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 and phrases that you could use in your CV
  • Are these requirements essential or desirable?

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

ACTION

Take a look at the Examples of a non-tailored and tailored CV. Think about the employers shortlisting proforma. Which CV do you think is likely to get shortlisted? TO BE ADDED

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