Most job seekers are aware that there is more than one type of resume; however, they may not know that there is more than one type of application! Let’s explore the differences between a regular resume and a customized resume, as well as how to write each one.
Regular Resume
A regular resume is one in which you have only listed your vocation and professional experience. This type of resume is easy to write and can serve as a quick summary of your work history. It is usually used to simply get a callback for an interview. What is more, the employer does not have to invest much in terms of time and money to review your resume.
The disadvantage to a regular resume is that it is easy to become obsolete. As you gain experience, you will see that there are certain skills and knowledge that are becoming increasingly in demand. When this happens, your resume will become out of date, and you will have to either update it or risk being overlooked because it does not represent your current skills.
Customized Resume
A customized resume is one in which you have listed not only your vocation and professional experience, but also skills that are representative of your current as well as desired competencies. In other words, a customized resume is a type of resume that is designed to maximize your appeal to a specific employer. This type of resume is also known as a “Job Portfolio” or a “Career Portfolio.”
A good example of a customized resume is the case of a nurse who is looking for a position as a medical scribe. In this case, the nurse has included the specialized knowledge that she has gained through her education and experience as a nurse. In addition, she has included her specialized skills as a medical scribe in order to make herself more attractive to potential employers. By including these two elements in her resume, the nurse will easily match the expectations of the employers who are reading her resume.
The advantage of a customized resume is that it is designed to specifically address the needs of the employer. Because it is tailored to suit their requirements, the employer is much more likely to be interested in offering the nurse a job. This is also true of applicants for other types of jobs (e.g., sales agent, administrative assistant, etc.).
Key Takeaway
From the above, it is evident that there are many differences between the two types of resumes. Even though a regular resume is simple and easy to put together, it lacks specific details that the employer may require. In contrast, a customized resume has all the necessary information, but it may require some additional work to make it more appealing to a potential employer. Therefore, if you’re serious about landing your next job, it may be a good idea to invest in creating a customized resume.