Sending the same CV to every job application is one of the biggest reasons candidates get ignored. Recruiters and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are not looking for general experience—they are looking for direct match signals.
Tailoring your CV means adjusting it for each job so that your skills, experience, and keywords align with what the employer is specifically asking for.
Here’s how to do it properly.
1. Start With the Job Description (This Is Your Blueprint)
Before editing your CV, carefully read the job advert.
Highlight:
- Required skills
- Technologies/tools mentioned
- Job responsibilities
- Qualifications
- Years of experience
These are the exact elements your CV must reflect.
Tip: Think of the job description as a checklist—your CV should “tick” as many boxes as possible.
2. Match Your Job Title to the Role
Always align your CV title with the job you’re applying for.
Example:
If the job is:
Information Technology Technician
Your CV headline should include:
✔ Information Technology Technician
✔ IT Support Technician (if applicable)
Avoid vague titles like:
❌ “IT Specialist” or “Tech Professional”
ATS systems prioritize exact job title matches.
3. Rewrite Your Professional Summary
Your summary should be rewritten for every application.
It should include:
- Job title
- Key skills from the job description
- Relevant experience
- Industry keywords
Example:
Before (Generic):
IT professional with experience in technical support and networking.
After (Tailored):
IT Support Technician with experience in Windows 11 environments, Microsoft Office 365, desktop support, and LAN/WAN troubleshooting. Skilled in providing end-user support, managing IT assets, and resolving technical issues in fast-paced environments.
4. Mirror Keywords From the Job Description
ATS systems scan for keyword matches.
Example job keywords:
- Microsoft Intune
- Windows 11
- Office 365
- Networking (TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP)
- IT support
- Troubleshooting
How to use them:
- Include them in your skills section
- Add them into your work experience
- Mention them in your summary
⚠️ Important: Don’t copy-paste blindly—use them naturally.
5. Rework Your Work Experience (Most Important Step)
Do not list everything you’ve done. Only highlight experience that matches the job.
Example:
Job Requirement: Printer support, Office 365, troubleshooting
Your CV should include:
- Provided technical support for Office 365 applications and user accounts
- Installed and maintained network printers and peripherals
- Diagnosed and resolved hardware and software issues using structured troubleshooting methods
This makes your experience directly relevant.
6. Prioritise Relevant Skills
Your skills section should be customised for each job.
Split it into:
Technical Skills
Only include what the job requires:
- Windows 11
- Microsoft Intune
- Office 365
- LAN/WAN
- TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP
Soft Skills
- Problem-solving
- Communication
- Time management
- Customer service
Remove unrelated skills that don’t add value.
7. Align Qualifications and Certifications
If the job requires:
- CompTIA A+
- Network+
- MS-900
Make sure they are:
- Clearly listed
- Written exactly as in the job post
Even small wording differences can reduce ATS matching.
8. Remove Irrelevant Experience
A tailored CV is not your full history.
Remove or reduce:
- Jobs unrelated to IT (if applying for IT roles)
- Old or outdated experience
- Tasks that don’t match the role
Focus only on relevant and recent experience.
9. Reorder Your CV for Maximum Impact
Place the most relevant sections first:
- Professional Summary
- Key Skills
- Work Experience
- Education
- Certifications
This ensures recruiters see your strongest match first.
10. Use Job-Specific Language
If the job says:
- “Incident management” → use that exact phrase
- “Network troubleshooting” → don’t say “fixing internet issues”
Matching language increases your ATS score and recruiter relevance.
11. Keep It Clean and Consistent
Even when tailoring:
- Keep formatting simple
- Use consistent bullet points
- Avoid design-heavy templates
- Use clear section headings
ATS systems prefer structure over design.
12. Final Step: Compare Before You Apply
Before submitting your CV, ask:
- Does my CV reflect at least 70–80% of the job description?
- Have I included all key keywords?
- Does my experience clearly match the role?
If not, revise again.
Final Thoughts
Tailoring your CV is not about rewriting your entire document—it’s about strategic alignment. When your CV speaks the same language as the job description, you dramatically increase your chances of passing ATS filters and getting shortlisted.