Targeting your resume

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When responding to a job postings send a targeted resume. To help you prepare for this, read the following information:

Two simple guidelines will help you target your resume and identify the most relevant skills, strengths and experiences you have for the job that is advertised:

1. Target the content of the resume to the needs of the job.

The title of the job you are seeking is your target, otherwise called a Career Objective. Target the content of your resume to that specific Career Objective. As you write, ensure that the content of your resume is relevant to the Career Objective. Read the advertisement very carefully and identify the skills, knowledge, behaviours and responsibilities that are key to the job. The information you take from the advertisement will be your guide to the content of your resume.

2. Write your resume for the reader.

Writing your resume with the reader’s needs in mind enables you to sift out unnecessary information that might distract the reader. Describe the experience, skills and behaviours that relate to the position. Ensure that you document your experience and state the successful outcomes clearly.

Your resume is considered complete when you have included the following information:

YOUR NAME
ADDRESS
TELEPHONE NUMBERS
EMAIL ADDRESS (if available)

CAREER OBJECTIVE
This keeps the content of your resume on target and will identify for the reader which job you are seeking.

The content of your resume can include all or a combination of the following headings, but don’t simply mimic what you see here. Make sure you read the job posting thoroughly, then write out the skills, behaviours and experience the job calls for. On a separate page, make note of the skills, experience and strengths you have that qualify you for the job. Use your own style of resume layout or adapt the following information to capture the information you need to put in the resume:

HIGHLIGHTS OF QUALIFICATIONS
Four or five key factors that stand out as qualifications the reader should see as soon as he/she opens the resume.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Special successes or awards that further qualify you for the position.

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
Chronological or organized by skill sets needed for the job.

Include the following information in your resume, whether it is organized chronologically or by competency sets:

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS
Behaviours and communication experiences relevant to the job that speak of your ability to work with people.

TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS
Skills and techniques you have learned on the job or in an education setting, formal or informal, that are relevant to the job.

BUSINESS AWARENESS
Specific skills, activities and experiences that highlight your business awareness relevant to the job.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING COURSE(S)
Relevant to the job.

VOLUNTEER WORK
If relevant to the skills, business awareness or behaviours needed for the job.

INTERESTS
If relevant to the job.