Relevant professional work experience boosts your chances of landing an interview. Jobscan’s research shows that if you match the job title exactly, your chances of getting an interview are over 10 times higher.
This means your resume job description needs to provide what the hiring manager is looking for. If it doesn’t, you won’t get an interview.
The problem is that most job seekers only create one resume that they send out with every application. This saves time, but the same resume is unlikely to satisfy the requirements of all the jobs you’re applying to.
To get more job interviews, you need to tailor your resume to each position. This article will show you exactly how to do that so you can increase your chances of landing your dream job.
What is a resume job description?
Your resume job description section is where you list your work history. Begin with your most recent job and work your way backward, listing previous positions in reverse chronological order.
This section is the most important part of your resume because it tells hiring managers whether you’re qualified for the role you’re applying to.
- Job title
- Company name
- Company location
- Dates of employment
- Job responsibilities
- Measurable accomplishments
Your job responsibilities are the duties you’re expected to perform. They include things like answering phones, writing articles, managing a team, handling customer complaints, selling products, and entering data.
But a powerful resume job description doesn’t stop at listing job responsibilities – it also provides measurable accomplishments.
A measurable accomplishment is an achievement that you can describe with numbers or metrics.
While job responsibilities tell hiring managers what you did, measurable accomplishments tell them how well you did it.
- Increased sales revenue by 25% in the first half of the year.
- Reduced customer complaints by 40% over a 12-month period.
- Led a team that completed a project 3 weeks ahead of schedule.
- Improved operational efficiency, resulting in a 15% reduction in costs.
- Grew the company’s social media following by 10,000 users in just 6 months.
It’s always a good idea to use bullet points to describe your responsibilities and accomplishments. This breaks down your information into easily-scanned digestible chunks.
Here’s an example of what a resume job description should look like:
Begin your bullet points with action verbs. These highlight your hands-on experience and make your resume more interesting to read.
- Start with strong action verbs: Use verbs like “Led,” “Achieved,” “Improved,” or “Implemented.” They show action and initiative.
- Include quantifiable achievements: Use metrics to show results. For example, “Increased sales by 25%” or “Reduced processing time by 15%.”
- Be clear, concise, and relevant: Tailor each bullet to the job. Focus on relevant skills and achievements. Keep points brief and scannable.
Need some extra help? Power Edit has a phrase generation feature to create customizable bullet points for key skills using AI.
Clicking the skill in the Report tab list will generate three sample phrases for your resume. If they fit your experience, you can copy and paste them right onto your resume. After you’ve added a bullet point, you can always edit or delete it and start over.
This tool can help you write ATS-friendly, impactful bullet points. It will create the perfect resume in minutes. It will have tailored bullet points that highlight your achievements.
How to write a job description section that aligns with a target job
Writing a tailored resume job description that gets past the ATS and attracts recruiters is achievable. Here’s how you do it:
Research the job description for relevant keywords
Go line by line through the job listing and ask yourself these questions:
- “Does my resume job description section clearly state that I can do what’s required of this role?”
- “Am I using the same language found in the job listing?”
- “Have I highlighted any achievements or experiences that directly align with the key responsibilities or qualifications mentioned in the job listing?”
By doing this, you might find missing skills and keywords you should try adding to your resume to make it less generic.
Additionally, mirroring the language, keywords, and buzzwords found within the job listing is the easiest way to demonstrate you’re a better match than the competition.
To ensure that your resume can be found in the ATS, take words from the job listing and strategically place them in your job description and other resume sections.
But make sure you don’t stuff your resume with too many keywords.
Use the situation, task, action, result (STAR) method for bullet points
When crafting bullet points for your resume, employing the Situation, Task, Action, Result (STAR) method can significantly enhance the impact of your descriptions. The STAR method provides a structured approach that not only highlights your contributions but also demonstrates your problem-solving skills in context.
- Start by outlining the situation—briefly describe the context or challenge you faced.
- Next, move to the task—clarify your specific responsibilities in that situation.
- Once you’ve set the stage, detail the action you took to address the task at hand, focusing on your unique contributions.
- Finally, present the result—this is your chance to quantify your achievements, showcasing the positive outcomes of your actions.
For example, instead of merely stating that you were involved in a project, you could say, “Coordinated a team of five to implement agile methodologies resulting in project completion two weeks ahead of schedule and a 20% increase in team productivity.”
Utilizing the STAR method not only gives structure to your resume bullet points but also ensures that your accomplishments are compelling, relatable, and measurable, making you stand out in a competitive job market.
Write your job title clearly
Jobscan research shows that if your resume contains the job title of the role you’re targeting, your chances of getting an interview are 10.6 times higher than if your resume doesn’t include the job title..
This is because recruiters often filter resumes by job title. 55.3% of recruiters we surveyed said they do this when searching their ATS for suitable job candidates.
If you haven’t held the job before, mention it as part of your resume summary. Match your job title to the one in the job listing when possible.
Quantify your achievements
Be selective about what you include. Place an emphasis on accomplishments over job responsibilities.
Use numbers and action verbs to describe your role and responsibilities. Numbers show how well you did your job. Action verbs make your resume more vibrant and interesting to read. Few applicants have every skill and meet every qualification. Tailoring your resume is about making sure hiring managers notice the ones you do have.
Examples of tailored resume job descriptions
In the examples below, the first part is the job listing with the relevant keywords highlighted. This is followed by a tailored resume job description for that listing. Finally, we’ll tell you why this job description works.
1. Sales manager
This example shows how to highlight skills in leadership, sales, and team management. It aligns with the key requirements of a sales manager role.
Job listing example
Below is an example of a sales manager job listing, with the relevant keywords highlighted, like “train sales team”, “accurate sales forecasts”, and “experience in sales.”
Resume job description example
In the image below, you’ll see an example for a tailored resume job description for a sales manager position.
- It clearly and specifically outlines key responsibilities and top achievements.
- It used metrics to show how the candidate seeks to constantly improve their leadership and communication skills.
- It touches on the candidate’s experience with leading a sales team, which is a key attribute the company is looking for.
- It matches the keywords found in the job listing.
2. Accountant
Use industry-specific keywords, like software tools and financial rules. This will make your resume ATS-compatible and attract recruiters.
Job listing example
Below is an example of an accountant job listing, with the relevant keywords highlighted, like “financial statements”, “GAAP”, and “reporting, and analysis of financial information.”
Resume job description example
In the image below, you’ll see an example for a tailored resume job description for an accountant position.
- It uses numbers to show how the candidate was able to cut costs and develop internal controls.
- It mentions which software the candidate knows how to use. Recruiters might filter candidates by specifying the type of software the company uses.
- It includes the keywords GAAP and FASB but also spells them out. This is smart because there is no knowing whether recruiters will filter their search using the long-form or the acronym of a specific skill.
3. SEO specialist
This example shows how to quantify achievements in traffic growth and keyword rankings. It also matches the technical skills needed for an SEO specialist position.
Job listing example
Below is an example of an SEO specialist job listing, with the relevant keywords highlighted, like “SEO strategy”, “high-quality website content”, and “search engine rankings.”
Resume job description example
In the image below, you’ll see an example for a tailored resume job description for an SEO specialist position.
- It matches keywords with what is in the job description. Some of the relevant keywords are incorporated in the Content Writer experience.
- It quantifies achievements, like the increase in website traffic.
- Everything is well-thought-out, concise, and specific.
4. Executive assistant
For executive assistant roles, this shows how to highlight skills. It should emphasize organization, attention to detail, and multitasking. This aligns with the job listing.
Job listing example
Below is an example of an executive assistant job listing, with the relevant keywords highlighted, like “logistics”, “expense reports”, and “complex office administrative work.”
Resume job description example
In the image below, you’ll see an example for a tailored resume job description for an executive assistant position.
- It quantifies key achievements.
- It mentions the number of supervisors that the candidate worked closely with and supported.
- It matches the skills in the job listing (e.g. attention to detail, organizational skills, interpersonal skills).
5. Customer service
This example shows a focus on excellent customer service and problem solving. It also cites measurable achievements, like customer satisfaction scores and awards.
Job listing example
Below is an example of a customer service job listing, with the relevant keywords highlighted, like “customer service”, “sales”, and “databases.”
Resume job description example
In the image below, you’ll see an example for a tailored resume job description for a position in customer service.
- It matches relevant keywords and skills found in the job description.
- It mentions that the candidate was Top Customer Service Representative of the year for five consecutive years.
- It includes a quantified key achievement.
Why should you tailor your resume job description?
Most companies today use computer software to help them hire employees. This software is called an applicant tracking system, or ATS.
When you send in your resume, it goes right into an ATS database. Hiring managers search the database for suitable resumes by typing keywords into the ATS search bar.
According to a Jobscan survey, over 99.7% of recruiters use filters to find the most relevant candidates. Here’s what they search for:
- 76.4% filter by skills
- 59.7% by education
- 55.3% by job title
- 50.6% by certifications
- 44% by years of experience
So if your resume doesn’t include the skills, titles, and qualifications from the job listing, it may never be seen, no matter how strong your experience is.
By tailoring each resume for the specific job you’re applying to, you’ll increase the chances that a hiring manager will find it and offer you an interview.
How to tailor your resumes faster and more effectively
There are now online tools available that make tailoring each resume much easier.
Upload your resume and the target job listing so Jobscan can run 30 checks on your resume and present you with a score. The score tells you how well your resume is optimized for that particular job.
You’ll also learn exactly which keywords you need to add to your resume to increase your score.
For immediate resume optimization, try our Power Edit feature. Power Edit uses advanced AI technology for a smarter, more streamlined resume-tailoring experience.
Here’s an example of a score and keyword suggestions you would see while using this tool:
The keywords with red circles are missing from this resume. By adding them, you’ll boost your score.
Power Edit can show you how to seamlessly integrate missing keywords into your resume. Just click on a missing keyword and you’ll be presented with multiple phrase suggestions you can choose from:
Key takeaways
Your resume job description is a critical part of your resume. Use this real estate to prove to recruiters that you have what it takes to do the job right.
- Include quantified achievements and specific responsibilities.
- Tailor your work experience section to the job listing of the position you are applying for.
- Customize your resume for every job application you are submitting.
- Optimizing your resume to the specific job will help you get past the ATS and land your dream job.
- Try Jobscan’s resume scanner so you don’t miss out on the specific skills and accomplishments recruiters and hiring managers are looking for.
- A generic resume is about you while a tailored resume makes it about them (and they all want it to be about them).
- Using bullet points instead of big paragraphs on your resume will make your resume easier to skim.
- Use color on your section headings to enhance your resume’s appearance.
- Corporate recruiters prefer to see skills in context. If they see a skill on your resume, they need to understand how and why you used it.
- Describe your accomplishments using data when possible with dollar amounts, percentages, or other measurables to prove your effectiveness.
- Tailoring your resume is also about removing information that distracts from your top hard and soft skills. Look at every line on your resume through the lens of, “Is this necessary to prove I’m a great fit for this job?”
FAQs
The following example provides specifics: team size, types of tasks, and a quantifiable result.
“Managed a team of 5 sales representatives, providing daily coaching and performance feedback. Oversaw daily operational workflows, ensuring efficient processing of customer orders. Implemented strategic sales initiatives that resulted in a 15% increase in quarterly sales revenue.”
“Led cross-functional project team of 8 members, consistently delivering projects on-time and within budget, resulting in improved operational efficiency.”
This short description still provides detail and a quantifiable result.
Focus on key responsibilities that align with the target job description. Emphasize accomplishments that demonstrate your skills and value. Quantify your achievements with numbers, percentages, or other metrics whenever possible. Use action verbs to start each bullet point. Prioritize the most relevant and impactful experiences.
Begin each bullet point with a strong action verb (e.g., ‘Managed,’ ‘Developed,’ ‘Implemented,’ ‘Promoted to’). Detail your responsibilities in a clear and concise manner. Quantify your achievements whenever possible (e.g., ‘Increased sales by 20%’). Tailor your descriptions to the specific job you’re applying for, using keywords from the job description. Focus on results and impact, not just tasks.
The best description gives a more complete picture of your actions.
“Developed and implemented targeted social media marketing strategies that increased online engagement by 20% within six months.”
“Conducted market research to identify key customer demographics and preferences, leading to more effective campaign targeting.”
“Created and managed a content calendar, ensuring consistent and relevant content delivery.”
A resume job description is a concise summary of your past job responsibilities and accomplishments, presented in the work history section of your resume. Its purpose is to demonstrate your qualifications and suitability for the target job by highlighting relevant skills and experiences. It should be tailored to each job application.
Carefully analyze the job description to identify key skills and keywords. Incorporate those keywords into your resume’s work history section, highlighting relevant experiences and accomplishments.
Use the same language and terminology as the job description. Prioritize your most relevant experiences and quantify your achievements to demonstrate your impact. Focus on how your skills and experience align with the employer’s needs.
