Guide · CV writing
How to Tailor a CV to a Job Description (Step by Step)
How to tailor your CV to each job in 20 minutes: analyse the job ad, update your profile, reorder skills, adjust bullets and use the right keywords honestly.
To tailor a CV, start from a master CV containing all your achievements, then for each application highlight the job ad's key requirements, rewrite your personal statement for the role, reorder your skills to match their priorities, move your most relevant achievements to the top of each role, and use the employer's keywords where they truthfully describe your experience. It usually takes 15 to 30 minutes and makes a big difference.
Step by step
- Analyse the ad: list the top five requirements and keywords.
- Update the profile: mention the role and your most relevant strengths.
- Reorder skills: their priorities first.
- Choose bullets: pick achievements that prove each requirement.
- Use their language: match terms where accurate. See ATS-friendly CVs.
- Trim the rest: remove less relevant detail.
- Check: does every requirement have evidence on page one?
Example
| Job ad says | Your tailored CV shows |
|---|---|
| Experience with month-end close | Bullet on shortening close from 10 to 5 days |
| Stakeholder management | Bullet on partnering with 4 department heads |
| Power BI | Power BI listed in skills and used in a bullet |
Keep a master CV
A longer document with every role and achievement makes tailoring fast. Save each tailored version with the company name.
Pair it with a tailored cover letter, and see how to write a CV.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to tailor a CV?
With a strong master CV, often 15 to 30 minutes per application.
Is tailoring a CV dishonest?
No, as long as everything is true. Tailoring means choosing and ordering relevant facts and using the employer's language.
Should I keep a master CV?
Yes. A longer master CV with all achievements makes it quick to create tailored versions.
Keep reading
- How to Write a CV That Gets Interviews: The Complete Guide
- LinkedIn Profile Tips: How to Optimize Your Headline, About and Banner
- The Best CV Format: Chronological, Skills-Based or Hybrid?
- CV Personal Statement: How to Write One (With 10 Examples)
- ATS-Friendly CV: How to Get Past Applicant Tracking Systems
- Career Change CV: How to Write One (With Example)
- Skills to Put on a CV (And How to Present Them)
Everything in one download
All Industries CV Bundle
Every CV, cover letter and LinkedIn kit for all 12 industries. Ideal for career coaches, recruiters and anyone moving between fields.
$417 Combined value $1,044