Did you know that in 2024, 625 UK hiring managers revealed data that said 65% of CVs are rejected because they were not tailored to the job description?* Additionally, hiring managers and recruiters always look for CVs that align closely with the role’s key responsibilities, and generic CVs are quickly dismissed by the ATS.
This means even if you are well-qualified and have the required skills and expertise, you might not get the job because you did not tailor your CV for different industries and job descriptions. Sensing the urgency and heaviness of the situation, we brought to you 5 tips and a step-by-step CV tailoring process that will help you land your dream job.
How to Tailor Your CV for Different Industries Step by Step
As a hiring manager for more than three decades and being associated with the UK-based recruitment agencies, there’s no doubt that the CV tailoring process is time-consuming and meticulous. However, with specific knowledge and CV tailoring techniques, you can tailor your CV for various industries effortlessly.
Review Job Description
To begin with, read the job description thoroughly. In order to customise CV for job application, you need to understand what the hiring managers or recruiters are searching for. This will help you understand if it properly aligns with your goals and skills.
For instance, the job description given below states, “…hands-on and strategic role, ideal for someone who enjoys working in a fast-paced agency environment and has a passion for technology brands.”
Therefore, if these requirements align with your goals and aspirations, you can apply for the job.
Update the Skill Section
Moving on to the skills section. Your employer has certain expectations of you. So, even if you apply to multiple jobs, you might not get hired if you do not possess the skills and experience for the job. As mentioned here, applicants who can fulfil the responsibilities and hold the relevant skills and qualifications can land this job.
Add Relevant Experience
In this competitive job market, you need to showcase your relevant experience in the best light possible to impress the hiring manager. Therefore, to improve your chances of getting hired by the potential employer, you must add relevant work experience and match the specific requirements well.
Compare & Update Your CV
If you are wondering, how would I update my CV? Then start by comparing with the job description. You need to add key qualifications in the top section, and always quantify your experience to prove your suitability for the role.
Customise, Format, & Proofread
The CV formatting for multiple industries differs. Therefore, always check various types of CVs and understand which format you should use. Do not forget to proofread your CV before submission to make sure errors do not crush your chances of landing the job effortlessly.
Let’s focus on how to adapt CV for various jobs!
5 Tips to Adapt Your CV for Different Sectors and Roles
Tell a Story from CV
Once you tailor your CV, send it to a mentor, colleague, or peer to review. If they read and understand your target from your CV, then you have successfully tailored your CV, which can now tell your story. It is important to tell a story in your CV writing for different sectors to align with the job requirements.
Focus on Action Verbs
One of the most common CV mistakes applicants commit is not quantifying their achievements. When adding work history, specific skills, certifications, and licences, quantify your achievements from previous roles. Since most recruiters only spend 30 seconds to read a CV, quantifying achievements helps in making a long-lasting impression. After all, first impression matters.
Prioritise Must-Have Skills
Be it soft skills or hard, your skills section must highlight your skills. When applying for a job, apart from having technical knowledge, you must showcase your interpersonal, team-building, and relationship skills. One of the best industry-specific CV tips calls for adding must-have or key skills to put on CVs.
Engage in Competitor Analysis
Review job search platforms like Job Seekers and LinkedIn to check out job postings. The job requirements help you target the specific role and requirements, and also tailor your CV to different industries. Also, this helps you prepare for the job application process and present your skills and prove you are relevant to the role.
Add Keywords and Phrases from JDs
Always use exact keywords from the job description to increase your chances of getting hired for the role that you’re applying for. This is because in today’s competitive job market, recruiters and employers use the applicant tracking system to assess applicants’ skills. Therefore, to pass the system quickly, you must use industry-specific keywords that you can get the best from the JD.
Why Do You Need to Tailor Your CV to Different Job Descriptions?
Passes ATS Effortlessly
While using the ATS is one of the best CV practices for recruiters, you need to understand that it can both make or break your spirit. Your career goals and chances of reaching the interview phase depend on whether your CV passes the ATS. When you tailor your CV for each job using the JD, you can quickly pass ATS, because it is software backed by AI. Therefore, learn from the 7 expert tips to write an ATS-friendly CV UK.
Highlights Your Interest
When applying for jobs, it is essential to show your interest and tailor your CV to showcase your interest in the job. Tailoring your CV using keywords in the evolving job market enhances your chances of landing your dream job and shows genuine enthusiasm for the job.
Emphasises Employer’s Needs
A tailored CV emphasises that you fulfill all the requirements of the role and so employers cannot go wrong when they hire you. Hiring managers do not only want to know what you want from the job, but also need to know that they will get what they want. Thus, think both ways as it will help you tailor your CV better. If you even feel that you need expert assistance, then do check out examples, templates, and choose a professional CV Writing Service.
Shows You’re the Perfect Fit for Your Dream Job
3 decades in this profession have taught me that hiring managers always choose candidates with more than one skill. A candidate applying for the sales role gets the opportunity to sit in the interview when they showcase other skills, too as R&D & marketing skills. Therefore, mark this career advice: always hold expertise in more than one skill to fulfill the role properly.
Tailored CV Examples for Professionals
Example 1: Personal Profile / Summary
Short, punchy intro summarizing experience, skills & goals.
Marketing Manager
Results-driven marketing professional with 8+ years’ experience delivering integrated campaigns that increase brand visibility and lead generation. Skilled in digital marketing, budget management, and team leadership. Adept at data-driven strategy and creative problem-solving to drive measurable growth. Seeking to leverage expertise to contribute to a dynamic marketing team.
Example 2: Key Skills
Concise bullet points listing relevant abilities tailored to the role.
Key Skills – Software Developer
- Proficient in JavaScript, React, Node.js
- REST API design & implementation
- Agile Scrum methodologies
- Cloud services: AWS, Docker, Jenkins
- Strong problem-solving and debugging
Example 3: Work Experience
Clear, achievement-focused bullet points with dates and company.
Work Experience
Marketing Executive
Bright Media Ltd, London — Jul 2018 – Present
- Developed and executed digital campaigns resulting in 30% increase in website traffic.
- Managed social media accounts, growing followers by 40% in one year.
- Analysed campaign performance using Google Analytics to optimize ROI.
Marketing Assistant
Creative Solutions, London — Jun 2016 – Jun 2018
- Coordinated events and promotional activities, increasing client engagement.
- Supported email marketing campaigns, improving open rates by 15%.
Example 4: Education
University degrees with dates, location, and honours.
Education
BA (Hons) Business Management
University of Manchester — 2015 – 2018
Graduated with 2:1 (Upper Second Class Honours)
A-Levels:
- Economics (A)
- Mathematics (B)
- English Literature (B)
Example 5: Certifications and Professional Development
Relevant qualifications and courses.
Certifications
- Google Ads Certified – 2023
- CIM Level 6 Diploma in Professional Marketing – 2022
- PRINCE2 Foundation Project Management – 2021
Example 6: Additional Information / Interests
(Optional section to show personality and relevant hobbies.)
Interests
- Volunteering at a local animal shelter
- Marathon running – completed the London Marathon 2023
- Traveling and exploring new cultures
Example 7: Contact Information (Header)
Clear and professional contact details.
Emma Clarke
London, UK
Phone: 07900 123456
Email: emma.clarke@email.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/emmaclarke
Endnote
The UK job market is competitive, so if you wish to tailor your CV for different industries, you must research properly and follow the process. Use the tips to ensure you can move on the right path. Furthermore, if you are aspiring to work in the US and Canada and need help to know how to tailor your resume to a job description, connect with an expert.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Industry CV?
An industry CV refers to tailoring a CV as per the particular industry-specific jobs online. When you update and make your CV as per the industry standards, it highlights your skills and experience most relevant to the job.
Should I Tailor My CV for Each Job?
Indeed, you should tailor your CV and customise your resume for each job. This shows your interest, enthusiasm, and respect towards the job and the employer.
How Do I Write a CV for an Industry?
To write a CV for a particular industry, add recent job experience, skills, and qualifications. You must also add certifications and licences, along with language competency.
How Do I Tailor My CV for a Specific Job?
To tailor your CV:
- Review Job Description
- Update the Skill Section
- Add Relevant Experience
- Compare & Update Your CV
- Customise, Format, & Proofread
While we have given the tips to help you write a CV as per industry-standards, however, you can get help from our experts, as an expert’s touch can make a difference.
How to Write a CV for a Different Industry?
When writing a CV for a different industry, you must focus on presenting your skills, experiences, qualifications, and accomplishments that align with the new industry. Make a bridge that shows how they can help the company. Use the format that shows your strengths properly.
Can You Use the Same CV for Different Jobs?
No! Using the same CV for different jobs is a bad idea as it might not align with the requirements of the company, and you might get rejected.
*Citation: Job Applications ‘ignored’
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