Start with the work, then the keywords
Read the responsibilities before rewriting your summary. A title such as “software engineer” can describe API development, internal tools, infrastructure, or customer-facing features. Your resume should make the relevant kind of work easy to find.
Make a short map with three columns: what the employer needs, an example from your background, and where it belongs on the resume. If you cannot supply an example, leave that requirement out of your claims. You can still apply without implying that you meet every preference.
- Pick three or four responsibilities that define the role.
- For each, find a project, task, or outcome you can discuss in an interview.
- Use the employer’s terminology when it accurately describes that work.
- Put the strongest match first within each relevant role or project.
Make the connection explicit
Consider a fictional candidate applying to a backend role that mentions APIs, PostgreSQL, and automated testing. Their original note says they worked on a booking app. The useful follow-up questions are what they built, what data it handled, and how they checked it.
If they confirm the details below, one specific bullet can communicate the match without a list of unsupported keywords. A number is useful only when the candidate can substantiate it.
Worked on a booking app with a team.
Built TypeScript API endpoints for booking creation and cancellation, stored reservations in PostgreSQL, and added integration tests for conflicting requests.
The revision identifies the contribution, tools, and testing scope. It does not invent revenue, scale, or performance improvements.
Check the whole page against the opportunity
A tailored bullet can get lost beneath unrelated detail. Review the top third of the page, the first bullet under each recent role, and the skills section as a set. They should reinforce the same application rather than describe three different career directions.
In Tailor, paste the job description or try its public link, review the job brief, and add your existing resume or background. Answer the follow-up questions with concrete facts. After generation, check names, dates, skill levels, and every claim before downloading.
- Keep official job titles and employment dates accurate.
- Remove repeated claims before shrinking the text.
- Check that keywords appear in context, not just in a skills list.
- Save the version with a recognizable role or company name.
Common questions
Should I rewrite my resume for every job?
Keep a master version of your background. For each application, review the summary, selected projects, bullet order, and relevant skills. Closely related roles may need only a few changes.
Can I tailor a resume from a LinkedIn or Indeed posting?
Yes. Tailor can try to import a public job link. If the link is unavailable or requires sign-in, paste the description directly. The employer’s actual responsibilities and qualifications provide the context.