Don’t stop at 1: why having multiple CVs will improve your job search
If you’re applying for jobs across a range of sectors, having one, generic CV just won’t cut it. These days, hiring managers and recruiters are looking for candidates with specific skills and experience, and who know the relevant terminology of their industry.
That’s why having a bank of CVs that you’ve tailored to different industries can greatly increases your chances of both getting shortlisted and landing interviews.
Here’s a quick how and why you should set up your own bank of CVs:
1. Make a master copy
Start off with a strong ‘master CV’. This will be your base document. It should contain all your experience, certifications, skills and achievements in detail.
From here, you can duplicate the document and refine your bank of CVs. Just make sure you keep your file names clear and obvious, like ‘JohnDoe_Operations’ or ‘JohnDoe_Marketing’ to avoid any confusion if you’re sending out bulk applications.
2. Update your personal profile
The opening lines of your CV, where you sum up your personal profile, need to match what your target employers are looking for.
If you’re applying for a marketing role, you might writre something like: “Dynamic Marketing Executive with experience in driving digital engagement and brand growth through creative concepts and campaigns.”
But if you’re looking at working in operations, that could become: “Results-oriented Operations Coordinator experienced in streamlining processes and delivering operational excellence in fast-paced environments.”
These two intros position you very differently, even if your overall work history is the same.
3. Select specific skills
Recruiters and hiring managers see a lot of CVs in a day. This means that they often skim CVs and make a decision in the first few seconds. If your CV doesn’t immediately showcase how you can use the language of or hit key deliverables in their industry, they’ll move on.
For example, if you’re sending out a CV for a role with a tech company, they’ll be focussing on technical proficiencies, platforms, and certifications.
But, if you’re applying for a job with a company that’s in, for example, the charity sector, potential employers will want emphasis on impact, engagement, and outcomes.
Using the same CV for both would dilute any strengths you’ve listed as a catch-all. Having a CV tailored to a sector allows you to put forward the skills and experiences that are the most relevant.
4. Beat the system
Applicant tracking systems (or ATS) scan your CV and application for specific keywords from job descriptions. By having a bank of tailored CVs you’re making sure that one of them will have the right language that the employer your targeting will use, which gives you a higher chance of passing automated screening.
Having a bank of CVs doesn’t mean you need to rewrite your entire work history each time. It’s about reshaping the existing narrative in a strategic way for your desired audience, and landing those ever-important interviews.