4 Key Ways to Ensure Your CV Stands Out
Tailoring your job application, including your CV and cover letter, to a specific industry will streamline the job application process and help you secure a job in your preferred sector.
We all know that finding and applying for the perfect job is a time-consuming and challenging process.
To improve your chances of standing out within a large applicant pool, it is essential that you customise your CV to align with the requirements of the industry and position you are applying for.
In this blog, we share our top 4 tips for tailoring your CV to a specific industry.
1. Focus On Relevant Experience
When tailoring your CV to a specific industry, start by emphasising any relevant work experience you have.
If you have had previous jobs within the industry, list them on your CV with a description of your job role and responsibilities.
Highlight your knowledge of the industry, including common challenges that arise and your understanding of how to deal with them.
If you have any references from a previous employer in the same industry, consider mentioning them on your cover letter as well.
2. Highlight Transferrable Skills
If you haven’t held a previous job in your target sector, focus on your transferrable skills when adapting your CV.
Research job roles and descriptions in the industry and gain an understanding of the skills and qualities employees are looking for. Then, demonstrate how you have the skills they are seeking.
We recommend focusing on mentioning hard skills that are relevant to the industry such as software programs, financial modelling knowledge, and computer programming languages. You’ll typically find these requirements listed in the job description.
Soft skills such as communication, leadership, customer service, teamwork and time management tend to be implied and best demonstrated during the interview process.
3. Seek Help From A CV Professional
If you want to create a tailored CV that will help you stand out, consider seeking help from a CV writing professional.
Expert CV writers understand exactly what employers are looking for and can help you create an impressive CV that will highlight the skills, abilities and experience that make you the perfect candidate.
CV writers provide a one-to-one service that includes an initial consultation and ongoing support during the CV writing and revision process, enabling you to effectively showcase your key accomplishments and highlight areas that make you stand out from the rest of the applicant pool.
CV specialists can also help you with other aspects of the job application process, including cover letter writing and even improving your LinkedIn account!
4. Use Industry-Specific Recruitment Agencies
Industry-specific recruitment agencies can also be an excellent idea when job seeking.
Industry-specific recruitment agencies have connections with a wide range of companies and organisations in specific industries, including construction, education, healthcare, transport and logistics, commercial and more.
In addition to connecting you with suitable opportunities in your target sector, recruitment professionals can often help you strengthen your job application, source ideal roles and prepare for interviews.
In Short
To optimise your chances of securing an interview, it is important to demonstrate that you put thought into the application process by focusing on the criteria an employer is looking for.
By following the tips above, you’ll help ensure your CV stands out from the many generic documents recruiters tend to receive.
While it can take some extra time to tailor your CV, it is well worth the effort – especially if you are applying for a dream role or have had trouble securing interviews using your current document.
About CV Pilots
CV Pilots is an award-winning executive CV writing firm and a proud member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches. Our previous clients include CEOs and senior executives at the world's leading companies.
As a professional services firm, we take your reputation seriously. We are committed to delivering writing excellence and superior service while operating with integrity and discretion. Recruitment firms we partner with also trust us to consistently deliver quality documents for their clients.
Our writers have studied at top-tier universities and have strong writing backgrounds coupled with industry experience.
Here's how we can help you:
CV, Cover Letter and LinkedIn Writing Services: If you are looking for end-to-end support, hire one of our professional CV writers to rewrite your documents from the ground up.
Executive CV Template Downloads: If you plan to prepare your own CV, consider using one of our classic, ATS-friendly CV templates for Microsoft Word.
To learn more about our services, book an introductory call with our founder here or email team@cvpilots.co.uk.
About the AuthorMatt Glodz
Matt Glodz is the Founder and Managing Partner of CV Pilots and a Certified Professional Resume Writer.
After studying business communication at Cornell University, Matt worked for global companies, where he noted that qualified candidates were frequently denied interview opportunities due to poorly written documents.
At CV Pilots, Matt combines his solid business and writing background to craft CVs that give his clients the best chance of landing interviews. He has lived in the UK, US and Italy.
Based in London, he currently works with applicants ranging from CEOs to recent graduates and has been writing CVs for over 10 years.
He has been quoted on numerous business and career-related topics in outlets including Business Insider, CNBC, Fortune, Glassdoor, The Ladders, The Times and Thrive Global.