Step 3: Tailoring Your CV for a job

In order for your CV to be taken seriously by employers you must tailor it specifically to the role within that organisation. Lots of applicants skip this vital step in order to make lots of applications. Don't make that mistake!

  1. Download the job description and or person specification for the role (if there isn't one see step 2)
  2. No job descrption - you are going to need to build a checklist to help you think about what is relevant on your CV
    1. Look on the company website is there any further information that helps?
    2. Many job advertisements list a contact to talk to about the role. It's a really good idea to ring them, it makes you look serious about your application. Have a list of questions prepared but make sure they are not things you could have found out for yourself, do a bit of research first.
    3. Have you seen similar sounding jobs advertised with other organisations? Do they have clearer information about the role? It may not be the same but it can be informative to see how it compares.
    4. Use the profiles on the prospects website. They are great for giving a list of typical work activities and skills or aptitudes that you will need to show evidence of on your application.

Make a list

  • The key technical skills required.
  • The transferable skills required.
  • The behaviours or personal qualities the employer values. (How do these match yours?)
  • The experience the employer is asking for.
  • The qualifications or knowledge required.
  • Any themes, values, priorities, future projects mentioned by the employer.
  • A list of important keywords (from the job description) and phrases that you could use in your CV.
  • Are these requirements essential or desirable?

You do not have to have everything the employer is asking for but the more you can evidence the better.

ACTION

Take a look at the examples of non-tailored and tailored CV bullet points below. Think about the employers shortlisting proforma. What makes the tailored examples more effective?

Non-tailored examples:

  • Modules include marketing, finance, management, economics, psychology, accounting and other business-related subjects.
  • Served customers, answered questions and helped with general shop duties.
  • Did research and found information online when needed.

Tailored examples:

  • Built strong analytical and problem-solving skills through Finance and Economics, Accounting and Marketing Strategy modules, interpreting numerical and qualitative information to diagnose business issues, assess options and develop evidence-based recommendations.
  • Provided excellent customer service, assisting clients with product selection and queries. Received 9 positive mentions in online feedback forms by tailoring service to their specific needs.
  • Conducted desk-based market research and analysed sector information to identify potential business partners and industry trends, producing a report with 5 recommendations to support business development decisions.

Review the evidence on your CV

Go back to the CAR model

  1. Have you given sufficient quantifiable evidence that the employer can say "yes this person is competent or highly competent at this skill or task"?
  2. Can the employer see relevant experience or education easily?

Next Get advice and support with your CV