As an Executive Resume Writer, I frequently have clients tell me they don’t want to limit themselves. Therefore, they ask for a resume that can be used for a variety of roles; they are looking for a way to transform their resume. Unfortunately, generic resumes often are quite diluted. Therefore, the reader is hard-pressed to determine how you are a good fit for a specific role.

It is great to be a jack-of-all-trades – but it is rare that a job posting calls for someone with these skills. Customizing your resume in a few key areas requires a bit of work. However, it will guide the reader to see how your skills align with a job posting.

#1 Customized Headline

By modifying your headline based on roles for which you are applying, the reader can quickly determine that you are aiming for a specific role.

For instance, if you are applying for a pharmaceutical sales manager role, make sure your headline reads “Pharmaceutical Sales Manager.”

#2 Keyword and Key Phrase-Rich Branding Paragraph

Go to the job posting and look for key phrasing and terms unique to a role. Skip phrasing like “great multi-tasker” or “excellent communications” as these apply to all roles.

If there are qualifications clearly critical to this role and you possess them – make sure your branding paragraph says so and backs it up with stats.

For instance, if the pharma sales role asks for someone who can grow territories, make sure yours reads something like “grew sales territory 30% in two years.”

#3 On-Point Headers

Swap generic headers like “Experience” or “Career Overview” for headers that reinforce the role for which you are applying. To stick with the pharma sales example, yours might read “Pharmaceutical Leadership Experience.”

#4 Ranked Bullets

Move your job description bullets up or down based on the job for which you are applying. If you are looking at a sales role, list these achievements at the top and leave the customer service and marketing-related skills at the bottom.

Previously appeared on VirginiaFrancoResumes.com