Different Versions of One CV

The quality of your CV is the difference between success and failure, when applying for a job. The appearance and content of your CV combine to tell your story.

• Everything in your CV communicates to a potential new employer details about you.

The only information the employer has to go on is in your CV and covering letter. Successful job applicants are those who target every job application with a bespoke CV, and do not use a single version of their CV for a variety of different job applications.

The basic principles of a focused CV are quite straightforward.

• Double check to ensure there is no gratuitous information included in the CV, which will detract from the relevant information.
• Every element of your CV should specifically reference to the current job vacancy.
• Mirror descriptions used in the job advert, when outlining skills and experience in the CV.
• Previous employment should be presented in a way that is relevant to the job vacancy.

Adapt your existing CV using these guidelines. All the content is already there in your current CV, so it shouldn't be too hard. Block off half a day, and focus purely on generating a new CV for the job application.

CV Structure

Objectives

Tell the employer why you are suitable for the role, and what motivates you. Outline why your experience and ambition make you wholly suitable to doing the job.

Skills

What are the skills asked for in the job advert? All jobs call for a range of skills, but be sure to include in your CV those skills specifically mentioned in the job advert. Even if you don't have them all, include the ones you do have in the CV.

• When listing your skills, copy the same skill description and wording as used in the job advert.

Past Employment

Your previous employment should be relayed in a manner that reflects well on your ability to do the new job. Be clear, precise and brief when describing your current job requirements.

• Always mirror the language and terminology used in the job advert.

Be clear as to what you can do, and always be truthful. There's nothing better than using some examples in your current role to illustrate why and how you are suitable for the job on offer.

Professional Successes

When listing your past employment, always include at least one example of how you achieved success. Try and adapt your terminology to that in the job advert.

• Where possible, detail examples that are closely related to the new job application.

Qualifications

Many job adverts request specific experience and qualifications from job applicants. Detail the qualifications that match the requirements. If you're not sure about something, it perfectly acceptable for you to contact the company for clarification.

• Be specific when listing your qualifications. Vague or unclear descriptions will be viewed in a bad light.