How To Tailor Your CV To Fit The Job Description

If you have been reading CV advice online then you must have come across a recommendation to tailor your CV to fit the role.

You’re possibly wondering, is it really necessary?

It might be tempting to skip this especially when you don’t know how to do it because it takes time.

Mary was advised to tailor her CV to fit accountant roles but she didn’t know how.

‘I have been applying for many jobs using a generic CV without any success. Recently, my friend advised me to tailor my CV to fit accounting roles. I don’t know how to go about it and that is why I am reaching out to professional CV writers to help me know how to tailor it and see if this will increase my chances of getting interviews’. Says Mary.

For CVs, one size does not fit all because recruiters want to see the skills and experiences that are relevant to a specific job.

Customizing your CV to fit the role shows that you have read the job description and it helps your CV to pass through the system.

So, how can you tailor your CV to fit the job description?

Here are 4 ways:

1. Read Through The Job Description

Go through the job description to ensure you understand what the employer is looking for and the requirements of the role.

Research about the company and check the company’s values, priorities and any information which shows you are a fit then write your CV to mirror that.

For instance, Mary used one CV to apply for all the jobs without customizing it to fit the job description and this reduced her chances of getting the interview.

2. Pick Out Keywords And Phrases

Identify the keywords and specific skills in the job description, and include them in your CV because most employers use ATS software to scan applications and professional CVs with these phrases pass this stage.

3. Put Your Most Relevant Experience First

If you don’t meet every single requirement in the job description, that does not mean that you won’t be invited for an interview.

It is important to include the relevant skills and experience that you have to appear to the best advantage by making the most relevant parts of your CV visible.

4. Make Your Experience Fit

If your previous work experience is not relevant to the job you are applying for but you have the skills that are required, it is important to connect the content in your CV to what is in the job description.

For instance, your previous sales role may not be directly relevant to the customer service position you’re applying for, but you can still draw essential skills required by both roles.

For the experiences that are not relevant to the role, it is important to remove them to avoid making your CV too long.

Finally

Tailoring a CV is not as hard as it sounds. It is about highlighting the parts of your CV that best fit the job description. This ensures that it passes through the system to the hands of the employers and it increases your chances of getting an interview.

Do you want your CV tailored to fit the roles in your industry?

Our professional CV writers can help you revamp your CV today!