The current competitive world does not permit one to submit a generic CV to the highly competitive job market. Employers are interested in receiving candidates who are not only able to respond to the job requirements but can easily demonstrate that they are aware of the expectations and goals of the company along with its values. Tailoring your CV to each job application is amongst the excellent tricks that would assist you in rising above the rest. This strategic positioning helps to project your most relevant skills and experiences that can enable you to secure an interview. The following is a plan on tailoring your CV to each job.
1. Know Your Job Description Inside Out
Determine the keywords, duties and qualifications that the employer insists on. Take note of the skills, level of experience, certification or personal attributes which kept on repeating in the posting. These are hints to those specific things that the hiring manager wants in an ideal candidate. To illustrate, when a company seeks a marketing expert, who is proficient in SEO and data analysis, then these should be the main elements mentioned in your CV, in case you possess them.
2. Research Company and Role
These three factors will allow you to understand what to emphasize in your CV; the company culture, mission and industry. Go to the company website, search their LinkedIn profile, and find recent news items or blog entries. Research to find out their tone of communication (formal or informal), values, objectives and some of their latest projects. With this research you can not only customize the content but also the tone of your CV to be in line with the brand and voice of the company.
3. tailor Your Profile Summary to the Job
The recruiters will first read your professional summary (or personal statement). Personalize it to make it count per job. It is better to concentrate on your appropriate accomplishments, years of experience, and main skills which correspond to the job requirements. There is no need to write something generic such as “seeking an exciting role”; it is better to write something such as Marketing professional with 5+ years of experience in SEO and digital strategy, looking to lead data-driven campaigns in a high-paced team. This demonstrates that you are a fit to the position right on the onset.
4. Focus on Relevant Experience and Achievements
Under the employment section, you need to begin adjusting your bullet points to show the responsibilities and the achievements that are most related to the job you are applying to. There is no need to make anything up, you just have to be selective in the elements of your experience that you choose to emphasize with the job.
5. It is Important to Highlight the most Relevant Skills.
The vast majority of job descriptions have a section of required/preferred skills. They are keyword mines and should be reflected in your CV accordingly. Add a section dedicated to skills in your CV and be sure to include the most relevant competencies listed in the job posting, whether that be: data analytics, CRM software or project coordination. Do not stuff this section with all the skills you have learned in your lifetime, rather make it relevant to the job you are applying by highlighting your strengths that directly pertain to this particular job.
6. Change of Education and Certifications
Whereas you may not actually have a different educational background in each application you make, the way you emphasize it may differ. Note course work, projects or academic achievements pertaining to the work. In case the work places a heavy emphasis on technical skill or requires any specific certifications (PMP or Google Analytics), make sure they are recruited expressly and with emphasis.
7. Include Keywords to Overcome the Applicant Tracking System (ATS)
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are used by many companies to screen Curriculum Vitae (CV), even Before a human being views it. The systems search keywords like CV Writing Services based on the job description. Without the correct terms in your CV, it can be automatically sorted out. ATS optimization requires you to replicate phrases and terms used in the job description when possible. When the advertisement states content management systems, do not simply put CMS, write it out and also put the abbreviation.
8. Vary the Order and Emphasis
It is also possible to customize your CV by rearranging sections according to their relevance to the position. To say another example, when you are applying to the creative job, and you had some freelance experience in the same sphere, you could better move your freelance experience more up the list, though it is not your current job. Similarly, when the job description requires certificates or technical expertise, you can opt to bring your Skills or Certifications section, near the resume heading.
