By Rory J MacLaren-Jackson
Why Do I Need Different CVs?
If you've just spent hours meticulously polishing your CV into a thing of incisive, well-formatted perfection, it may be frustrating to hear that it's a good idea to have different CVs for different jobs. But in today's competitive job market, you really do have to take every opportunity you can to improve your chances, and adjusting your CV to reflect the variety of jobs you are applying for can make all the difference.Employers and recruiters will receive a huge number of applications for each job, so they can't afford to take the time to analyse each CV in depth. They will 'skim' them all to spot the exact skills they're looking for, and if you don't make those skills easy for them to find, you may be passed over. This is why it's to your advantage to rewrite your CV to enhance the specific abilities you have that are suited to each job or industry.
Using The Job Description
So to start with, your most important tool when rewriting your CV is your potential employer's description of the job you want to apply for. Read this carefully a few times and note the exact qualities they say they are looking for, and try to get a picture of their ideal candidate. If they list a lot of specific technical skills, make sure you mention any and all that you are proficient in, and when you describe previous roles, emphasise duties that required specialist knowledge. If the description seems more focused on personality or soft skills, play this up instead.At all costs do not be tempted to actually make things up to fit in with a job description. Being caught out will certainly ruin your chances, and if you're going through a recruiting agency they may not put you forward for any further jobs. The idea is not to lie, but just to describe your skills and previous jobs from the most relevant angle possible.
Do Your Research
It's vitally important to do your research on any company that you're applying to for a job. Not only will you appear well informed should you be asked to interview, but you may also be able to get a better idea of their individual company culture. Biographies of current employees or the information on a careers page can help you to judge if they're looking for cutthroat go-getters or warm-hearted team players so you can present yourself accordingly.CV Tips
• If you've got a particular skill or qualification you know they want, don't hide it in the middle of a long list - put it at the top and near the beginning.• 'Hobbies' sections can be good if they're either evidence of an extra skills set, i.e. helping to run a club, or directly connected to the industry you're aiming for, but if it's not that relevant, consider leaving it out.
In conclusion, your CV is an employer's first impression of you - so make sure that when they see it, they see exactly what they're looking for!
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