Taking the time to write a targeted resume enables you to show the employer why you’re an excellent fit for the job. Your resume will, at a glance, show the reader that you’re a well-qualified candidate for the position. Also, a targeted cover letter is typically written to accompany the resume when applying for jobs. You can use both documents to showcase your qualifications for the job. Here are tips for writing a targeted resume, with an example of a resume that matches the position description in the employer’s job posting.
Writing a Targeted Resume
Adapting your resume for each position you apply for takes some time and effort, but it helps to make it very clear to hiring managers and whoever else sees your resume that you’re a good match for the position. Also, the applicant tracking systems that employers use to screen applicants check for keywords and phrases that show a candidate has the right credentials for the job. The closer a match, the better your chances of getting selected for an interview. Be aware that the more you tweak and adjust a resume, the higher your risk of introducing an error or typo; always proofread carefully before sending your resume to an employer. Since any revisions take time, be certain that the job is indeed a good match, and that the company is likely to be receptive to your application, before spending time personalizing your resume for a particular position.
Options for Targeting Your Resume
Edit the Summary or Profile
You don’t necessarily need to rewrite your entire resume to make it targeted for a particular position. Sometimes, a few small updates in key sections of your resume can have a powerful impact on defining your strengths.
Review the job description. The first step is to review the job description carefully so that you can be sure the position is a good match for you, and know which qualities and skills to emphasize on your resume. Add a section to your resume. The easiest way to target your resume (without rewriting the whole resume) is to include a Resume Summary of Qualifications, a Profile, or a Career Highlights section at the top of your resume. Make a match. Review the job description and 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. Tweak the experience section. List your experience in reverse chronological order, just like you would on a traditional resume. Be sure to edit your responsibilities, so they also match the job description.
Write a Custom Resume
Another option for customizing your resume is to edit your resume, so your skills and experience are as close a match as possible to the job description or job ad requirements. Take the keywords used in the job posting and work them into your resume.
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For each section of your targeted resume, you should include:
Headline: The job for which you’re applying.Summary or Profile: The skills and experience are required or preferred.Experience: The responsibilities or duties the employer needs you to perform.Education: The type of education or training the employer is looking for.
Example of Matching a Resume With a Job Posting
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 the 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.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 posting.
Resume Summary of Qualifications
Experienced manager with expertise in human relations and project managementExtensive background in staff recruitment and retentionStaff training and developmentSuperb written and oral communication skillsOrganizational and strategic planningManagement coachingProgram marketingContract negotiation and complianceKnowledge of federal and state employment law
Review a Targeted Resume Example
More Targeted Resume Examples
Resume with a headline: A resume headline that summarizes why you are an ideal candidate. You can use a headline to highlight the best attributes and experience that qualify you for the job. Resume with a headline and a profile: Including both a headline and a profile will give the hiring manager even more information about why you’re a match for the position. Resume with a summary statement: A summary statement is a brief paragraph or two along with a short list of your strongest qualifications for the job. You can include information from the job posting in your summary. Resume with a branding statement: A branding statement showcases what you have to offer to a hiring organization. As with the other types of resumes, you can use it to highlight your qualifications for the position.
Writing Targeted Cover Letters
In addition to targeting your resume, you will need to target your cover letter similarly. 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 them that you should be considered for an interview. SUMMARY OF PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
Experienced manager with expertise in human relations and project managementExtensive background in staff recruitment and retentionStaff training and developmentSuperb written and oral communication skillsOrganizational and strategic planningManagement coachingProgram marketingContract negotiation and complianceKnowledge of federal and state employment law
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTORRiverbend Inc., 2018 - Present
Senior Management of a Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) accredited treatment facility. Responsible for all aspects of program management: clinical, administrative, and fiscal.Responsible for recruiting, orienting, training, and supervising 50 staff, was able to reduce staff turnover from 68% to 14% by improving staff orientation and training, professional development, and mid-level management coaching.Oversight of all aspects of staff performance; performance evaluation, progressive discipline, mediation of staff disputes, and grievance procedures in accordance with state and federal laws.Leadership in the setting and achieving of strategic and organizational goals.Established training programs for staff in regard to all aspects of workplace performance and professional development.Program marketing, increased annual revenue by 38%.
HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGERR. Dykeman Center, 2014 - 2018
Administrative, clinical, fiscal, and human resources management of a large outpatient mental health center; 60 full-time employees and 45 contract employees housed in various locations.Responsible for the recruitment, supervision, and performance evaluation of clinical, administrative, and medical staff.Provided training to enhance workplace performance at all levels of staffing.Nominated as Training Coordinator for the West Seattle Mental Health Consortium, providing training as the trainer or contracting with relevant professionals to provide training in the areas of culturally relevant services, professional ethics and law, and areas of professional development as requested by staff members.Concurrently completed a two-year certificate program in Organizational Development and Leadership as the recipient of a merit scholarship by the Microsoft Corporation.Independent consultant to several small businesses, law firms, non-profit agencies, and school districts on staff grievance procedures, team building, and the setting and achieving of organizational goals.
PROGRAM DIRECTORFamily Reconciliation Services, 2011 - 2014
Provided program management of the largest FRS contract in Washington State.FRS was responsible for providing in-home crises counseling to families on a 24/7 basis.Responsible for the recruitment, orientation, supervision, and performance evaluation of up to 45 Master’s level clinicians.During this 10-year period, increased the ethnic diversity of staff from 0% to 36% and provided more culturally relevant services to the community served.Served as organizational and clinical consultant to a variety of organizations, including Bellevue School District, Eastside Mental Health, Renton Area Youth & Family Services, as well as several businesses and law firms.Completed the training required to become an American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (AAMFT) Approved Supervisor.
CLINICAL DIRECTOR - Chemical Dependency Treatment ProgramsRogue Valley Medical Center, 2004 - 2011
Hired by the medical center to design and implement a residential treatment program.Responsible for the recruitment and hiring of all staff: medical, administrative, and clinical.Responsible for public relations and program marketing.Developed compensation structure, performance management, employee training, and evaluation structures.Developed an ongoing training program for nursing and clinical staff and served as a liaison between the hospital and the community, providing training to community partners, schools, the police department, and relevant medical and mental health professionals.Designed and created a family education and support structure for the community.
EDUCATION
Senior Professional Human Resources (SPHR) certificationThe Whidbey Institute, Organizational Development and LeadershipUniversity of Heidelberg, Germany, Psy.D in Clinical PsychologyUniversity of California at Berkeley, BA in Philosophy and German
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Society of Human Resources ManagementPortland Human Resources Management Association
