How Do I Adapt My CV For Different Jobs?

If you’ve spent any time looking for jobs, you’ll probably have encountered the advice that you should tailor your CV to the job description of each individual role you apply for.

When it comes to CVs, one size does not fit all. Employers want to see how your skills and experience match the specific role they’ve advertised.

Tailoring your CV will show employers you’re a serious candidate, and that you really want to work for them. Most recruiters will be able to spot a generic CV a mile off.

Your CV is your biggest marketing tool. Think of that sales and marketing professional trying to close a deal, they have to show their clients the kind of work they can do, not just by stating it but by proving it with examples and numbers.

I’ve put together a few tips to help you tailor your CV to the job description:

Job description

Take some time and go through the job description in detail.  Note down the most important points.

Look out for the technical skills, soft skills and the words that have been emphasized.

The terms you find, are consequently what you should aim to incorporate into your CV (if they are competencies you possess).

Including these terms into your CV can also help you get past any Applicant Tracking System (ATS) that the employer may have in place.

Eventually, this will help give you a better understanding of the job and help you customize your CV better.

Professional summary

This is the brief paragraph at the top of your CV that sets the scene about who you are, what experiences you have, and what value you offer.

As it is one of the first segments that gets reviewed, you should make it as impactful and relevant as possible.

Ensure that it includes all key terms that you identified in the job description, and ends by emphasizing the value that your potential employer will experience.

Key skills

Any skills that you believe will make you the most impressive candidate for the position you have applied for, should be at the top of your list.

You can swap some of the less-relevant skills on your CV, with some that are required by the employer.

Work history

Changing how you present your work experience is equally important.

Here, highlight your more relevant responsibilities and eliminate things you did that won’t be as impressive or relevant to the employer.

This will increase your chances of being called in for an interview.

In Conclusion,

Job hunting can get exhausting, especially when applying for jobs without getting any feedback.

Try tweaking your CV by focusing on the areas outlined above and be an inch closer to securing an interview. Remember, only the best candidates make it to the interview stage.

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