In today’s fast-paced job market, standing out is key — whether you’re diving headfirst into your career or making a shift after a few years in the game. With more people applying for the same roles, the challenge isn’t just to show that you’ve got the skills, but also to make employers feel like your application was tailored just for them. Gone are the times when a single CV or cover letter would suffice for all roles. If you’re still using the same CV from a few years ago and mass emailing it out, you’re pretty much ghosting yourself in the process.
For Gen Z and Millennials alike, personalising job applications isn’t just recommended — it’s a total necessity. It’s the effort behind the message that counts. If you’re putting in minimal effort, you’ll likely get minimal results. So, how do you ensure your application doesn’t get left on “read”?
Here are some quick, easy tips to help you personalise your job applications and level up your job hunt.
Use a Resume Maker to Make Life Easier
First things first: Ditch the boring old Word doc template you’ve been holding onto since your student days. It’s time to use a resume maker. With tons of online resume makers available, there’s no reason not to have a sleek, modern CV that stands out. Tools like Adobe Express can help you whip up something that looks professional but also shows off your personal style. The benefit? A resume maker ensures your CV is well-structured and looks the part, without having to mess around with formatting for hours on end.
But it’s not just about aesthetics. This is a HUGE win especially when companies are scanning CVs with ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) before they ever hit human eyes. With a tailored CV, your chances of getting through this initial screening stage increase significantly. It’s like adding a cheat code to your job search, giving you that edge over other applicants.
Tailor Each Application to the Job
This might sound laborious, but really there is no way around adapting your CV and cover letter to each job. A generic application sticks out like a sore thumb to recruiters — and not in a good way. While it might feel tedious to tweak your documents each time, remember that even small changes can make a big difference. Start by aligning your experience with the key skills mentioned in the job description. For example: if the company is interested in a project management professional you can highlight any past experience that you have related to it.
Don’t just tweak the CV, though. Your cover letter needs to sing the same tune. Address the specific company and role in the first line and mention something you admire about the company’s culture or projects. By referencing something unique to the company, you’re showing that you’ve done your homework and that you genuinely want to work there, not just anywhere.
But it’s not just about aesthetics. This is a HUGE win especially when companies are scanning CVs with ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) before they ever hit human eyes. With a tailored CV, your chances of getting through this initial screening stage increase significantly. It’s like adding a cheat code to your job search, giving you that edge over other applicants.
Inject Some Personality into Your Cover Letter
Let’s be real: cover letters can be a bit dry. But who says they have to be? Adding a bit of your personality into the mix can help you stand out from the stack of similar applications. You obviously need to keep it professional, but there is no reason you cannot write in a tone that feels like YOU. At the end of the day, companies hire humans, not robots. Have a unique passion, like marathon running or sourdough baking that somehow relates to the position or organisation? Don’t hesitate to mention it.
Bringing a bit of personality to the application process will also provide employers with clues as to whether you would align well with their company culture. With many companies placing a strong emphasis on company culture these days, demonstrating your personality and values can work in your favour. Just make sure you keep the balance — authentic, not unfiltered. Think of it like crafting the perfect Instagram caption: real, but polished.
Use Keywords—But Don’t Overdo It
It’s no secret that keywords play a huge role in job applications these days. Since most employers at least use some form of ATS software to screen applications out, using keywords from the job description is key. However, there’s a fine line between using keywords effectively and stuffing your CV with them. The key is to naturally weave them into your work experience and skills section rather than creating a jumbled mess of buzzwords.
For example, if a job listing mentions “digital marketing strategy” as a must-have skill, make sure that phrase (or something close) shows up in your CV. But don’t just repeat the same terms over and over — that’s a quick way to get your application flagged. Instead, look for synonyms and phrases that mean the same thing, showing that you’re familiar with the lingo while keeping your application readable and natural.
Highlight Your Achievements, Not Just Your Duties
A common mistake many applicants make is listing out their previous job duties without mentioning what they actually achieved. Employers aren’t just interested in what you did — they want to know what impact you made. Wherever possible, use metrics to quantify your successes. Did you increase sales by 20%? Did you manage a team that completed a project ahead of schedule? These concrete examples of your accomplishments will make your CV more dynamic and compelling.
Achievements don’t always have to be blow-your-mind numbers or grandiose accomplishments. For some roles, it might be the soft skills or victories of a smaller magnitude that can be even more impressive. The trick is to frame them in a way that shows you went above and beyond your basic responsibilities.
Show You’re a Lifelong Learner
In a rapidly changing job market, employers need to see that you can adapt and constantly expand your skills. This is where online courses, certifications or even personal projects come into play. Have you taken a Google Analytics course? Mention it. Did you teach yourself how to code on the side? Highlight it. Showing that you’re dedicated to personal and professional development not only makes you a more attractive candidate but also shows that you’re proactive and eager to grow within a company.
Plus, self-taught skills demonstrate initiative, and in today’s world, initiative is everything. It’s the equivalent of showing up to an interview already knowing the company’s latest projects and goals. Whether you’re fresh out of university or pivoting to a new career, these little add-ons can make a big impact.
Proofread Like a Pro
This might sound like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised at how many applications get binned because of typos and errors. Before you hit submit, take the time to proofread your resume and cover letter. Even better: pass it around to someone else for a thorough review with actionable feedback (a friend, mentor, a grammar checker online, or perhaps even an employment professional).
And be sure to triple-check for typos — even one tiny mistake can throw off all the hard work you put into customising your application. The worst mistake you can make is calling yourself ‘detail-oreinted’.
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At the end of the day, personalising your job applications is all about showing that you’re the right person for the job, not just another faceless name in a stack of mundane CVs. By following these tips, you’ll have a stronger chance of getting noticed and, more importantly, landing that all-important interview.
So get out there and start crafting applications that truly represent you! Good luck with the search!
