It’s obvious that you have to customize your CV for any job you are applying for. If you don’t, your chances of getting that job are bleak at best. This article will show you tips you can use when analyzing a job description so that you can send in a successful application.
If you’ve been job searching for a while, you’ve definitely read about how important it is to customize your CV. To do this effectively, you need to be keen when analyzing a job description. Simply applying for a job and sending your CV will most likely dent your chances of getting called for an interview. That’s why it’s vital that you tailor your qualifications to the requirements of the job before sending your application.
You may be overqualified for a job or be the perfect fit for the job because your qualifications meet the recruiter's needs. However, many qualified people miss out on opportunities just because they failed to express themselves in a way that was relevant to a recruiter.
This article is designed to help you speak the language of the hiring manager by analyzing a job description comprehensively and customizing your CV for your applications.
Why is it important to customize your CV?
It helps you cross the Applicant Tracking System barrier
Since recruiters always have a sea of CVs to sort through, many use technology to help them sieve through those CVs so that they remain with only the best. This technology is called the Applicant Tracking System (ATS). It’s software that eliminates or pre-qualifies resumes based on keywords. When you read a job description, there are various keywords that recruiters use to determine the key skills and traits of the potential candidate they’re looking for. As you customize your CV you need to include these keywords so that the ATS doesn’t eliminate you.
It amplifies your qualifications
Every recruiter has at least 60 seconds to look through each CV because of the load that they have to choose from. Therefore, when you send a general CV, it will be hard for a recruiter to see that you’re fit for the role. As such when you analyze a job description, note the most pronounced qualifications and ensure that you highlight yours. Customize your CV so that the recruiter will have an easier time assessing your candidacy. As a result, this will raise your chances of being called for a job interview.
It shows interest
Analyzing the job description and customizing your CV to meet the needs of the role shows that you’re really passionate and interested in that position. Therefore, the hiring manager will have more confidence to invite you for an interview because you’ve exemplified that you take the job seriously.
Tips for customizing your CV
Re-read the job description
It’s not enough to read the job description once. You need to read it a few times and come up with a clear analysis that will help you understand exactly what’s required of you as a candidate. A recruiter friend of mine advises candidates to avoid applying for a job immediately after reading the job description. She said that a person should read the vacancy posting at least thrice and internalize it first.
Once you’re confident that you understand the requirements, start preparing your CV to send in your application.
Include keywords
As you cross-check your CV against the requirements of a job, note the keywords and include them. For example, a salesperson may notice some words such as: after sales, leading a team, client leads, etc. In the same breath, a social media job posting might include words like social media marketing, following, content calendar, and so much more.
Read also: 10 must-have keywords and phrases to include in your CV & cover letter
Update your summary
The summary is usually a brief wholesome description of who you are and your professional portfolio. It’s the appetizer that invites a recruiter to look into the body of your resume. As you formulate your summary, show how your qualifications will meet the company's needs and how your goals align with theirs.
For example:
I’m a customer relations professional who has been initiating and maintaining professional relationships with clients for the past five years. I’ve honed my follow-up, listening, and emotional intelligence skills which have enabled me to handle clients in whatever state they’re in and act promptly when they need something. I endeavour to work with a company that solves the financial problems of clients in an empathetic and impactful way.
Only include relevant work history
You may have a wealth of experience with many years to write home about. However, to ace that job you so desire, make sure that you cut it down to the roles that you’ve played in other jobs that are needed in this particular job. Let the roles that the hiring manager sees be relevant to the job posting.
What about other experiences?
A nice tip would be to have another section called “Other Work Experience” where you include the rest of your work history in summary to justify your years of experience.
Use measurable metrics
When you want to exemplify your impact at work, include percentages. This will quantify the results of your work and improve your credibility. It also eliminates ambiguity and bland generalizations which will cause the person reviewing your CV to reject it.
For example: Through my social media campaigns, I saw the traffic of our website increase by 40% according to Google Analytics.
Read also: How to use numbers in your CV to quantify accomplishments and impress recruiters
Update your skills section as you customize your CV
It may look ineffective but you need to have a section for skills in your resume. Ensure that they fit the description in the vacancy posting. Only include the relevant skills for the specific job so that your CV doesn’t look too long and mentally tasking for the hiring manager to review.
In this section, you can capitalize by including the keywords that stand out in the job posting.
Proofread your CV
This practice should be standard for any serious job applicant. Ensure that you proofread your resume carefully and patiently. Don’t just scan and scheme through it in a hurry with a bid to send it fast. Ensure that there are no grammatical and typographical errors to show that you pay attention to detail.
In conclusion…
In 2023, success in job applications will be assured by being more intentional about your approach. The outstanding theme is that you need to take your time. Don’t be in a hurry. Set time apart in your daily schedule to specifically apply for jobs. Customizing your CV doesn’t mean that you should radically change all of it, but you can tweak it to the specific role while still maintaining your professional identity.
