This is where a targeted cover letter steps in. It allows the job seeker to
focus very specifically on the position at hand, as well as the reasons that
the seeker is interested in that position. If managed correctly, the
targeted cover letter can help can help a candidate's application easily
stand out among others. Let's look at some ways that you can manage yours.

Marry Your Goals with the Employer's

One way to manage your targeted cover letter is to make sure that your goals
fall right in line with the employer's. In other words, you want to make
sure that you have everything they're looking for in an employee. How can
you do this other than reading their minds, you ask? Well, there are a few
simple ways to get this done.

First, you can make a list of the responsibilities listed in the job
posting. Usually an employer will make a rather thorough list of the roles
they would like filled. From that list, you can highlight your
accomplishments that link up with the employer's preferences. Next, you can
visit the company's website to learn more about its mission. This can give
you insight into the type of employee they're looking for.

And finally, you can communicate with current or former employees. If you
don't know any, you can try social networking sites like LinkedIn that allow
you to search for company employees and even communicate with them (possibly
for a monthly fee). The options you offer yourself in connecting your goals
with those of the employer, the better chance you'll likely have of creating
a great targeted resume.

Explore Your Passion

Another great way to create that targeted resume is to delve into the
reasons that you really want the job. So you know that you're a good match
based on your accomplishments and skills, but do you really want the job? If
you do, then it's a good idea to express this by discussing how the job
aligns with your career goals, etc.

Of course, you don't want to walk across the fine line of being passionate
into being narcissistic. It's easy to focus too much on how great a
candidate you are ­ so much so that you forget about the task at hand, which
is to convince the employer that you're a great match for the job.

So do you think you can create a targeted cover letter? Of course you can.
It's just a matter of sitting down and exploring the real reasons you want
the job, as well as why you're a great match. Doing anything less is taking
the easy route. So get started on your targeted cover letter to increase
your chances of snagging the job you desire.

Heather Eagar is a former professional resume writer and is passionate about
providing working professionals with current, reliable and effective job
search tools and information. Need a resume writer? Compare the top resume
writing services in the industry at http://www.resumelines.com.
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