How to Target a Resume to Land the Right Job

Writing a good resume involves more than using semi-flashy words and avoiding typos. The way you slant your resume can make the difference between hitting the slush pile and getting a call for an interview. Here are some steps to success.

Things You'll Need

• Computer

Instructions

1. Identify your goal--not the objective. Before you start writing your resume, consider your overall career goal. Are you looking to make a lateral move or going for a promotion? Are you switching fields or trying to get into an academic program?

2. 

   Look at other jobs. The best way to target your resume is to look at job openings that appeal to you. Sometimes you can grasp the requirements of the job and then work those objectives into your resume to match your experience.

3. Leverage the objective. The main goal is to match your objective or profile to the job. You can even include the job title you're going for above your objective or profile. This provides a quick overview so the reviewer can easily see what you want to do. If the job you're going for is super specific, however, try to change up the title. Otherwise, an administrative assistant could use those exact terms.

4. 

   Get matched. Highlight required qualifications and work in the duties you'll be expected to assume. Each match in terms of required qualifications and your experience should serve as a keyword in your resume. When you start to see how your skills and experience can meld with the position you're going for, you'll see your strengths. This can also provide a strong platform for interviewing. Just make sure not to copy and paste phrases or statements from a job posting into your resume.

Tips & Warnings

• Study the job positions you want and consider several differnet resumes tweaked to match the requirements of the job.

• Never plagiarize a company's job listing into your resume.