How to Tailor Your CV and Make it Stand Out
- Apr 30
- 4 min read
You’ve found a job you’re excited about, and you’re ready to start your application. But when it comes to writing your CV, you keep hearing the same advice: “tailor it to the role.”
So what does that actually mean—and where do you begin?
This guide will walk you through how to tailor your CV in a clear, practical way, so you can show employers exactly why you’re a strong fit for the role.
What is a CV
A CV (curriculum vitae) is a written summary of your education, work experience, skills, and achievements. Its main purpose is to showcase your qualifications and show how you’re suited to a specific role.
Since recruiters often review a high volume of applications, your CV acts as an initial screening tool. It helps them quickly identify candidates who meet the basic requirements and are worth inviting for an interview.
How to Tailor Your CV
Research the Company
Research how a company presents itself, don’t just skim the homepage. Pay attention to their language, the values they repeat, and how they describe their culture. The careers page is usually the most revealing. Check the LinkedIn profiles of people already in the role you want and see what they highlight in their experience sections. That gives you a clearer picture of what the company really values day to day—not just what’s written in the job ad.
As you go through this, pay close attention to the company’s size and sector, as these shape expectations. Smaller companies and startups often want adaptable, proactive people ready to take on varied responsibilities, while larger organisations look for candidates who can stand out and operate independently.
You can reflect this in your CV by giving clear, specific examples of your experience that demonstrate ownership, teamwork, and impact. Try to avoid vague phrases like “assisted with” or “contributed to,” and instead be direct about what you actually did.
Read the Job Description Carefully
To make your CV stand out, focus on matching your skills and experience directly to what the employer is asking for. Start by carefully reading the job description and identifying the key skills and qualifications they prioritise. Then, think about where you’ve actually used those skills- this could be through your studies, part-time work, extracurriculars, or volunteering.
It’s not enough to simply list skills. What really makes an impact is evidence. Instead of saying you have a skill, show how you’ve used it in a real situation. This demonstrates that you understand how to apply your experience in a practical way.
Make sure you structure your CV so the most relevant skills and experiences come first. Reorder your bullet points to reflect what the employer values most, making it easy for recruiters to quickly see that you’re a strong match. If you’re unsure how well you align with a role, tools like a CV matcher can help highlight the key skills to focus on.
Finally, look closely at the responsibilities and requirements in the job description. Don’t just note what you’ll be doing- pay attention to how you’ll be expected to do it. Many skills, like communication, are broad, so it’s important to understand the context. For example, are you expected to present, negotiate, or explain complex ideas? Tailoring your examples to reflect this level of detail will make your application much more convincing.
Pay attention to Key Words
To improve your chances of getting noticed, make sure you’re using keywords from the job ad throughout your CV. These are the specific terms used to describe the role, including required skills, qualifications, experience, and responsibilities.
Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter applications, especially when there’s a high volume of candidates. These systems scan CVs for keyword matches, so including the right terms can help ensure your application gets through the initial screening.
As you review the job description, pick out the most important keywords and naturally incorporate them into your CV- particularly in your summary, skills section, and experience bullet points. This helps show that you’re aligned with the role while also making your CV easier for recruiters (and software) to assess quickly.
CV Presentation
How you present your CV, through its layout, wording, and content, can say a lot about your professionalism, attention to detail, and overall fit for the role.
Tips:
Follow the job ad guidelines in terms of the length of the CV- normally 1-2 pages long
Divided into clear sections with headings
Easy to read
Keep it concise, but mention all your skills. Use bullets where you can.
Should be 100% free of error
Common CV Mistakes to Avoid
Reading job descriptions too literally. Not every bullet point is a strict requirement; many candidates rule themselves out unnecessarily.
Ignoring the tone of the job post. A formal ad requires a formal CV.
Applying too broadly without checking whether you meet core requirements.
Copying and pasting the same CV for every role.
Underselling soft skills such as teamwork or time management.
Skipping the cover letter, which can show genuine interest and help you stand out.
Conclusion
Tailoring your CV shows employers clearly why you are a strong match for the role. By researching the company, carefully reading the job description, and using relevant keywords, you can align your CV with what recruiters are actually looking for.
Strong CVs don’t just describe what you’ve done; they provide clear, specific evidence of your skills and impact. When combined with good structure, clear presentation, and attention to detail, this makes it easier for recruiters to quickly see your value.
Ultimately, a well-tailored CV increases your chances of moving past initial screening and securing an interview.
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