If you are currently out of work, or are thinking about leaving your job then there's a chance that you've written at least one cover letter in your lifetime. But the question is what type of cover letter did you write? Many people utilize templates or carbon copy-styled cover letters that allow you to fill in the blanks where needed, but don't really delve into the position you're applying for and why you personally want the job.

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 ones in the industry at http://www.resumelines.com.