Job applications & cover letters · 3 min read
How to tailor your CV to a job advert
Sending the same CV to every job is quick, but a CV tailored to the advert shows a recruiter straight away why you're a good fit. It doesn't mean rewriting everything — just making the right things easy to find.
1. Pull out what the employer wants
Read the advert and list the essential skills, experience and qualifications. Note the exact words used, such as 'stakeholder management' or 'Xero'.
2. Match your evidence
For each requirement, find a real example from your experience. Move the most relevant roles and achievements higher up, and add numbers where you can.
3. Update your profile and skills
Rewrite the short profile at the top so it speaks to this role, and make sure the skills section uses the advert's terms where they honestly apply.
4. Cut what doesn't help
Trim older or unrelated detail so the strongest evidence for this job stands out. Two pages is plenty for most roles.
Do it in seconds
Paste an advert into the hire me. job check to see your match score, the keywords you're missing and how to tailor your CV.