How to Tailor Your CV to a Job Description (Step by Step)

Why tailoring matters

Recruiters often skim a CV quickly, and many employers search applications in an applicant tracking system. If the most relevant experience is buried on page two, or described in different words from the listing, the match is easy to miss.

Steps

List the requirements. Read the job description and write down the must-have skills, tools, qualifications and responsibilities.
Find your evidence. For each requirement, find a real example in your experience. Note any requirement you cannot honestly evidence.
Lead with relevance. Move the most relevant roles, projects and achievements to the top of each section.
Use the listing's language. Where your experience genuinely matches, describe it with the same terms the employer uses.
Quantify where you can. Add numbers, scope or outcomes that show the size of your contribution.
Cut what does not help. Shorten or remove details that do not support this application.
Check every claim. Read the final CV and confirm that everything is true and that you can talk about it in an interview.

What not to do

Do not copy the job description into your CV.
Do not add skills or experience you do not have.
Do not hide keywords in white text. Recruiters read your CV, and the trick is easy to spot.

How Ajira helps

Ajira's job fit analysis compares your CV with the job's skills, keywords and experience and shows your strengths and gaps. CV tailoring then drafts a version from your saved CV for you to review, edit, approve and download as PDF or DOCX.

Frequently asked questions

Should I tailor my CV for every job?

For roles you really want, yes. Even a few changes to the order and wording of your experience make the match clearer.

How long should a tailored CV be?

Long enough to show your relevant evidence and no longer. For many roles that is one to two pages.