How To Customize Your CV In 3 Steps

With interviewers spending less and less time looking at your CV, a customized CV is something you should aim to do. This is because, it is what determines whether you are seen as qualified for the job opportunity, or not.

Customizing your CV will help you pass the keyword test and ultimately impress your potential employer.

When you decide to tailor-make your CV for every opportunity you apply for, you will need to take a little time editing your CV before sending it out.

Here are 3 steps to help you customize your CV:

1. Analyze the job description

Carefully read the job description. Make note of:

  • The job title used in the description
  • The duties and responsibilities
  • The specific requirements
  • The location

If you don’t meet at least 75% of the job’s requirements, you are probably not the best fit.

2. Customize your skills, as appropriate, to match the terms used in the job description

When looking through requirements of a job posting, and you find this; “Advanced knowledge of Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) required’, how do you match this?

Ideally, assuming you do have the skills required, you would be smart to match the reference in your CV with the terms used in the job description. If your current CV says proficient in Microsoft Office, go further to list the specifics.

This matches your CV with the language used in the description, and should help it pass the keyword-matching requirements. It also adds the terms “Office,” “Access,” “Publisher,” or “Outlook” to demonstrate your complete expertise and also to expand, clarify, and/or confirm your qualifications.

However, be careful not to do too much of it as this will put off an employer.

3. Confirm your location

The top of your CV should always indicate your location. Include the town, county, or other regional term that fits with the job’s location. Use your current location and if you plan to relocate, your future location.

By including a location that fits with the employer’s requirements, you are confirming that you could be a good match. Employers are sensitive to the location of the job candidate in relation to the location of the job. They prefer to hire someone who is located near the job’s location, for various reasons.

Assuming that the job is appropriate for you, having a customized CV will come in handy.

Do you need help in customizing your CV? Reach out to professional CV writers who will be happy to help you do it.

12 Comments

  1. Indeed the information contained herein is much educative and an eye opener to job seekers

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