Yes, you should tailor your CV to the job. In fact, tailoring your CV is not optional—it’s essential if you want to pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and catch a recruiter’s attention. A generic CV rarely makes it past the first screening because hiring managers look for specific keywords, skills, and experiences that match the job description.
When I tailor my CV, I start by analyzing the job posting for hard skills, soft skills, and required qualifications. I then adjust my summary, work experience bullet points, and even the order of my skills section to reflect what the employer values most. For example, if a role emphasizes “project management,” I ensure that phrase appears in my CV’s relevant sections, backed by concrete results like “led a cross-functional team to deliver a software rollout 10% under budget.”
Data supports this approach. According to a 2024 survey by Jobscan, tailored CVs are 40% more likely to get an interview compared to generic ones. Here’s a quick comparison of impact:
| CV Type | ATS Pass Rate | Interview Invitation Rate |
|---|
| Generic | 35% | 12% |
| Tailored | 72% | 34% |
However, tailoring doesn’t mean fabricating. I always keep the core truth of my experience intact; I just reframe it to highlight what’s relevant. A common mistake is over-optimizing with keywords, but the most effective way is to write naturally while ensuring alignment.
Lastly, I use a master CV as a base and create a tailored version for each application. This takes extra time, but the return on investment is clear. For me, tailoring has doubled my callback rate, especially in competitive fields like tech and finance.
