A generic resume isn't enough anymore. Learn how to customize your resume
for each application and pass ATS filters.
Concrete steps, mistakes to avoid, and before/after examples
Sending the same resume to every job is a common mistake that drastically reduces your chances of getting hired.
Applicant Tracking Systems scan your resume for specific terms from the job posting. Without these keywords, your resume is automatically rejected. Understand how ATS work →
ATS assign a match score between your resume and the job posting. A generic resume gets a low score because it doesn't meet the specific criteria.
Even for similar positions, companies use different terminology. "Project Manager" can become "Program Manager" or "Project Lead" depending on context.
of resumes are rejected by ATS before even reaching a human recruiter.
The main reason? A lack of keyword match with the job posting.
To effectively tailor your resume, you first need to understand what recruiters and ATS are looking for.
The exact job title and its variants. The ATS checks if your current or past title matches.
The hard skills mentioned: languages, tools, methodologies, required certifications.
The vocabulary specific to the sector and domain of the company.
Keywords repeated multiple times in the posting are usually the most important. If "project management" appears 4 times, it's an essential criterion to highlight in your resume.
Follow this simple method to effectively customize your resume for each application.
Read the job description carefully, multiple times if needed. Identify the key elements:
Create a list of key elements to integrate into your resume:
Adapt each section of your resume to reflect the job requirements:
Use the exact job title or a close variant.
Rephrase your duties with keywords from the posting. Highlight relevant achievements.
Reorganize your list to put the required skills you have at the top.
Avoid these common mistakes that sabotage your applications even with a great profile.
Copying entire sentences word-for-word from the job description is counterproductive. Recruiters spot it immediately and modern ATS can detect this type of manipulation.
Do this instead: Rephrase in your own words while naturally integrating relevant keywords.
Complex tables, multiple columns, headers/footers, and graphics are not properly read by ATS. Your content may be misinterpreted or ignored.
Do this instead: Use a simple, linear structure with clearly identified sections. Check out our guide to creating an ATS resume for best practices.
Trying to include everything to "cover all bases" drowns important information. An overloaded resume loses impact and readability.
Do this instead: Select only the experiences and skills relevant to THIS specific position.
Manually tailoring your resume for each job takes time. JobAlign automates this process in seconds.
Our AI analyzes the job posting and automatically extracts keywords, skills, and criteria.
You receive personalized recommendations: rephrasing, keywords to add, sections to highlight.
Generate a perfectly tailored resume, ready to download as PDF. ATS-friendly format guaranteed.
See how a resume can be transformed to better match a specific job posting.
Series A fintech startup looking for an experienced profile to lead acquisition.
Marketing Manager
Vague title, doesn't match the target job
Growth Marketing Manager – B2B SaaS
Matches exact job title + context from posting
• Managed marketing projects
• Worked with the team
• Improved results
Generic descriptions, no targeted keywords
• Led B2B acquisition campaigns (+45% leads)
• Optimized SaaS conversion funnel
• Managed $50K/month Google Ads budget
Job posting keywords naturally integrated
Skills listed without priority order
Skills from job posting listed first
Answers to the most common questions about resume tailoring
Yes, it's highly recommended. ATS compare your resume to keywords in the job posting and assign a match score. A generic resume typically gets a low score and is automatically rejected. Tailoring your resume significantly increases your chances of passing the filters.
Manually tailoring a resume takes an average of 30 to 60 minutes per job: reading the posting, identifying keywords, rephrasing experiences, reorganizing skills. With JobAlign, this process takes under 3 minutes.
Priority elements are:
No, copy-pasting entire phrases is counterproductive. Recruiters spot it immediately and modern ATS can detect this manipulation. You need to integrate keywords naturally in your own wording.
JobAlign automatically analyzes the job posting, extracts important keywords, and generates a customized resume that naturally integrates these elements while staying true to your background. All in under 3 minutes with a guaranteed ATS-friendly format.
It's possible for very similar jobs in the same industry, but each company uses its own terminology. To maximize your chances, it's better to slightly adapt your resume for each posting, even if they seem identical.
Import your LinkedIn profile, paste the job posting, and let JobAlign generate a perfectly optimized ATS resume.
Generate from LinkedIn and job postingFree to start • No credit card required