How To Tailor Your Resume To A Job Description
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Hiring managers may sort through hundreds of resumes for a single job, meaning they often scan to find the most relevant details. The best way to get noticed as a candidate is to tailor your resume to the employer’s job description. To do this, you need to showcase your most relevant qualifications using their keywords and specific phrases. In this article, we explain why you should be tailoring your resume to job descriptions and provide steps and an example to help you get started.
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Types Of Cover Letters
Application Letters
An application letter is written when applying to a job or internship. Along with a resume, it typically accompanies a job application form. The main difference between application cover letters and prospecting cover letters is that an application letter is written for a specific job or internship position.
Prospecting Letter
A prospecting letter is used to inquire about possible opportunities when none are advertised. It is also sent with a resume, but does not address a specific job opening. When writing a prospecting letter, you should state specific knowledge of and interest in the company or program you are inquiring about, then describe the skills and knowledge you offer that could add value to the company.
Why Applicant Tracking Systems Prefer Targeted Resumes
When you apply for a job online or even when you send your resume direct to a recruiter, the first stage of screening will most likely be through an ATS or Applicant tracking System.
ATS are programmed to look for key phrases and information from a job description and also keywords and phrases set by HR or recruiters.
Put simply, the software scores your resume in order to determine which candidates are most qualified to join a shortlist that a human will then review.
Therefore, if you submit a highly targeted resume then there is a much higher chance of you making it on to the interview short list.
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Why You Need To Tailor Your Resume
How many times have you been on LinkedIn, seen a recruiter or a company post the description of a job they are looking to fill, and then seen a load of people just write the word interested in the comments?
Do you really think these people will get a response, especially when explicit instructions were given on how to apply?
Well, the same thing is true regarding sending a generic resume.
Of course, if your skills are exceptionally rare and in high demand you might get lucky but, more likely, if you send a generic resume you will just blend in with the hundreds of other applicants.
Definition: Generic
ie to blend in rather than stand out.
Its true that generic resumes used to be enough. You could have just one great resume and use it for all your applications. But todays job market is far more competitive which means, in response, you have to be too.
To understand why a targeted resume makes such a difference, you need to understand what both ATS and humans are looking for when they screen your resume for a job.
Why It’s Important To Tailor Your Resume
There are two main reasons for tailoring your resume for each job description. The first is to please applicant tracking systems . The ATS is a type of software used by employers during the hiring process to weed out candidates. It scans submitted resumes, searching for keywords relevant to the job that indicate that a person is qualified for the role.
If those keywords are not present on the resume, the ATS will assume that the applicant is unqualified or a poor match for the job and eliminate them. In other words, if your resume is not written with this software in mind, you could be rejected before a hiring manager even sees your name.
Luckily, the tool that will best help you pass through the ATS is directly in front of you: the job description. That is where you will find all of the essential skills and keywords that are important to a hiring manager. Therefore, when you effectively tailor your resume to target a specific job description, you utilize the language that the ATS is looking for.
The other reason why it’s essential to edit your resume for each application is that it will help you speak directly to the specific needs of the employer. After all, every job is different a sales representative role at one company will require a different combination of skills than the same role at another company.
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How Long Does Target Hiring Process Take
After completing the hiring process, it might take up to a few weeks or months before you would get a call for employment.
This is as a result of the large number of people that are also interviewed for the same position you applied for. The company needs sufficient amount of time to decide who the job would be given to.
The Target Hiring Process
Target gets to hire an applicant as permanent or temporary staff, after the applicant must have passed through the hiring process of the company. The Target hiring process consists of the following stages:
The Target hiring process consists of the following stages:
Becoming an employee at Target has to begin with your application online, which is normally done by visiting the companys site and filling the application form with all the vital information that are being requested from you.
You will be asked to choose a specific category that you are interested to work in, such as grocery, front end, pharmacy, assets protection, and many more.
After choosing a particular category, the website will bring you the list of jobs within the category that you have chosen.
2. Job Assessment Test
The job assessment test is one of the most important areas to look out for when applying for a job, because passing the test reflects a likelihood of getting employed by Target.
This process is a questionnaire, containing about 50 questions that are based on the applicants personality.
This assessment test will aid the hiring managers in identifying an appropriate staff for Target Corporation.
Passing this assessment test will require you to carry out an intense analysis on your personality in order to give accurate answers about yourself.
3. Interview Process
The Target interview questions you may be asked include:
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Create A Master Resume
When we talk about customizing your resume to fit each job listing, we don’t mean that you should write a brand new resume every time you submit an application. Instead, it’s about adjusting and choosing which parts of your career story are highlighted and which can take a backseat this time around.
To do this, it’s best to create a resume template or masterresume. This is your full, polished resume that houses every bit of your experience, skill set, and greatest achievements, all written out in a presentable way. Consider it your baseline.
Then, when you’re ready to start applying, use the job description to determine what parts of your master document need to change what details should be added, subtracted, and highlighted, and what language needs to be tweaked. Working this way will help you streamline the application process because it makes the tailoring step quick and painless.
Review The Job Description
First, you need to understand what the employer wants and the qualifications required to perform the job. Read its description and write down or highlight any significant keywords related to skills. These may be words or phrases that seem unique to the job or reoccur throughout the posting.
Then take note of specific requirements, such as necessary education or training and years of experience. Also, look at the order of the responsibilities listed, as those mentioned first may be more of a priority for the employer. You will want to mirror the employer’s priorities when organizing your resume the first items they mention should be some of the first items you mention.
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Target Team Member Resume Samples
A Target Team Member undertakes a variety of job duties and works in various store locations. Typical work activities seen on the Target Team Member Resume include greeting customers, taking inventory, assisting in sales and stocking shelves. Other day-to-day duties include the following identifying the needs of the customer, handling cash processing and transactions creating attractive displays reporting sales to managers, answering to customers inquiries actively seeking customers to enhance sales handling returns of merchandise, and teaming up with co-workers to maintain customer service.
The most sought-after skills for the post include the following selling expertise, a basic understanding of sales principles knowledge of the customer and market dynamics, telephone etiquette the ability to multitask, physical abilities, and a genuine desire to provide outstanding service. A high school diploma along with a retail training is seen on resumes.
What Is Tailoring A Resume
When an employer posts a job opening, they include a list of responsibilities and required qualifications. You will take those qualifications and add the same language or keywords throughout your resume to show you can fulfill the role. A tailored resume proves that you have the skills the employer is seeking and have previously used them to create optimal results at work.
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A Note About Sending Cover Letters
- E-mail
Most of the time, you will be sending cover letters by e-mail. When submitting a letter or application in this manner, put your cover letter in the body of the e-mail and attach your resume as a .pdf document. Be sure to follow an employers instructions when filling in the subject line. If an employer does not specify subject line instructions for submitting applications, write the word Application, the position you are applying for/inquiring about, a dash – and your name.
Subj: Application: Northwestern Mutual Financial Representative Kang
The subject line is extremely important when sending a job application or prospecting letter through e-mail. The subject line determines whether your e-mail will be opened and ultimately, considered. Be sure to follow employer guidelines exactly where specified.
- Print/Mail
When sending a cover letter by mail, affix a hand written signature above your printed name. Be sure the letter is postmarked before any application dates. Note the differences in formatting in the Cover Letter format page. Be sure to include all necessary documents in your envelope. It is recommended that you print your resume and cover letter on professional resume paper .
Create An Effective Resume
The resumes primary function is to showcase your talents and skills to an employer – clearly, convincingly and quickly. A resume is:
- An individual summary of your background, experience, training and skills
- A way to tell employers what you have accomplished in the past and what you can do for their company now
- Your most important job search tool that can get you an interview, and leaves a lasting impression on a potential employer
- A guide for you and the employer during an interview
It is critical that you invest your time and effort into creating a resume that meets the employers needs and highlights your assets. You should target your resume for specific jobs, and edit and update it according to what job youre applying for.
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Edit The Summary Or Profile
You don’t necessarily need to rewrite your entire resume to make it targeted for a particular position. Sometimes, a few small updates in key sections of your resume can have a powerful impact on defining your strengths.
- Review the job description. The first step is to review the job description carefully so that you can be sure the position is a good match for you, and know which qualities and skills to emphasize on your resume.
- Add a section to your resume. The easiest way to target your resume is to include a Resume Summary of Qualifications, a Profile, or a Career Highlights section at the top of your resume.
- Make a match. Review the job description and then review your resume. Take the experience, credentials, and education that best match the job posting and include them in the Summary of Qualifications section at the top of your resume.
- Tweak the experience section. List your experience in reverse chronological order, just like you would on a traditional resume. Be sure to edit your responsibilities, so they also match the job description.
One way to make your skills stand out is to add a bulleted list of your most relevant qualifications for the job to your summary statement. For example:
- Creating process improvements
- Ensuring code is scalable and responsive
- Estimating time and costs for projects
Be Clear On Exactly What You Are Going For What’s Your Goal
The key to a great resume is knowing what youre trying to achieve. One of the biggest complaints employers have about resumesand one of the main reasons resumes failis lack of focus. To write a great resume, you need a clear set of goals:
- Whats the purpose of the resume youre preparing? Is it to attract employers who may have opportunities, or are you applying for a specific, advertised position?
- Whats your current career objective? Are you in a field that you enjoy, or are you looking to change careers? Whats the next logical step in your career?
- What kind of company or organization do you want to work for? Where are the employers in your field, and how much do you know about them?
- What do you want to achieve in your work? Are you looking for greater responsibility? Higher income? More meaningful work? Whats most important to you?
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Update Your Skills Section
Your summary and work history may not include all the most relevant skills you have, so add any remaining to your skills section. Like those sections, list the employer’s most prioritized skills first using exact keywords from the job description. Examples may include proficiency in specific technologies or technical and soft skills.
Next, include any other relevant skills that showcase the unique value you bring to the role. Be sure to include any “preferred” skills as these may be optional but can help set you apart as a top candidate.
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Target Team Member Resume
Headline : Detail-oriented person with solid background in customer service have ability to communicate clearly and effectively with customers co-workers have been recognized for team work and have been valued for excellent Communication skills resourcefulness problem solving.
Skills : Leading Team, Organizing,typing,clear Communicating, Typing, Multitasking, Securing Buildings.
- Received payments by cash, check, credit cards, vouchers, automatic debits.
- Issued receipts, refunds, credits, change due to customer.
- Assisted customers by providing information resolving their complaints.
- Counted money in cash drawers at end of shift to ensure that amounts are correct.
- Established or identify prices of goods, services or admissions.
- Greeted customers entering establishments.
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Writing A Targeted Resume
Adapting your resume for each position you apply for takes some time and effort, but it helps to make it very clear to hiring managers and whoever else sees your resume that you’re a good match for the position.
Also, the applicant tracking systems that employers use to screen applicants check for keywords and phrases that show a candidate has the right credentials for the job. The closer a match, the better your chances of getting selected for an interview.
Customizing your resume allows you to showcase the qualifications, accomplishments, and particular aspects of your work history that match closely with the requirements listed in the job description.
Be aware that the more you tweak and adjust a resume, the higher your risk of introducing an error or typo always proofread carefully before sending your resume to an employer.
Since any revisions take time, be certain that the job is indeed a good match, and that the company is likely to be receptive to your application, before spending time personalizing your resume for a particular position.
Target Skills Tests & Assessments
Whether you are tested as part of your Target interview will largely depend on the job for which youâre applying. Some Glassdoor reviewers, however, did report taking different kinds of tests.
One reviewer says, âI had to do an online test which consisted of an IQ and personality test. The test was hard and many people that I spoke with agreed that the test was tricky and they didnt think they would be hired.â Another reports taking a âsimple assessment testâ and a âdrug test.â
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Information For Your Resume
No matter what type of resume you choose, you will need to gather specific information in order to write your resume.
You will need:
- Contact Information: The first section of your resume should include information on how the employer can contact you
- Objective: Job title youre applying for and reason to hire you.
- Career Highlights: List key achievements, skills, strengths and experiences that are relevant to the position for which you are applying.
- Work Experience and Skills: This section of your resume includes your work history. Include the businesses you worked for, the dates of employment, the positions you held, a bulleted list of major responsibilities, accomplishments or achievements and a list of your skills.
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What Is A Targeted Resume
A targeted resume is one that is written to highlight specific skills, knowledge, experience, qualifications and aptitudes required by a specific role. Its purpose is to show recruiters and hiring managers why a candidate is a perfect fit for a role by matching them to both essential and desirable criteria.
Clearly this is a sensible and wise choice when applying for a job but is it really essential?
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