How to Tailor Your CV for Each Job

1. Review the Job Description Carefully

Before you begin tailoring your CV, read the job description thoroughly. Pay attention to the following:

• Required skills and qualifications
• Key responsibilities and tasks
• Desired experience and achievements
• Company values and culture

Use the job description to identify the keywords and phrases that employers are looking for. These can include specific skills, certifications, or job-related terms. Incorporating these keywords will help you optimize your CV for ATS.

2. Adjust Your Professional Summary

Your professional summary should highlight your most relevant skills and achievements in line with the specific role. If you're applying for a marketing job, focus on your marketing skills; if it's a tech role, emphasize your technical expertise.

You don’t need to completely rewrite your summary for every job, but make sure it’s tailored to the specific job description and reflects your most relevant skills and experience.

3. Highlight Relevant Work Experience

Under your work experience section, only include positions, skills, and achievements that are most relevant to the job you're applying for. Don’t list everything. Focus on the experiences that show how you’re a good fit for the position.

• Match your previous job titles with those mentioned in the job description (without exaggerating)
• Show how your accomplishments directly tie to the responsibilities listed in the job ad
• Use bullet points to highlight achievements, not just duties

4. Tailor Your Skills Section

Your skills section should showcase the skills that align with the job requirements. Make sure to differentiate between technical skills (such as programming languages or software tools) and soft skills (like communication or leadership).

• For Technical Roles: Emphasize specific tools and technologies (e.g., Python, SQL, JavaScript)
• For Creative Roles: Highlight design tools (e.g., Adobe Photoshop, Sketch, Figma)
• For Management Roles: Showcase leadership, communication, and project management skills

By aligning your skills with the job posting, you'll not only appeal to the recruiter, but also increase the chance of passing ATS scans.

5. Don’t Forget Keywords

Applicant Tracking Systems use keywords to filter CVs. Make sure you include important terms from the job description in your CV. This includes:

• Job titles (e.g., Marketing Manager, Software Developer)
• Skills and certifications (e.g., Project Management, AWS Certified)
• Industry-specific terms (e.g., SaaS, Agile, B2B)

Be natural when incorporating keywords—avoid keyword stuffing. Use them where they fit contextually to ensure your CV remains readable for both ATS and humans.

6. Proofread and Format

After tailoring your CV, take the time to proofread for spelling, grammar, and formatting errors. A polished CV creates a better impression and shows attention to detail.

• Ensure consistent formatting (font, spacing, alignment)
• Remove any unnecessary information (e.g., hobbies or outdated skills)
• Save your CV as a PDF to preserve formatting

Final Thoughts

Tailoring your CV takes time, but it’s essential to increase your chances of landing an interview. Every job you apply for is different, and your CV should reflect that by showcasing your most relevant skills and experiences.