Today’s job market is competitive and gone are the days of sending out the same generic CV for every application! It has become more important than ever to ensure that your CV is detail-focused and written in line with the role you are looking to secure. It really can make all the difference in securing your dream job! 

To help you stand out from the crowd and show potential employers that you’re the perfect fit for not only their role but also their business, I have put together a 5-stage guide on how to tailor your CV: 

1. Study the job description 

Before you start tweaking your CV for an application, it is important to carefully read the job description and identify the key skills, qualifications, and responsibilities required. By paying attention to the specific keywords and phrases used, you will be able to pinpoint the criteria the employer is likely to prioritise throughout the interview process. 

2. Identify the relevant skills and experiences that YOU have 

Review your own skills, experiences, and qualifications and focus on highlighting those that relate directly to the requirements outlined in the job description. Unlike more generic CV’s, when tailoring to a specific role, it is often not necessary to include every detail of your professional history and education. Instead, be sure to emphasize what is most relevant to the job you are applying for. 

Use bullet points to make it easy for hiring managers and recruiters to spot relevant details quickly and quantify your achievements wherever possible! 

3. Include a personal profile 

Personal profiles can make or break your CV. 

It is important that this summary is the first thing employers read but remains detail-focused and tailored to reflect your enthusiasm for the role. In your personal profile, you should highlight how your background aligns with the business’ needs and showcase your relevant skills and achievements whilst being factual and keeping it concise. 

4. Use keywords 

Having studied the job description, you should be able to identify and incorporate keywords or phrases into your CV. Doing this will greatly increase your chances of passing the first round of vetting and will make it apparent that you are not only suitable for the role but have also done your homework. 

That being said, it is important to also ensure that when using keywords and phrases, they are natural and used in context and not just simply listed. 

5. Review and proofread 

Before submitting your tailored CV, it is important to review it thoroughly to ensure that it is error-free and well-organized. You could even ask a friend or family member to provide feedback as a fresh pair of eyes can often catch details that you might have missed!

To conclude, in such a competitive job market, standing out requires more than a one-size-fits-all approach. By tailoring your CV to each job application that you submit, you will demonstrate a genuine interest in the role and show how your skills and experiences align with the company’s needs. 

If you would like any additional help tailoring your CV, please do reach out!