To shake things up, we have a guest writer, Amy Baker, our Projects & Programmes Senior Recruitment Specialist, to write a blog about something she’s been noticing lately…
Working in IT recruitment, I understand that this is a broad and diverse sector. As a result, there are valid reasons to have multiple versions of your CV tailored to highlight different skills for specific roles. For instance, you might create one CV that emphasises your “Business Analyst” skills and another that focuses on your strengths in “Project Management.” This approach can effectively showcase your versatility to potential employers.
When searching for a new job, your CV is your greatest asset. It highlights your unique abilities, emphasises your skills, and showcases your experiences and achievements, helping you access new opportunities. For recruiters, the CV is typically the first point of contact with a candidate. We use it to determine if the candidate possesses the specific skills and experience required for the role they are applying for.
Tailoring your CV for each job application is a smart strategy. It highlights your most relevant skills and experiences, increases the chances of your CV appearing in keyword searches, shows that you have read and understood the job description, and creates a stronger first impression on employers.
It’s important to distinguish between tailoring your CV for a specific role and embellishment of what you actually did. I’ve noticed a concerning trend among candidates who submit multiple CVs that vary significantly in job titles, companies, and responsibilities. Although the intention may be to stand out, this practice can backfire and harm your credibility. The problem occurs when candidates effectively “split” their experiences into two distinct profiles. For example:
– Dates, job titles, or achievements are inconsistent across versions
– One CV omits entire areas of experience found in another
– The skills profile varies so much that it appears inconsistent
While this approach might help you secure a job interview, those small inaccuracies could lead to problems later when you need to provide examples or, even worse, if you get the job but lack the necessary knowledge to succeed.
Speaking as a recruiter, these inconsistencies can raise suspicions, making it seem like the candidate is hiding something or, worse, embellishing their background. Even if this is not the case, such discrepancies can create doubt and erode trust. Employers want to understand who you truly are, not who you think they want you to be.
Remember to emphasise, not embellish, your CV. Start with one comprehensive document that includes all your experience. From there, you can create tailored versions that highlight the skills and experiences relevant to the specific role you are applying for.
This approach allows you to maintain a consistent narrative without having to reinvent yourself; instead, you’ll focus on the aspects of your experience that matter most. Based on my experience, I prefer to see one consistent candidate with a CV that showcases the right experience for the right job, rather than two different versions that leave me questioning which one is true.
My final thought: consistency builds trust, while tailoring demonstrates awareness. Together, these qualities can help you stand out in the best possible way.