Must Read!!3 Ways On How To Tailor Your CV To Fit A Job Description

By Lilian Wamaitha

When it comes to CV writing, most people concentrate on the layout and sections of the CV. According to Ms. Melody Mwendwa, a professional CV writer at Corporate Staffing Services Limited, a CV at the end of the day is about whether you meet the qualifications for the job you are applying for.

You may have a very awesome CV crafted in the most modern format but still miss out on the job. Why? According to Ms. Mwendwa most people forget to tailor their CV to fit the job description.

Recommended Article >>> What Does Customizing Your CV Mean & What Are The Benefits? 

When a job is advertised, an employer has a set of skills, experience and attribute they are looking for in a candidate. If you do not demonstrate that you posses what they are looking for in your CV, it is unlikely that you will get shortlisted.

So how do you then tailor your CV to fit the job description and ensure better luck in jobs? Let’s look at three ways you can turn your CV into what the employer is looking for.

Tailor Your CV in these simple ways

Hack your way into getting shortlisted for a position by demonstrating that you meet the selection criteria. You can do this in three simple ways.

1. Actually go through the job description

Take a highlighter or a pencil and sit down to study the job description. Go through every single point highlighting what the most important things or what stands out in the job description. What are the special skills that the ideal candidate is supposed to possess? What is expected of you in that particular role?

The important thing is demonstrating that you understand the job and the role expectations. Mrs. Mwendwa says that you can’t customize your CV if you do not understand the job you are applying for.

2. Make your experience work for you

How many years of experience is the employer looking for? Is it experience in a particular role or just generally? Do you actually posses this kind of work experience. Ms. Mwendwa says that the only way you can tailor your CV to meet the job description is if you experience actually matches what the employer is looking for.

This is why it is necessary that you actually go through the job description before you sit down to send in your applications.

Knowing that you have what the employer is looking for will save you the frustrations of not being shortlisted and living your life wondering what went wrong.

Sometimes we are so excited to apply for a job and are confident that the outcome will be positive but the opposite is the end result. In regards to this, Ms. Mwendwa advises that you only apply to the jobs you are qualified for. There is no short cut to this.

Read here on What Recruiters Want From Your Work Experience Section.

3. Tailor your CV by highlighting important skills

When it comes to job search, Ms. Mwendwa insists on the need to stand out. Stop doing what every other job seeker is doing. Make your CV unique in such a way that it is able to grab attention at the first instance.

Aside from the experience, there are also other key skills the employer is looking for. Never underestimate this by assuming that everyone possesses that. After going through the job description, highlight those key skills the employer is looking for in your CV. This will get your CV shortlisted that anyone who didn’t bother putting down the key skill.

In regards to getting shortlisted read this article on How To Get Your CV Shortlisted For Jobs.

Job hunting is similar to the survivor game. Only the strong survive and the weak die. This is similar to CVs. Only the best candidates make it to the interview stage. You can be one of these lucky few by ensuring that from today you tailor your CV to fit any job you are applying for.

Do you need help with your CV? Contact us today for Professional CV writing Services.

Read Also >>>> How To Get Your First Job Without Relevant Work Experience

Got any other concerns related to CV writing? Email them to lilian@www.careerpointkenya.co.ke