A targeted resume is customized so that it specifically highlights the experience you have that is relevant to the job you are applying for. It definitely takes more time to write a targeted resume, but, it's worth the effort, especially when applying for jobs that are a perfect match for your qualifications and experience.
How to Target Your Resume
The easiest way to target your resume (without rewriting the whole resume) is to include a Resume Summary of Qualifications or Career Highlights section at the top of your resume.
Review the job description, then review your resume. Take the experience, credentials, and education that best match the job posting and include them in the Summary of Qualifications section at the top of your resume. Then list your experience in reverse chronological order, just like you would on a traditional resume.
Sample Help Wanted Ad with Targeted Resume
The following is an example of a job posting, along with a sample resume written specifically to apply for that position. You can see how the resume writer made sure that her highlighted skills are exactly what the employer is seeking.
Sample Help Wanted Ad for Human Resources Manager
Recruit all exempt and non-exempt employees. Orient new employees to the organization. Design and implement staff training and development programs. Manage employee retention initiatives.
Administer all compensation, benefit, and state mandated programs including processing of enrollments, terminations, unemployment, and workers compensation claims. Responsible for compliance with state and federal labor laws. Serve as COBRA administrator for the company. Member of union contract negotiating and management team.
Human Resources Manager Targeted Resume Sample
The following is a sample resume targeted to the above job posting. As you can see the Summary of Qualifications closely correlates with the job ad.
Resume Summary of Qualifications
- Experienced manager with expertise in human relations and project management
- Extensive background in staff recruitment and retention
- Staff training and development
- Superb written and oral communication skills
- Organizational and Strategic Planning
- Management Coaching
- Program Marketing
- Contract negotiation and compliance
- Knowledge of Federal and State Employment Law
Targeted Resume for Human Resources Manager Position
Review the targeted resume.
Targeted Cover Letters
In addition to targeting your resume, you will need to target your cover letter in a similar fashion. Again, take the skills that match the job criteria and highlight them. You will need to show the hiring manager that you're a qualified candidate. You will only have a few seconds to convince him that you should considered for an interview.
Writing Targeted Cover Letters
How to write a targeted cover letter that will get your application noticed.
Sample Targeted Cover Letter
Review a sample targeted cover letter.
