When you’re applying for a new job, it’s a good idea to use a CV template as a starting point but then customise your CV for each specific role. Generic CVs that you blast out to multiple employers are unlikely to land you interviews. With some simple tweaks and targeted content, you can make your CV appeal directly to the recruiter for each job ad. Here’s how to tailor your CV effectively.

Research the Company and Role

The first step is to learn as much as you can about the company you’re applying to, as well as the specific job role. Carefully read through the job ad and make note of the required qualifications, skills, and experience they are looking for. Check out the company’s website and social media pages to get a feel for their culture, values, products/services, mission statement, and recent news.

This background research will allow you to match your CV content directly to what they are looking for in an ideal candidate. You can use some of the company keywords and language right in your CV. Getting the right tone and focus will increase your chances.

Highlight Relevant Skills and Experience

With your background research complete, highlight the parts of your experience and skills that are most relevant for this application. These should go near the top of your CV to capture attention. Apply the same principle to your cover letter, focusing on your most applicable credentials upfront.

Make sure you are matching your highlighted content to the requirements in the job ad. Don’t just rely on your standard CV template. Really customise it to show how you are a strong match for this specific company and role.

Adapt Your Career Summary

Your career summary or professional profile section is key real estate on your CV. Use this space to slant your experience and skills directly toward the job you’re applying for.

For example, if you’re applying for a project management role, emphasise how many years of project management experience you have and your key achievements in that capacity. Downplay aspects like sales or finance experience which are less relevant for that application.

Remove Less Relevant Content

To draw further attention to your most applicable skills, you can remove some of your less relevant experience and qualifications for an application.

For example, if you are applying for a software engineering job, an old retail job could likely be cut from your CV for that application. The recruiter will be focused on your coding skills rather than your customer service skills.

Keeping your CV concise and targeted is generally best. Remove content that clouds your key message. You can always add it back in later for a more relevant application.

Add Relevant Skills

Along with removing less relevant content, it’s a good idea to add any skills or experience you have to align with that potential job.

Make sure you include all technical skills, programmes, certifications, education credentials, special training, and industry knowledge they are looking for. Don’t assume it’s obvious – spell it out. Show them clearly how you match what they need.

Quantify Achievements

Any achievements, awards or metrics you can add to your CV will make you stand out as an applicant. Recruiters love to see quantified achievements.
So, wherever possible, add numbers to demonstrate your accomplishments. How many people did you manage? By what percentage did you exceed targets? How much money did you save or generate? Quantifying achievements brings your experience to life.

Emphasise Transferable Skills

Not all your experience might initially seem relevant to the job you’re applying for. But most roles require core transferable skills like communication, teamwork, problem solving and organisation.

Be sure to emphasise in your CV how these transferable skills apply even if your career field seems different. The way you highlight soft skills can make up for hard skills you are missing.

Carefully Target the Cover Letter

In tandem with customising your CV, your cover letter also needs to hit the right notes for each application. You may need to write a new cover letter from scratch to align it with the job requirements.

A well-targeted cover letter demonstrates you understand what they are looking for. It’s your first chance to expand on the CV and tell your story about why this role is perfect for you.

Take the time to get it right, as exceptional cover letters can get otherwise average applications shortlisted.

Check for Errors

Before you submit your tailored CV and cover letter, be sure to carefully proofread for any typos or formatting errors. Small mistakes can lead your application straight to the rejection pile, no matter how qualified you are.

Recruiters may interpret errors as a lack of care or professionalism. Ask a friend to also check over your materials in case you miss something.

Apply and Follow Up

With your carefully customised application ready, go ahead and apply for that great job! Follow up a week later if you haven’t heard back. Be sure to send a thank you note if you are selected for an interview.

Putting in the effort to tailor your CV and cover letter for each application will give you your best shot at landing more interviews. You’ll be demonstrating that you have what the recruiter is seeking for that specific role. With some time and attention to detail, you can make yourself stand out from the crowd.