The importance of a targeted resume and cover letter is significant. It will impact your chances of getting an interview in a job market where thousands of resumes and cover letters pass through the hands of hiring managers.
Many job experts often suggest job seekers learn the importance of having a focused resume and cover letter. It is a lot easier to write generic resumes and cover letters than creating separate ones for each job.
If you ignore the importance of taking time to write individual, well-targeted cover letters and resumes, you could risk not being called for a job interview.
How can you write a cover letter and resume to specifically target the position while being precise with your career objectives? The information below will help you evaluate your resume and cover letter to make sure that it is compelling enough, effective, and well-targeted.
Be Specific
Be specific about your goal statement by directly mentioning the specific position you want. Put at the top of your resume the title of the position you are seeking as your resume heading, i.e., Vice President of Human Resources or Senior Marketing Manager.
Use the Cover Letter
Write your cover letter in a way that directly demonstrates your value and skills to the company. Use the resume to showcase your abilities, especially your industry-related skills and talents.
Don’t Embellish
Never use embellishments and superfluous statements, as this only clouds the real objective of your resume and cover letter. From the first paragraph, make sure it has the content required to showcase who you are and what you can do.
If you embellish, you may be forfeiting your chance of obtaining the interview you want. An employer won’t read through your entire letter if the first part is not straightforward and concise.
Include Relevant Experience
Use your resume as an effective tool for your job search by including all of your qualifications and transferable skills relevant to the position you are applying for.
Avoid putting in accomplishments and personal achievements that have nothing to do with the position of the company. Mentioning your teamwork talents to a company looking for someone to work independently will not take you far.
Instead, showcase your ability to problem solve and work independently to complete tasks. Generalize your teamwork talents by showing your willingness to take on team leadership tasks if necessary.
Using these guidelines, you can guarantee your resume and cover letter will properly target the position and company you want to work in.
Do you have any other tips you can offer fellow job seekers?
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