Source: Huffington Post

A customized CV is becoming increasingly important today, with the trend indicating that the interviewer will spend fewer than 10 seconds looking at it before deciding whether or not you are qualified for the opportunity.

Carefully done, customizing your CV should do two things for you;

Pass the critical keyword test, which is relevant if the employer or recruitment firm has a service where they add your CV to their database. Top employers usually have this service, so make sure these technologies can single out your CV.

Secondly, impress the interviewer, This may be the biggest challenge in the whole process, so far. The interviewer has to tell that you are qualified for the job and deserve further consideration in less than 10 seconds.

Here Are Top 3 Steps To A Customized CV

Don’t be discouraged or intimidated! A customized CV does not mean a complete re-write for each opportunity, assuming that you are applying for the same kind of jobs with different employers. But, it does mean taking a little more time than simply clicking on the “Apply” or “send” button.

Start by adding the various keywords to the top half of the first page, where the content is obvious to someone doing a quick visual scan. Then;

1. Analyze the job description

Carefully read the job description. Make note of:

• The job title used in the description
• The duties and responsibilities
• The specific requirements
• The location

If you don’t meet at least 75%percent of the job’s requirements, it probably is not the best fit.

2.  Customize your skills, as appropriate, to match the terms used in the job description

When looking through requirements of a job posting, and you find this; Advanced knowledge of Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) required, how do you match this?

Ideally, assuming you do have the skills required, you would be smart to match the reference in your CV with the terms used in the job description. If your current CV says proficient in Microsoft Office, go further to list the specifics.

This matches your CV with the language used in the description, and should help it pass the keyword-matching requirements. It also adds the terms “Office,” “Access,” “Publisher,” or “Outlook” to demonstrate your complete expertise and also to expand, clarify, and/or confirm your qualifications.

But be careful how far you go with the matching up, sometimes it can become too much.

3. Confirm your location

The top of your CV should always indicate your location. Include the town, county, or other regional term that fits with the job’s location. Use your current location and if you plan to relocate, your future location.

By including a location that fits with the employer’s requirements, you are confirming that you could be a good match. Employers are sensitive to the location of the job candidate in relation to the location of the job. They prefer to hire someone who is located near the job’s location, for various reasons.

Assuming that the job is appropriate for you, having a customized CV will come in handy. The customization you have done for the top of the first page of your CV has probably not taken you very much time, but it should have a good payoff.

If you need any assistance with your CV, contact melody@corporatestaffing.co.ke .