Targeting your resume is the last step. Once you have your final resume, you need to target it specifically for the role you are applying for.
You should target your resume for every application. Even if you are applying for roles with the same title. This is because even positions with the exact same title will have differences at each company. In the same way, you are not like every other applicant with similar experience.
Targeting your resume for each role doesn’t mean you need to complete a total rewrite. Often the changes will be subtle. However, if your job search is less focused, it might require a more substantial revamp.
Targeting specific keywords is particularly important when your resume will be scanned by an ATS (Applicant Tracking System). An ATS sorts through resumes and assesses which candidates are the best fit for the position. The ATS operates by searching resumes for keywords. If your resume contains the keywords the employer is seeking, then the ATS will rank your resume higher.
Writing a targeted resume doesn’t mean simply including a list of keywords. Focus on quality content and then work your keywords in naturally and in context.
For a demonstration of ATS scanning see: Read this Before You use a Canva Resume Template
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How to Target Your Resume
To target your resume, use the job advertisement and position description to determine the keywords required and visit the company’s website to obtain clues to company values and culture.
A helpful tool to identify your keywords is Jobscan. Jobscan helps not only to identify keywords but also checks your resume for matches.
Keep in mind, though, that Jobscan does have its limitations. This tool rates the keywords by frequency within the advertisement or position description. This isn’t necessarily the same method of ranking used by the hiring manager. It’s a good idea to apply your judgement alongside this tool.
For each soft skill, for example, communication, resilience, teamwork, include an achievement story that showcases these skills.
All technical skills included should appear within your resume (assuming you have them, of course). Make sure you match the terminology used by the company.
Try to also think of an example where you displayed one to two of the company values and included them as achievements. Alternatively, add a statement within your summary referencing your values. However, don’t list them all. This will not appear genuine.
Within the position description, look out for themes. For example, if ‘support’ is a high-frequency word. It would be an excellent strategy to mirror this in your documents. Find places in your resume you could naturally include. For example, updating ‘executive assistance’ to ‘executive support’
Also, keep an eye out for specific terminology and match the terms used in your resume. For example, perhaps ‘correspondence’ is used. You may have used ‘mail’ or ‘post’ within your resume and would need to update to match the position description.
Make sure you proofread again after targeting.
Basic Targeting Example
Using Jobscan to analyse the keywords for this advertisement, we are provided:
Soft Skill Keywords: Safe, Communication, Team, Safety, Passion, Experience, Team Player, Relationships
Hard Skill Keywords: Equipment, Housekeeping, Maintenance, Production, Environment, Order, Assist, Energy
Other Keywords: Machine, Shift, Operating
This offers helpful insight. Based on this insight, you would want to add an achievement highlighting your teamwork, safety, and communication strengths. Similarly, you would add examples of your machine maintenance experience. Also, it would help if you incorporated a demonstration of your passion and energy.
Other elements not listed in these Jobsan results include troubleshooting and more specific technical knowledge, such as strapping line equipment. Another critical factor would be to include evidence of your ‘relentless pursuit of the best value for customers’
As discussed in Step Three, the best approach is to review each of the duties, responsibilities, and capabilities and incorporate examples of your previous success in these areas.
Again, after targeting your resume, make sure you proofread again.
Additional Resources for Targeting Resume
How to Write a Targeted Resume (via The Balance Careers)
For help writing your resume: contact page
Related Content: Frequently Asked Resume Questions
