I have to admit it, my heart sinks a little when someone says to me that they have brought in their 'general CV'. I'm always happy to look at CVs - every one is different, and I learn so many interesting things about people and the world in general.
The trouble is that the one-size-fits-all approach doesn't deliver effective results. If you try on a piece of clothing, odds are that it will almost fit. Sometimes it will fit better than others, but hardly ever perfectly. And *that* is why the 'general' CV doesn't work. There will always be a gap somewhere wherre the fit is not perfect.
Imagine that you were fortunate enough to be able to have bespoke, made-to-measure clothing. The feeling when you try that on, and realise it fits, everywhere, is great. *That* is what you should be aiming for with your CV, and is why it is worth taking the trouble to produce tailored CVs. (Yes, the analogy is an apt one!)
Of course, you can formulate a CV that holds all your experiences and skills and that you use as a repository to draw on each time you submit an application. But it is so much easier to do that if you already know the sort of job you are applying for. That way, you'll be able to refer to the skills required, or put in the 'right' words. And if you have a specific employer in mind, it is going to be an even closer match as you will have the company buzzwords to give you a feel for the tone of your CV.
Have a look at our Applications, CV and cover letter guide for some advice on how to make an employer have that 'bespoke CV moment' - and if you would like some feedback on whether your tailoring skills are up to scratch, book a Quick Query appointment with one of our advisers.
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