Have you ever wondered why you don't get an interview for a role you consider yourself perfect for? Chances are that your CV is not working for you! There is enormous benefit in taking the time to review your CV and customise it for the role you are applying for. It is the ideal opportunity to highlight why you are perfect fit for the role. Recruiters agree that it significantly increases your likelihood of getting noticed in the crowd.

Tips for customising your CV:

Job Adverts:
Take a good look at the job advert and take time to understand the key selection criteria for the role. Make sure your CV or covering letter addresses your experience in relation to the key selection criteria.

Research the company / industry you are applying for (if this information is available):
This will enable you to add detail to your CV, which may highlight your relevant experience in relation to their products and / or services.    Note: Interestingly, providing such information also helps you stand out in recruitment databases.

Career Objectives / Objective Statements:
If you are including such a section in your CV, please make sure it is relevant to the role you are applying for! For example, it makes no sense to state in your career objectives that you would like to pursue a career in Quality, when you are applying for a Production role.

Significant Achievements:
It is best to list significant achievements that highlight your experience and performance in relation to the role you are applying for. Format the CV so that these achievements "stand out".

Company descriptions:
Don't assume the recruiter will be familiar with all the companies you have worked for. In your employment history, consider adding a brief snapshot on each company: include information such as products and services, size of the company and other pertinent information.

Irrelevant information:
Consider deleting irrelevant information from your CV- your relevant experience will stand out that way. Alternatively, List your experience with the most relevant skills at the top. Remember though, do not alter your job history.

Applying for a role outside your specialty?:
Include information in your CV which demonstrates you possess the relevant skills that will enable you to be considered for the role.

Queries?:
It is always worth talking to the recruiter- you can often gain a a better insight into the company and role this way and it helps you customise your CV