no grammar or spelling errors

No matter how tailored your resume is, content errors can affect ATS compatibility. Incorrect spellings or job titles might cause your resume to be misread or overlooked.

So, always proofread after tailoring—especially sections where you’ve added keywords. Run your resume through a grammar-checking tool, but don’t rely on it alone. Read your sentences out loud or ask a trusted friend for a second look, and edit your resume as needed. 

10. Use a resume checker to confirm that your resume is application ready

Lastly, confirm your resume is tailored to the job description and optimized for the target company’s hiring software by using an ATS resume checker. 

For example, once you upload or complete your resume with Rezi, you’ll receive a Rezi Score, as shown below.

Your score is based on five key categories: content, format, optimization, best practices, and application readiness. These categories include a total of 23 specific audits that hiring managers consider important, such as weak bullet points and industry language.

However, the cheat code with Rezi is that you receive real-time feedback while building your resume. In other words, our content analysis feature provides guidance as you write, helping you tailor your resume in real time to the job description you entered at the start of the Rezi resume-building process. 

Example of a Tailored Resume

We’ll go through a sample job description for a marketing manager, followed by examples of a universal and tailored resume. The job description is AI-generated by ChatGPT for demonstration purposes.

Sample job description 

Position: Marketing Manager – Hybrid, Full-Time

Company: XYZ Company

XYZ Company is a fast-growing tech company focused on delivering innovative solutions. We’re looking for a Marketing Manager to drive brand awareness, lead generation, and customer engagement through strategic marketing initiatives.

Key responsibilities:

• Develop and execute digital marketing campaigns across SEO, social media, email, and paid ads.
• Optimize content marketing strategies to improve brand visibility and audience engagement.
• Analyze performance metrics and adjust strategies for maximum ROI.
• Collaborate with sales and product teams to align marketing efforts with business goals.
• Manage marketing budgets and external vendors as needed.

Requirements:

• 4+ years of marketing experience in the tech industry.
• Strong expertise in digital marketing, content strategy, and analytics.
• Proficiency with marketing tools like Google Analytics, HubSpot, and social media platforms.
• Excellent communication and project management skills.

Universal resume

Why this universal resume sample is a good base:

• Well-structured and concise – easy to scan and ATS-friendly.
• Demonstrates strong marketing experience with measurable achievements.
• Highlights key marketing skills relevant to many marketing manager roles.

Why this universal resume sample isn’t tailored:

• Lacks job-specific keywords such as "performance marketing," "customer acquisition," or "marketing automation."
• The work experience section is quite broad and not directly aligned with any specific job description.
• The summary section is well-written but could be more targeted.

Tailored resume

Why this resume works:

• Naturally includes job-specific keywords from the job description (e.g., "performance marketing," "customer acquisition," "marketing automation").
• Provides quantifiable achievements that align with the expected role responsibilities.
• Still truthful—adjusts language to match job description while keeping content accurate. 
• Emphasizes relevant skills while maintaining honesty about past roles and impact. 

Why You Should Always Tailor Every Resume (And the Benefits of a Tailored Resume)

The most important reasons to tailor every resume are to pass hiring software scans and significantly increase your chances of landing an interview.

Companies will narrow down the list of job applications by using hiring software, which instantly scans your resume and checks it against their job criteria. Whether your resume gets through depends not only on if you meet the essential qualifications, but also on how well it’s tailored to the job opening.

So if your resume doesn’t align with specific job requirements because you haven’t tailored it, chances are that your resume will head straight to the rejection pile. 

Here are a few more reasons why it’s important to tailor your resume: 

• Get the job you truly want. Tailoring your resume is always worth the effort when applying for your ideal job. That said, tailoring each resume you send also naturally encourages you to apply only for positions you’re truly interested in, increasing the chances of landing a job you’ll be satisfied with—rather than settling for just anything (which, given the current job market, is understandable, but you still deserve the right job!).
• Show genuine interest. A tailored resume shows employers that you’re specifically interested in the job opportunity at their company. This not only helps you stand out, but it may even lead to other opportunities within the organization.
• Stand out from other candidates. A resume that highlights your unique strengths while directly addressing the employer’s needs makes you more memorable to recruiters.

Summary

Here’s a summary of how to tailor a resume: 

• Check the job description for relevant keywords to add to your resume.
• Consider refining the wording of job titles, alongside responsibilities and achievements, to match the job description.
• Include keywords throughout your resume where appropriate. 
• Proofread your resume and ensure it’s free from spelling or grammar errors.
• Use a resume checker to confirm your resume is tailored. 

Blasting out hundreds of resumes might get you an interview, but your chances are much slimmer compared to submitting tailored resumes.

Plus, a generic resume is less likely to land you the job you truly want.

That’s why you should apply for jobs that not only match your experience, but also align with your interests. This makes the effort of tailoring your resume worthwhile. 

That said, tailoring doesn’t have to mean sending fewer applications. With the right approach—and tools like Rezi AI—you can customize resumes efficiently so that you increase your chances of landing the right job without slowing down your job search.

FAQs

What happens if I don’t tailor my resume?

Not tailoring your resume means risking being overlooked by hiring managers and applicant tracking systems (ATS). Hiring managers want to read a job application meant specifically for them, which is why it’s so important to tailor your resume. Every job application should have a customized resume that reflects the role’s requirements and showcases your most relevant qualifications. Generic resumes fail to highlight how your skills align with the specific job requirements. 

How to use ChatGPT to tailor a resume to a job description?

To tailor your resume using ChatGPT, start by providing your existing resume along with the job description. Ask ChatGPT to identify important keywords, skills, and qualifications that recruiters are looking for. Once you have these details, add them naturally into your resume. If you need help adding keywords, you can ask ChatGPT to help you refine bullet points, adjust sections, and align your skills with the job requirements. However, always review the output to ensure it accurately reflects your experience.

Can ChatGPT redo my existing resume to fit a job description?

Yes, ChatGPT can help you refine your existing resume to match a specific job description. Simply copy and paste your resume along with the job posting into ChatGPT, then ask it to tailor your resume based on the listed qualifications, skills, and responsibilities. If you only need to adjust specific sections, you can ask ChatGPT to focus on those areas.

How to use AI to tailor my resume to the job description?

AI tools like ChatGPT or specialized resume builders like Rezi can help tailor your resume by identifying important keywords from the job description and restructuring your content to align with employer expectations. Use AI to streamline the process of tailoring a resume, but always double-check your resume to make sure it accurately reflects your skills and experience. 

How to describe a job on my resume?

The best way to describe jobs on a resume is to use clear action verbs and highlight key skills and achievements that are directly related to the job description. Start with an action verb, mention specific tasks, and include the outcome. Use numbers to specify responsibilities and results. For example, instead of writing “Managed social media,” write “Increased engagement by 35% by developing a content strategy for social media channels.”