How to Write Targeted Resumes
To write a targeted resume, you have to make sure that the job you're applying for appeals to your interests, strengths and experience. Even at an entry-level position, your educational background, extracurricular activities and volunteer experience can line up with the job you are applying for. Use the following steps to draw a path through your life. This path should show the employer how your past experiences have led you to this particular position.
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Instructions
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Find a list of duties and expectations for the position your are applying for. Look online at the company's website, or call the employer and ask for more details about the position. Do not call if the job listing says to refrain from calling.
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Make a list of your interests, talents and experience. Look at past resumes. Think of your extracurricular activities and volunteer experiences. Draw parallels between positions you've held in the past and this new position.
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Expand upon your skills as suggested by "The damn good resume guide" by Yana Parker. Think of several accomplishments that you can attach to each skill, says Parker. Don't worry about the length of your descriptions yet. Let yourself write freely until you run out of ideas.
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List your job experience chronologically. Fill gaps between positions with schooling, volunteer experience or other activities to show that you were not taking time off to do nothing.
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Make a list of any training or education you've received, but only if you can relate it to the list of duties attached to the position.
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Identify key points, as Parker suggests in step 10 of "The damn good resume guide." Place your key points at the top of your resume so they stand out. Make sure your key points list your strongest, most relevant skills.
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Write the first draft of your resume. Use bullet points or an otherwise concise format. Make sure each point is relevant and remove those that take up space without providing substance.
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Have someone in a similar position from another company read your resume. Explain that you are applying for a similar job and would like their feedback. Make any edits as suggested.
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Correct grammatical and spelling errors. Re-read the positions description one more time. Re-read your resume. Check for relevance. Put the finishing touches on your resume by ensuring that you have used standard margins, font size, font color and simple formatting. Mail or email the resume to the employer, addressed with a correct name and title.
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Tips & Warnings
Don't take your old resume and attempt to insert relevant information. Start from scratch, but keep your old resumes as reference points. An employer can tell when an applicant is sending the same resume out to multiple jobs.
References
- Photo Credit writing image by Petro Feketa from Fotolia.com
