How to adapt your CV to a job offer?

Just like the cover letter, far from what some people may think, the CV is not a standard document. It must be adapted to each sector of activity.

Of course, looking for a job is not easy, but that does not mean that you can send the same CV template to every job offer. For a CV to be good, it must be well adapted to the targeted position. 

Why Should You Adapt Your CV To Your Sector Of Activity?

Of course, most recruiters don’t care how many resumes they receive. But for yours to be the most interesting, it must have something unique, something that the others do not have.

Keep in mind that a recruiter only gives about 7 to 8 seconds to read a resume. If it does not correspond to the sector of activity concerned, it will immediately be thrown in the “garbage”.

In order for the recruiter to continue reading your CV, it must be the right one. It must show at first glance that you have all the qualities required for the position and that you have a perfect command of the codes.

You can find on the internet examples of resume in various sectors of activity to create yours quickly and easily.

Digital And IT

In the digital and IT professions, you need a CV that is numerical but has a touch of creativity to highlight the performance criterion.

Giving numerical information will also bring value to your past achievements and thus give confidence to your future employer.

Moreover, there are some data that can only be explained with figures such as the evolution of a software’s performance, or the increase in the number of visits to a site thanks to your intervention, or the increase in the conversion rate.

In the digital and IT sector, these are purely technical jobs. They are oriented on the ROI or Return on Investment.

That’s why it is essential to support your skills and experience with figures. But your CV should also remain sober and classic but without forgetting the creative touch. If possible, attach your portfolio to your CV to be more impactful.

Marketing, Communication And Sales

In these sales professions, “selling yourself” is the golden rule to apply to make your CV successful. Keep in mind that your recruiters are looking for people who know how to “sell themselves” and how to be “sold” at more interesting prices. Make your resume stand out from other candidates without overdoing it.

If you want, use color and framed shapes to highlight certain headings in relation to others, but without overdoing it. 3 colors should be enough and avoid colors that are too bright.

In the marketing, communication and business sectors, also insist on highlighting your diplomas and achievements by supporting them with concrete and precise examples.

And don’t hesitate to use figures if necessary. Finally, add a nice professional photo to be more original and to easily communicate.

Finance And Accounting

Here, recruiters prefer candidates who give an image of competence and seriousness. For you to be the lucky one, you must present through your CV a profile of a good finance and accounting professional. Choose a sober and impactful CV by playing with only one color.

You can also add some figures since numbers are one of the things you will have to master when you are hired. And to gain the confidence of your recruiters, don’t hesitate to add to your CV references from people who can recommend you, especially people for whom you have previously worked. And emphasize the points that meet the requirements of the position for which you are applying: autonomy, ability to work in a team, reliability, etc.

Logistics

If you have ever been a Logistics professional, you should understand that it is important to explain the scale of your previous assignments in order to land a new job in the same sector.

And when you spread them out, you should present them by level:

  1. Geographical (regional, national, international),
  2. Organizational (team size, number of warehouses, number of deliveries per day, budget, etc.).

This way, your future employer will understand your way of working, your strengths and weaknesses, and your motivation for the position.

In short, just give clear and simple to understand details that allow your recruiter what responsibilities you can provide and what work environment you can bring to the company.

Demonstrate through your CV that you are dynamic enough because this is also one of the qualities required in this sector.

And don’t forget to mention that you have a perfect command of the different information systems and work software used in this sector, including SAP, GTS and Paragon.

Human Resources

If you prefer to apply for a position in the Human Resources sector, don’t ignore in this case the importance of soft skills and well-being in the company.

You must be able to demonstrate through your CV that you understand the real needs and challenges of a company to take on the responsibilities of this sector.

You should also show that you are perfectly in tune with the culture and values of the company you are applying for.

You can illustrate your achievements with tangible results by highlighting the effects of your actions. And refer to the advertisement to use the keywords of this sector in order to stand out from the other candidates.

You now know which type of CV to choose according to the sector of activity concerned. But whatever sector of activity you wish to join, avoid making a CV that is too long, full of spelling mistakes and too colourful. Always keep it simple, readable and original on one to two pages.