Stop Sending the Same CV Everywhere - Here’s What to Do Instead

People often ask me, “Can you take a look at my CV?”

Now, reviewing CVs is part of what I do professionally. I help people refine how they present their experience so they can land the roles they actually want. So yes, I can absolutely review your CV: the layout, structure, flow, and how effectively it tells your story.

But before I even start working on it, I always ask one simple question:“What job are you applying for?”

That question often catches people off guard. Some reply, “Oh, I just want general feedback.” Others say, “It’s my CV , it’s the same no matter what role I apply for.”

And that’s where I stop them. Because the truth is, your CV should never be one-size-fits-all.

Why the Job You’re Applying for Matters So Much

Think of your CV as a sales document. You’re the product. The job description is your customer’s shopping list. Your goal is to show, clearly and quickly, that what you’re offering is exactly what they’re looking for.

Recruiters aren’t sitting down with a cup of tea to leisurely read every CV that comes their way. In reality, they’re often scanning through hundreds of applications for a single position. They might spend six seconds , yes, seconds , on that first glance. In those few moments, they’re deciding whether to keep reading or move on to the next name in the pile.

So what grabs their attention? Relevance.

A recruiter or hiring manager wants to immediately see that your experience, skills, and achievements align with what they need. If your CV looks generic , if it could just as easily be sent to ten different job ads , it probably won’t make the cut.

The “One CV Fits All” Trap

Let’s take an example. Suppose you’ve worked in hospitality, waiting tables at Restaurant X. You’re proud of your work , you handled busy shifts, worked under pressure, and dealt with customers from all walks of life.

Now, you’re applying for two roles:

1. A customer support position in a tech company.

2. A sales assistant role in a retail store.

If your CV simply says:

“Waited tables at Restaurant X.”

That doesn’t tell the recruiter why you’d be great at their job.

But if you tailor your CV to each role, the story changes. For the customer support role, you might write:

“Managed high volumes of customer interactions daily, resolving issues quickly and ensuring a 95% satisfaction rate.”

For the sales assistant position:

“Upsold menu items and contributed to a 20% increase in weekly revenue through personalized recommendations.”

It’s the same job experience, but presented in two completely different ways. One highlights problem-solving and empathy (perfect for customer support). The other emphasizes persuasion and results (ideal for sales).

That’s why my first question, “What job are you applying for?”, matters so much. Without knowing that, I can’t help you shape your CV into a story that resonates with your audience.

The Recruiter’s Perspective

Imagine you’re a recruiter for a customer support role. You’ve got a stack of 200 CVs in your inbox. You skim through each one for a few seconds.

Some mention “good team player,” “hard-working,” “enthusiastic.” Nice words, but they’re generic. You’ve seen them on every CV.

Then you spot one that says:

“Helped resolve 50+ customer complaints per week while maintaining a 4.8-star satisfaction rating.”

Instantly, that person stands out. The numbers, the results, the clear link to customer service , it all speaks your language.

Recruiters aren’t trying to be unfair or lazy when they make snap judgments. They’re trying to find someone who fits the role quickly and efficiently. By tailoring your CV, you make their job easier , and massively increase your chances of getting noticed.

How to Tailor Your CV Without Rewriting It From Scratch

You don’t need to rebuild your entire CV every time you apply for a job. Instead, make small but powerful tweaks. Here’s how:

1. Study the job description.Highlight key words and phrases , skills, tools, responsibilities, and values. If the job mentions “client communication,” “team collaboration,” or “data entry,” make sure those phrases appear in your CV (if they genuinely apply to you).

2. Adjust your summary or profile section.The top of your CV should reflect the role you’re targeting. A line like “Motivated professional with strong communication skills” can become “Customer-focused communicator with a proven record in resolving complex client issues.”

3. Reorder your bullet points.Put the most relevant experience first. Even if you keep the same content, prioritizing what matters to this employer makes a big difference.

4. Show measurable results.Whenever possible, use numbers: “Improved response time by 30%,” “Handled 100+ daily calls,” “Increased sales by £5,000.” Data catches the eye and adds credibility.

5. Remove irrelevant details.That part-time job from 10 years ago might not help your case , unless it directly relates to the skills this new job requires. Cut the clutter so your key strengths shine through.

Your CV Is a Living Document

Think of your CV as something that evolves , not a static file you update once a year. Each time you apply for a new job, ask yourself:

“Does this version of my CV make it obvious why I’m a great fit for this role?”

If the answer is yes – and be brutally honest! – you’re on the right track. If not, take a few minutes to tailor it. It might feel like extra effort, but it’s the difference between getting lost in the pile and landing that interview.

Final Thoughts

Your CV isn’t just a list of jobs. It’s your story, told through the lens of what each employer is looking for.

That’s why when I work with clients on their CVs, I always start with that same question:

“What job are you applying for?”

Because once you’re clear on that, every line on your CV will start working for you, not just filling space.

If you’re looking to refine your CV and tailor it for the roles you really want, I’m here to help you! Send an email at: sander.boezen@gmail.com