When it comes to your CV, one size doesn’t fit all. Have you ever applied to loads of jobs and heard nothing back? It might not be your skills or experience—it could be your CV. Employers want to see that you’re the perfect fit for their role, not just any role. Tailoring your CV for specific industries and roles can be the difference between getting noticed and being overlooked. But how do you actually do it?
Why Customising Your CV Matters
Think about this: hiring managers often skim hundreds of applications. If your CV doesn’t stand out within seconds, it’s likely going in the ‘no’ pile. A generic CV might show you’re qualified, but it doesn’t show why you’re the best person for that job.
Customising your CV tells the employer:
- You understand their needs – You’ve taken time to reflect on what they’re looking for.
- You have the right experience – You’re highlighting relevant skills and achievements.
- You’re serious about the role – A tailored CV shows genuine interest, not just mass applications.
Now, let’s talk about how you can do this effectively.
Understand the Role
Start with the job description. It’s your cheat sheet for what the employer wants. Do they keep mentioning “team leadership” or “data analysis”? Those are the clues you need.
Here’s what you should focus on:
- Key skills – Match the skills you have to those in the job posting.
- Responsibilities – Highlight past experiences that mirror what they’re asking for.
- Industry buzzwords – If they mention specific tools, processes, or qualifications, use those exact terms.
For example, if a marketing role asks for experience with SEO, make sure your CV mentions SEO (if you have that experience, of course).
Highlight Relevant Experience
Your CV isn’t just a list of jobs—it’s a chance to tell a story. When tailoring it, focus on the parts of your experience that are most relevant to the job. Don’t just copy and paste the same bullet points for every application.
Let’s say you’re switching from retail to office admin. Instead of focusing on customer service, highlight your organisational skills: managing schedules, coordinating staff, handling records. Frame your past experience in a way that aligns with the new role. This is something professionals like https://cvexperts.com/ can help you with.
Pro tip: Use metrics wherever you can. Saying “improved efficiency by 15%” sounds a lot more impressive than “helped improve processes.”
Adjust the Skills Section
The skills section is where you can really show you’re a match. For each role, think about what skills are most valuable and put those front and centre.
For a tech job, you might want to highlight your software knowledge, programming languages, or certifications. For a teaching role, focus on communication, leadership, and adaptability.
You don’t need to include every skill you’ve ever learned—just the ones that make you stand out for this specific role.
Don’t Forget the Layout
Your CV’s design matters more than you might think. A messy layout can distract from your qualifications, while a clear structure makes it easy for hiring managers to find what they need.
- Keep it clean – Use headings, bullet points (but not too many!), and white space.
- Prioritise sections – Put the most relevant information at the top. If your work history isn’t directly related, lead with your skills or a professional summary.
- Match the tone – For creative industries, a more visually appealing design might work. For traditional roles like finance, stick to a classic layout.
Tailor Your Professional Summary
Your professional summary is the first thing employers read, so make it count. This section should be rewritten for every job you apply to.
If you’re applying for a healthcare role, focus on your patient care experience and empathy. For an IT position, highlight your problem-solving skills and technical expertise. This part is your chance to immediately show you’re exactly what they’re looking for.
Include Keywords
Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan CVs before a human even looks at them. If your CV doesn’t include the right keywords, it might never make it past the software.
Use the job description to identify these keywords—things like “budget management,” “cross-functional teams,” or specific software. Naturally weave these into your CV (don’t just dump a list at the bottom).
Showcase Transferable Skills
Switching industries? Don’t panic. Many skills are valuable across different sectors. These are called transferable skills, and they can bridge the gap between your experience and the role you want.
For example:
- Leadership – Managing teams or projects.
- Problem-solving – Handling challenges effectively.
- Communication – Writing reports, giving presentations, or building relationships.
When you highlight these, explain how they’ve made an impact in your past roles.
Customising Your Cover Letter
While this isn’t your CV, it’s closely linked. Your cover letter should complement your tailored CV, emphasising why you’re the right fit for the role. Address the hiring manager directly (if you can find their name) and expand on the key points from your CV.
Stay Honest
Tailoring your CV doesn’t mean exaggerating or making things up. Be truthful about your experience and skills, and focus on presenting them in the best light. It’s about emphasising what’s relevant, not inventing new achievements.
Ready to Make an Impression?
Tailoring your CV might take a little extra time, but it’s worth it. Every role you apply for is unique, so your application should be too. Think of your CV as a conversation starter—it’s your chance to say, “Here’s why I’m the perfect fit.” Employers notice effort, and a tailored CV shows you’re serious about the opportunity.
