I’m not sure if any of us really want to adapt to changing world conditions in true Darwinian fashion. That would require that only those of us with appropriate features survive to create the next generation.

As human beings, we have the unique ability to adapt who we are and what we are to appear to be more suitable to current market needs. The problem is that most of us don’t take advantage of this characteristic.

To begin with, your resume should have a traditional structure in order to be most easily absorbed. Our work history from most recent to least recent is how we must begin in presenting our credentials. And, rightly so.

The details under each “work opportunity” we have had is typically assembled from files and notes we have made over the years about projects we have managed and achievements, some rather significant, to which we can lay claim.

The problem is a classic marketing one. We have a product we would like to sell – our services, but do the deeds of which we are most proud and have measured so carefully match up to what the market is seeking at the moment? Often not!

Although on their face, the job leads in every newsletter have value because we are committed to sharing “hot” situations with each other, they have a secondary value as well.

Do an experiment and over the course of several days and print off job opportunities of interest to you. Yes, I know that some of them are in locations you wouldn’t consider, but so you will have a sufficient amount of material, ignore geography for the moment.

What are the must haves and what are the skills and/or experiences they are looking for? Now comes the hard part – how do these “requirements” match up to your resume? Be honest with yourself and see if you can match up a significant percentage in your chosen postings with your most important marketing document.

Assuming a limited or significant difficulty in doing this one to one comparison, ask yourself why the position was of interest. If you really can do the job, the approach I would suggest is to put your resume more in the language of the postings you think are appropriate to your background.

With the volume of resumes flooding those with jobs to fill, don’t count on anyone’s imagination being very active. More than likely you will find that opus of yours being screened by an individual unknowledgeable about our finance and accounting craft. They are likely to also not know the industry of many of the companies you have worked for.

They will be looking for specific words and phrases, and if they don’t see them I guess you could say you will be Darwined. (I think I just made up a new word.)

Regards, Matt