3 key takeaways
- A targeted resume highlights relevant skills and qualifications that align with a particular job.
- There are several specific steps you should follow when writing a targeted resume to get it right.
- Teal's AI Resume Builder can help you write targeted resumes for every application—faster.
One of the hardest things about searching for a new job is feeling like your resume isn’t being noticed. Often, you know you’d be perfect for a role, but you never even get a reply to your application.
Luckily, there is a way to improve your chances of being noticed.
In this article, you’ll learn how you can get your profile the attention it deserves with a targeted resume. We’ll show you how to tailor your resume by identifying the most relevant details, aligning your experience with key job requirements, and optimizing your presentation with custom resume examples and tips to confidently present yourself as the most qualified candidate.
Why targeting matters
As reported in Forbes, “Recruiters are now faced with many hundreds of applicants to sift through.” As a result, most rely on applicant tracking systems (ATS) that identify keywords and filter out the qualified candidates from the rest. Then, human recruiters spend less than 10 seconds on their initial scan of each resume.
That’s why targeting your resume to the specific needs of each role is essential if you want your profile to stand out.
What is a targeted resume?
A targeted resume is a customized version of your resume that highlights your skills and experiences that align with the requirements of a specific job description.
You need a targeted resume because it speaks directly to an employer's specific needs and expectations rather than offering a generic, general summary of your career. The idea is to show a recruiter or hiring manager you have the qualifications they're looking for.
Rather than a master resume that has all of your skills and experience, a targeted resume shows how your background makes you an ideal fit by selectively emphasizing relevant qualifications and de-emphasizing less pertinent details.
How to tailor your resume to each job
Now that you know what a targeted resume is and why it's important, here's how to create one.
Review the job description carefully
Once you have a specific job posting in mind, take the time to review the job description thoroughly.
At Teal, we recommend paying close attention to the hard and soft skills, qualifications, and experiences listed as requirements or preferences. Highlight job description keywords and phrases that are repeatedly mentioned or seem to carry particular importance. These are likely the terms hiring managers will search for in the ATS.
Pro Tip: The Teal Resume Builder and Job Application Tracker pull the top keywords from any job description—saving you time and effort so you can create targeted resumes faster and without the guesswork.
Align each section of your resume with job requirements
Creating a resume that aligns precisely with a job description means each part of your resume speaks directly to the needs of the employer. Here's how to write a target resume section by section:
Match your target resume title:
Your resume title (or headline) should match the job description as closely as possible, as long as it accurately reflects your experience.
Tweak your professional summary:
Your professional summary is your highlight reel. Use it to focus on your most notable achievements. In your summary, include 1-3 of the top skills listed in the job description and demonstrate their impact with specific metrics.
Focus on achievements aligning with the job description:
Your resume bullet points should always be relevant to the role you're applying for. For example, if you're applying for an engineering position, emphasize engineering achievements rather than your college internship in a data science role.
Include relevant education and certifications:
List only the educational qualifications and certifications that are pertinent to the job. For instance, if a certification in a specific software is listed in the role you are applying for, include it; otherwise, omit non-relevant certifications.
Add pertinent projects or volunteer experience:
Incorporate any projects or volunteer experiences that demonstrate skills and knowledge applicable to the job. This additional information can provide a fuller picture of your capabilities and commitment.
Incorporate relevant keywords
Use targeted resume keywords throughout your content—within the Summary, Achievements, Skills, Education, and Projects sections. This strategic inclusion ensures your resume is optimized for both ATS searches and human reviewers.
For example, let's say a specific job opening focuses on SEO copywriting and specific technical skills like AHREFS, Google Analytics, and Amplitude. If you have this experience, take just a few minutes to add it to your resume sections by:
• Incorporating each skill or tool once
• Detailing the results you achieved with each
Proofread for alignment
Finally, proofread your resume meticulously to ensure it is not only free of errors but also perfectly aligned with the job requirements. Use a resume scoring tool (like Teal's Job Description Match). This attention to detail can make a significant difference in how your application is perceived.
Custom resume examples
Below, you'll see examples of targeted resumes. These samples focus on unique job types and showcase a variety of experiences aligned with the targeted role.
Example of a highly tailored resume
Want to see more targeted resumes? Check out these 2025 graphic designer resume samples.
Example of a tailored resume for a frontend developer
Note: For more examples of targeted resumes, check out this comprehensive list of resume examples to use for inspiration.
Targeted resume template
Here's a structured, targeted resume template that you can use to tailor your resume. It's designed to be filled in with personal details, experience, and skills tailored to the job description (JD):
[Full Name]
[City, State]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[LinkedIn Profile URL]
[Target Job Title You're Applying For]
Professional Summary:
As an experienced [Title] with [X] years in the [Industry or Specialty Field], I have [Skill 1 from the JD] to [Achieve Metric/Impact]. Additionally, I have used [Skill 2 from the JD] to [Achieve Metric/Impact] and have been recognized for my ability to [Skill 3 from the JD], which led to [Achieve Metric/Impact].
Work Experience:
[Job Title] [Company] [Month, Year] - [Month, Year]
- Action verb [Relevant Accomplishment] that aligns with [Specific JD Requirement Skill and Impact]
- Action verb [Relevant Accomplishment] demonstrating [Specific JD Requirement Skill and Impact]
- Action verb [Relevant Accomplishment or Responsibility] showcasing [Specific JD Requirement Skill and Impact]
[Job Title] [Company] [Month, Year] - [Month, Year]
- Action verb [Relevant Accomplishment or Responsibility] that aligns with [Specific JD Requirement Skill and Impact]
- Action verb [Relevant Accomplishment or Responsibility] demonstrating [Specific JD Requirement Skill and Impact]
- Action verb [Relevant Accomplishment or Responsibility] showcasing [Specific JD Requirement Skill and Impact]
Education:
[Degree] in [Specialty]
[Institution Name]
[Graduation Month, Year]
Skills:
[Specific JD Skill 1] [Specific JD Skill 2] [Specific JD Skill 3] [Specific JD Skill 4] [Specific JD Skill 5]
Additional Sections:
[Add any additional sections such as certifications, publications, or awards that are accurate and relevant to your background and the job description.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a targeted resume and a general resume?
A targeted resume is customized to highlight skills and experiences directly related to a specific job, while a general resume provides a broad overview of your career. The targeted resume focuses on aligning with the job description to improve the chances of landing an interview, whereas a general resume is less specific.
What is the difference between a targeted resume and a functional resume?
While a targeted resume is tailored to match a specific job and is organized chronologically, a functional resume displays skills and achievements from throughout your job history in functional areas. It’s sometimes recommended for people with large career gaps or project-based work.
Why do I need a tailored resume for each job application?
You need a targeted resume because it speaks directly to an employer's specific needs and expectations rather than offering a generic, general summary of your career. Think about it this way: an employer has a problem, a gap in their team—a role that requires specific skills and expertise. You have the skills needed to fill this gap. But unless your resume clearly positions you as the solution to their problem, the employer might not realize you're the right fit.
What specific elements should I include in a tailored resume to make it stand out to employers?
A targeted resume should include a clear objective or summary that aligns with the job you're applying for, keywords from the job description, relevant work experience with quantifiable bullets, and any specific skills or certifications that match the employer's requirements. Tailor each section to demonstrate how your background makes you the ideal candidate for the position.
What is the disadvantage of using a targeted resume?
The disadvantage of using a targeted resume is that it can take some time to put it together, and it then has to be customized again for each new application.
