How To Customise Your CV For Different Job Applications
Should I customise my resume for each job?
Our answer is yes, absolutely!
There’s only one scenario where it’s okay for you to use the same CV for different job applications – when you’re applying for the same type of role in the same industry.
However, most jobseekers apply for several type of roles, across multiple industries. If you’re doing that, you’ll definitely need to customise your CV for each job.
You might be thinking now: “But that’s so much work!”.
The unfortunate truth is there are too many applicants for roles these days. Recruiters don’t have time to figure out if you’re the perfect fit for the role.
It’s your job to make it so obvious to them at first glance, that they move you right away to their interview callback pile.
How do you customise your CV? Here’s our quick step by step process:
How do I change my CV for different jobs?
The hiring manager will look at your CV for qualities and experience that is directly relevant to the role. Most people have transferable skills that can be used across their applications, but it can be worth tweaking your CV to fit a specific role.
This includes making sure that you;
- Match your CV title and Job Title to the job ad
- Tailor your CV Executive Summary
- Optimise for Keywords
By including these three things, you can be sure to maintain a solid CV whilst still being able to customise it for the employer.
1. Match your CV title and Job Title to the job ad
If the job ad is for a marketing manager, make sure your CV title reads “Marketing Manager” and that your last role reads that too (only if it’s honest to do so).
Some companies have weird job titles. eg. Customer Success. Instead of that you can state “Account Manager (Customer Success)”.
2. Tailor your CV Executive Summary
Study the job ad. What are the 3 key skills they’re looking for? Make those top 3 skills the first 3 bullet point of your executive summary.
3. Optimise for Keywords
Use apps like Jobscan or CareerHero to identify which keywords are missing from your CV. This is important if you want to get pass those ATS CV scanners.
If you’re still confused, our colleagues have put together a short 9 minute video. In it, you’ll see first hand how we tailor CVs for each job ad, highlighting the most critical changes necessary.
Customising your CV might be a little time consuming at first, but you’ll soon get the hang of it.
Avoid the spray-and-pray method of applying for jobs. Aim for the best roles like a sniper.
It’ll result in more interview calls for the time you invest!
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Outside of his professional pursuits, he enjoys road cycling, diving deep into biographies, and devouring copious amounts of dumplings.
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