You should rise above the ordinaryand draw attention to what makes you special: “Your CV should not just describe the jobs you’ve had, as in a job posting. It should describe you personally, and highlight your true qualities, major accomplishments, projects that you care about. . . You have to help recruiters understand who you are.”
The CV should also be tailored to each job posting. The objective is to relevantly meet recruiters’ needs, which vary from one recruiting assignment to another. That’s why it’s crucial to properly decode the ad beforehand.
Experts suggest creating a master CV and adapting it based on the jobs you apply for. Three sections can be adjusted: “Objective,” “Profile,” and “Experience.”
But watch out, personalizing doesn’t mean lying! It involves focusing on relevant criteria, not making things up, which is never a good idea and may come back to haunt you.
EXAMPLES OF TAILORED CVS:
Example 1:
- Job requirements – controller:
Professional designation (CPA, CA, CPA, CMA or CPA, CGA); minimum 4 years’ experience, including at least 2 for a small- to medium-sized business; unifying spirit; comfortable using information technology; bilingual
- Tailored CV:
| Objective | To find a job as a controller for a small company, close to company management |
| Profile | Chartered accountant since 2003
4 years’ experience in management control, accounting, budget control, cost accounting and computer applications Bilingual (English and French) Proficient in ERP and payroll packages and accounting software |
Example 2:
- Job requirements – controller:
3 to 5 years’ experience, ideally in the pharmaceutical industry; good decision-making skills; independent thinker; ambitious; professional curiosity; good interpersonal skills
- Tailored CV:
| Objective | I’m fascinated with financial control, and am seeking a new financial challenge to help me grow into a position of responsibility. |
| Profile | 4 years’ experience in management control, accounting, budget control, cost accounting and computer applications
Sector of expertise: health Enthusiastic about major projects Entrepreunarial, very good communicator, results-focused |