Alison Green Application Audit
Follow the Ask a Manager approach to complete an Alison Green job application sprint by tailoring your resume, writing a personal cover letter, and auditing your final submission.
5 time blocks, 65 minutes in total.
Time blocks
- Posting Analysis and Core Requirements: 10 min
Annotate required skills and note specific challenges facing the role - Resume Bullet Impact Audit: 15 min
Rewrite bullet points to show concrete results rather than duties - Conversational Cover Letter Draft: 20 min
Write a conversational draft explaining why you fit this exact role - Tone and Cliché Sweep: 10 min
Remove generic buzzwords and ensure the letter sounds like a human - Requirement Match and Final Proof: 10 min
Compare final draft against job criteria and verify formatting
About this routine
The Alison Green job application strategy centers on quality over volume. Instead of sending out dozens of generic resumes, Ask a Manager author Alison Green advocates focusing on positions where you are genuinely qualified, then thoroughly tailoring every document to demonstrate that match.
This 65 minute audit structures the submission process into clear phases. You begin by deconstructing the job posting to identify core requirements. Then you rewrite resume bullet points to highlight outcomes rather than generic job duties, followed by drafting a conversational cover letter that adds original insight.
The final phase focuses on self editing. You review the draft to eliminate professional jargon, verify that every requirement is addressed, and check formatting before hitting submit. Working through this sequence ensures your application reads like a direct conversation with a hiring manager.
Why this routine works
- Replaces generic resume copy with clear accomplishment statements
- Creates a distinctive cover letter that speaks directly to hiring managers
- Eliminates job search jargon and passive resume phrasing
- Ensures complete alignment between your experience and role requirements
FAQ
What is the Alison Green approach to job applications?
Alison Green recommends focusing on quality over volume. Candidates tailor their resume bullet points around concrete accomplishments and write conversational cover letters that explain why they are a strong fit.
How long should a job application tailoring session take?
A targeted single application audit takes about 65 minutes when covering job description analysis, resume alignment, cover letter writing, and final proofreading.
How does Ask a Manager suggest writing cover letters?
Ask a Manager suggests writing cover letters like a letter to a respected colleague, using narrative examples that expand on your resume rather than repeating it.