Can I Use The Same Resume For Different Jobs?

So, you’ve come to the interesting time of creating your resume to apply to new jobs. This is exciting as you go in search of your next career move, not knowing what is in store. But the application process can be a bit tricky, especially when applying for multiple jobs at once. It can lead you to question if you should be using the same resume for multiple jobs.

Using the same resume for different jobs is not recommended. Even if you are applying to the same field, each company often has their own set of applicant requirements and key values. You should be customising your resume to highlight your abilities that match the sought after characteristics – customise your resume to answer their job requirements.

So, when should you customise and when should you create an entirely new resume? Keep reading for our top tips and advice!

Do you need different resumes for different jobs?

It’s recommended to not use the same resume for every job application at different companies. But this doesn’t mean creating a whole new resume for each application. It’s good to customise your current resume to highlight parts of your education, career and self that suit the criteria of each job.

This involves reading through the job descriptions and checking out the company information to gain an understanding of what they value. Then you can apply that knowledge to your resume critique. Find the main skills that you have for that job and emphasise them in the application for that job. Then you will do the same for the next job at a different company, tweaking your resume details a bit to fit their standards.

If I apply for two jobs at the same company, should I use two different resumes?

Applying for multiple jobs within one company doesn’t call for the use of two completely different resumes. You can absolutely use the same one, but there’s a catch! You will want to customise each resume so that the information on them is tailored to the jobs you are applying for.

Treat this step in the same way that you would treat two jobs at two different companies. As we were saying before, you should research and figure out the key skills and values for each position. Then tweak your resume to highlight your matching abilities.

Companies like to see potential employees applying to multiple positions because it shows you have a wide skill set. But your resume needs to reflect the skill sets of each position. Otherwise, it looks like you are just trying to get a job rather than applying to a position you are capable of working.

There are also times where your base resume can work for your application. Perhaps you’re applying to a labour recruitment company like Canberra Labour Hire, with an expression of interest for general construction labour work. You can send through your original resume with your key skills as a construction labourer because the job application isn’t directly to the official employer. Your base resume should still be of good quality and able to be submitted alone. Customising it is an extra step to show your interest in the position.

Customising your resume is important as each job likely requires different sets of skills, qualifications, or backgrounds. You should have a base resume to start. This resume has all the non-customisable pieces on it like your past and current jobs and schooling. If your major is good for your career skill set, make sure to include that. From there, you can edit the sections that talk about your unique qualifications for the position you are applying for.

For example, employers looking to hire general constructions workers are more interested in your construction history than your babysitting job from seven years ago. You should customise your resume to fit the job being applied to so that potential employers get the most relevant information immediately.

Creating a new resume altogether should be done for a few reasons, including:

You have a new job or volunteer work to add
You have new education or course work to add
An extended amount of time has gone between jobs, and you need to explain why
It’s been over 10 years since one job has ended. (At this point, the job can come off the resume as most employers are only interested in recent job information.)
You are applying for a promotion within the same company

Sometimes you also may need to create a new resume if yours just hasn’t been updated in a while. You may want to refresh the entire thing with a new look so that it catches the attention of potential employers.

Customising a resume means changing the details to make the resume apply to specific jobs. In this way you can use the same resume for different jobs but you have to tweak it slightly to fit the job requirements. It should be considered anytime you’re applying to a new job regardless of what the position is.

Customising your resume includes adjusting the layout to create a better flow but keeping the bulk of the information the same. Sometimes your resume just needs a little style upgrade, so to speak, to catch the attention of potential employers!

Follow these easy steps to customise your resume to fit varying job descriptions.

View the job requirements and applicant requirements of the job you are applying to.
Take some time to think about what qualifications you have that apply to those requirements.
Customise your resume so that it displays those qualifications as skills you have in a unique and engaging manner.

To lay out a good example for you:

Say you are applying to a job to be a financial advisor; the applicant requirements probably look something like this:

Must be good with numbers/math
Have a degree in accounting, finance, business, etc.
Customer service background encouraged

You would want to tailor your resume so that your special skills meet those standards, for example:

I pick up on math-related formulas quickly and understand the importance/value of money.
I have a bachelor’s degree in finance with an emphasis on budgeting.
I worked with people of varying ages in the customer service field ensuring all customers left with their needs exceeded.

Applying to multiple jobs with the same resume will likely not get you as far in the applicant process. It’s best to customise your resume for each job you’re applying to, tailoring it to each job’s requirements/applicant requirements. Occasionally you may want to redo your resume entirely, but often you can get away with making a few simple adjustments!

After applying for some work, is it a good idea to call about your job application? We also have some advice about what to do when your career isn’t going anywhere. Looking for work whilst you study? Check out how our Canberra Labour Hire Agency can help you get a great range of paid work experience.