Targeted Resume

Best For

Professionals applying to a specific role where every detail is tailored

When to Use This Format

• You are applying to a specific job you really want
• You have relevant experience but it is spread across multiple roles
• The job description has clear requirements you can match
• You want to maximize your chances for a competitive position

Resume Structure

Contact Information

Name and professional contact details

Targeted Summary

3-4 sentences that mirror the job description language and requirements

Relevant Experience

Only the experience and achievements that match this specific role

Key Skills

Skills pulled directly from the job description

Education & Credentials

Relevant degrees and certifications

Pros

• Highest match rate with job requirements
• Shows the employer you took time to understand their needs
• Performs well with hiring software
• Cuts irrelevant information that distracts

Cons

• Time-consuming — must be rebuilt for each application
• Requires careful reading of each job description
• May omit impressive experience that is not directly relevant
• Cannot be used as a general-purpose resume

Tips for This Format

• Use the exact keywords and phrases from the job description
• Reorder your experience bullets to lead with the most relevant ones
• Match your summary to the job requirements almost word for word
• Remove any experience or skills that do not support this specific application
• Use a resume scanner tool to verify your match rate before submitting

Other Resume Formats

• Chronological Resume
• Functional Resume
• Combination Resume
• Entry-Level Resume
• Executive Resume
• Career Change Resume
• Military-to-Civilian Resume
• Return-to-Work Resume
• Creative Resume
• Federal Resume
• Academic CV / Resume
• Internship Resume
• Remote Work Resume
• Two-Page Resume