Moneyzine
Contents
/Careers Guides/Targeted Resume (Customized Resume)

Targeted Resume (Customized Resume)

Moneyzine Editor
Author: 
Moneyzine Editor
2 mins
September 26th, 2023
Advertiser Disclosure

Definition

The term targeted resume refers to a document that is created in response to a specific job opening. While creating a targeted resume is more time consuming, it does provide the candidate with a greater chance of being selected for a job interview.

Explanation

Also known as a customized resume, a targeted resume is constructed in response to a specific job posting. A targeted resume ensures all of the qualifications and on-the-job experience appearing in the job description also appear on the resume submitted to the company for their consideration. Since the document needs to be tailored to each job posting, customized resumes require more effort on the writer's behalf. However, a well-written document should provide the job hunter with a higher response rate too.

Creating a targeted document doesn't mean the writer starts with a blank sheet of paper each time they write their resume. The best approach involves starting with a core set of information that will appear on all resumes, then customizing the document as outlined in the steps below:

  1. Core Resume: the first step is to create a resume that contains information that will remain the same, regardless of the job posting. This includes education, prior employers (work history), as well as the skillsets possessed.

  2. Research: the next step the resume writer should take is to thoroughly research job openings. Here the writer should narrow the field by selecting postings that match their background. For example, a writer should discard those openings that require the applicant to hold a Master's degree if the highest level of their education is a Bachelor's.

  3. Customization: at this point, the job hunter should only be working with those openings with job requirements that match their background and experience. Each job posting is now carefully examined to identify the skills and experience that appear as part of the job description. Finally, the core resume is customized to ensure the key words, skills, and experience found on the job posting match the written document.

Related Terms

Related Content

  • Is It Worth Pursuing a Master's Degree?
    In an era where education is synonymous with opportunity, many consider pursuing a Master's degree a surefire way to advance their careers. However, is it really the golden ticket to success we've been led to believe?
    November 18th, 2024
  • The gender pay gap, the persistent disparity in average earnings between men and women throughout their careers, serves as a critical measure of wage inequality. This gap underscores the ongoing issue of income disparity, despite the ideal of equal pay for equal work.
    March 14th, 2024
  • 7 Essential Financial Moves After Losing Your Job
    Navigating the stormy seas of job loss? You're not alone.
    November 18th, 2024
  • The Most In-Demand Skills to Get Hired in 2024
    Every job requires a combination of vital skills, but what skillset is valued most in 2024? As the job market evolves, staying ahead means it’s key to understand and acquire the skills that employers value most.
    April 12th, 2024
  • Key Productivity in the Workplace Statistics for 2024
    In 2023, global employee engagement saw a slight uptick, with 23% of employees engaged, up by two percentage points. However, a sizable 59% are categorized as disengaged, while actively disengaged employees, known as "loud quitting," declined to 18%. These figures highlight the persistent challenge for organizations to cultivate happiness and productivity in the workplace.
    January 31st, 2024

Contributors

Moneyzine Editor
The Moneyzine editorial team consists of writers and content specialists with diverse backgrounds.
Moneyzine 2024. All Rights Reserved.