Q: I now have five versions of my resume.  A prospective employer has requested yet another version with a different format and emphasis.  What should I do?  Do I submit my application with the existing version, or do I accommodate the request?

A: You always have the option to do nothing. However, in doing so, you run the risk of having a resume that is dated, that elicits no response or is otherwise less desirable.  With this advance knowledge that your current version lacks detail or content your prospective employer seeks, why not modify it to suit the request?  What do you have to lose?  Making the requested revisions would make your materials competitive, and you would demonstrate to this prospective employer that you can be flexible, responsive and open to suggestion.

Unless you are not that interested in this job opportunity, think twice before turning down this request.  It seems to me the up side of accommodating the revision outweighs the down side of holding your ground. If you find the request too onerous, consider hiring a professional recruitment firm to redraft the resume per the new specs.

Contact Karen Alphonse at Karena@execSearches.com or visit ExecSearches.com for more information about our career coaching services.

ExecSearches.com is a job board for nonprofit job seekers interested in fundraising, management and executive nonprofit jobs.

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