(Collaborative post by another author). When applying for jobs, your CV is often the first impression you make on a potential employer. While using a CV template can simplify the process of creating your document, personalising it is essential to ensure it reflects your unique skills and experience. A generic CV can blend into the pile, but a customised one can make you shine. Here’s how to tailor your CV template effectively to stand out from the competition.
![]() |
Taking a little time to customise your CV can pay off |
1. Choose the Right Template for Your Industry
Not all CV templates are created equal. Some are designed with creative industries in mind, while others are better suited for corporate roles. Before you start customising, select a template that aligns with the expectations of your industry.
For example:
- Creative roles (e.g. graphic design, marketing): Opt for a visually appealing template with modern fonts, colour accents and unique layouts.
- Corporate roles (e.g. finance, law): Stick with clean, professional designs that emphasize clarity and structure.
- Technical roles (e.g. IT, engineering): Choose templates that allow for detailed sections like technical skills or project experience.
2. Tailor the Headings to Match Your Experience
Most CV templates come with standard headings like "Education," "Work Experience," and "Skills." While these are useful, don’t hesitate to tweak them to better represent your background.
For example:
- If you have significant freelance experience, add a section called "Freelance Projects."
- For recent graduates, include a "Key Achievements" section to highlight accomplishments outside of work.
- Professionals in research or academia can add sections like "Publications" or "Conferences."
3. Incorporate Keywords from the Job Description
Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan CVs for relevant keywords. To improve your chances of passing this initial screening, analyse the job description and incorporate it's key terms into your CV.
For example:
- If the job posting emphasises "project management," ensure that term appears in your skills or experience sections.
- Highlight certifications or software proficiency mentioned in the job description, such as "PMP certification" or "expertise in Microsoft Excel."
Avoid overloading your CV with keywords, but strategically placing them where they fit naturally can make a big difference.
4. Highlight Achievements, Not Just Responsibilities
Employers want to see the impact you’ve made in previous roles, not just a list of tasks you performed. Transform your job descriptions into powerful achievement statements by focusing on quantifiable results.
For example:
- Instead of writing, "Managed a team of sales representatives," say, "Managed a team of 10 sales representatives, increasing quarterly revenue by 25%."
- Replace "Handled customer inquiries" with "Resolved customer inquiries with a 98% satisfaction rate."
Whenever possible use numbers, percentages or specific examples to make your achievements tangible and impressive (while ensuring you are telling the truth).
5. Personalise the Design Elements
While templates provide a helpful starting point, a little design customisation can help your CV stand out visually.
Consider:
- Adding colour accents: Use subtle colours like navy, gray or teal to highlight headings or borders.
- Choosing readable fonts: Stick with professional fonts like Arial, Calibri or Garamond, but adjust the size or spacing for better readability.
- Incorporating icons or visuals: For creative industries adding simple icons or charts to represent skills or achievements can enhance visual appeal.
Be cautious not to overdo it, a cluttered CV can distract from your content.
6. Make It Personal and Relevant
Employers appreciate a CV that feels tailored to their specific role and company. Here’s how to make your CV resonate with recruiters:
- Write a targeted summary: Replace generic summaries with a personalised statement that aligns with the job you’re applying for. For instance, "Dedicated marketing professional with 5+ years of experience driving brand growth for e-commerce companies."
- Showcase relevant skills: Prioritise skills and experiences that are directly related to the role.
- Mention the company name: In your cover letter (not on the CV itself), reference the company and why you’re a good fit.
7. Proofread and Test for ATS Compatibility
Even the most polished CV can be rejected if it contains typos or isn’t ATS-friendly. To avoid this:
- Proofread carefully: Use tools like Grammarly or ask a friend to review your CV for spelling and grammar mistakes.
- Save it in the right format: While PDFs preserve formatting, some ATS systems prefer Word documents.
- Test readability: Use online ATS checkers to ensure your CV will be properly parsed.
8. Update Your CV Regularly
Customizing your CV template isn’t a one-time task. As your career progresses, update your CV to reflect new skills, experiences and accomplishments. Keeping it fresh ensures you’re always ready for new opportunities.
No comments
Thanks for your comment (unless it's spam in which case, why?)