Tips on customising
your CV & Cover Letter

• CV
• Executive CV

Customising your CV demonstrates your genuine interest in the position and your willingness to invest effort in the application process, and shows employers that you understand their expectations and are capable of meeting them effectively.

Think of the ATS as a cousin of the Google algorithm. It scans your document for the key terms and phrases an employer is looking for in a potential candidate and screens out the rest.

What is a generic CV?

The vast majority of people have a single CV that lists everything they have done since leaving secondary or high school. Because of how easily we might forget important tasks we've completed, such as key accomplishments or the training sessions we've attended, it's valuable since our recollections can be unreliable. This is really your "Master CV" and should never be sent to an employer without tweaking.

Never send a generic to an employer

Never send your Master CV to a potential employer. Here's why:

Your CV should not be one-size-fits-all; instead, ideally you should keep your master document up-to-date and then adapt succinct versions of this master CV for the various positions you are applying for. Even if the employer demands a thorough CV, such as for academic and government positions it will still necessitate a high level of customisation.

This is about ensuring that your CV and cover letters contain the appropriate blend of keywords and key phrases for each position you are applying for. It's surprisingly easy to find these words. If you merely read the Job Description and advertisement, they are specified as the selection criteria, ideal candidate profile etc.

Customising Your CV

If a potential employer for example requires candidates to have experience with specific software, they expect to see evidence of this on your CV, as well as in your Cover Letters, Forms, and Statements Addressing the Selection Criteria. They want you to demonstrate your experience, detailing how much you have, and when and where you obtained it.

The same principle applies to the selection criteria. Even if you're not explicitly asked to provide a formal statement addressing the Selection Criteria with your CV and Cover Letter, you must still address these issues in your job application. They outline precisely what the employer is seeking in a candidate.

Customising CVs for Applicant Tracking Software (ATS)

Most employers utilise applicant tracking software (ATS) and AI to assess the relevance and keyword prevalence of the CVs and cover letters submitted as part of your application. CVs with incorrect keywords or a low keyword density may be disregarded.

Organisations rely on ATS software to handle the initial screening of applicants because manually reviewing each CV and Cover Letter can be time-consuming and labour-intensive, especially when there are numerous candidates for each job. If you've ever questioned why you need to submit your application online, it's because employers prefer this method. By completing their online CV form, employers can efficiently filter out applications that lack the appropriate blend of keywords and phrases, lack relevance, or contain blank or incomplete sections.

Employers want you to succeed in your application as they aim to hire the most qualified candidate for the position. They express their expectations through the keywords used in the job posting, selection criteria, and job description.

To ensure success, carefully review the Job Description, application materials, and any other relevant information. Take notes on recurring words or phrases, particularly focusing on the "Essential" and "Desirable" Selection Criteria. Applicants who meet ALL of the "Essential" criteria and most, if not all, of the "Desirable" criteria are typically invited to an interview.

Finalising Your CV, Cover Letter, or Application

After optimising your CV with the right words and phrases, it's time for a final check. Spellcheck and edit your documents, watch out for homonyms (words with different meanings but similar sounds), and correct grammar mistakes. Improper use of language can indicate a lack of attention to detail or poor communication skills.

• Ensure attention to detail.
• Demonstrate strong written communication skills.
• Show diligence not just in writing but in all aspects of your life.

Proofread Your CV and Cover Letter

Check your CV, cover letter, and documents for grammar and spelling errors. Avoid SMS language and be wary of homonyms—words that sound alike but have different meanings. For example, using "bored" instead of "board" could lead to misunderstandings. If you're unsure about your editing skills, seek assistance from someone you trust. Marketing ourselves effectively can be challenging, so delegate this task to a reliable individual.

Adhering to Employer's CV Submission Guidelines

Always follow the employer's instructions precisely, ensuring your CV and cover letter are submitted on time and in the required format. Even if your CV stands out, missing deadlines can harm your chances. When using a free email service like Hotmail, confirm receipt by calling the recipient, as emails from such services often end up in spam folders. Additionally, avoid submitting applications at the last minute due to potential technical issues or time zone discrepancies.

• CV
• Executive CV