Your CV is usually the first thing an employer sees, and they will often spend very little time on it before deciding whether to read on. A CV that speaks directly to the job in front of them has a much better chance of getting you an interview than one general version sent everywhere.
This guide explains what tailoring means, why it matters, and how to do it step by step. There is a free worksheet at the end to help you.
What it means to tailor your CV
Tailoring your CV means adjusting it for each job you apply for. You bring the skills and experience that matter for that role to the top, and you trim or cut what doesn’t. The aim is simple: the employer should be able to see quickly why you fit.
It also shows you have read the job description properly and understand what the organisation is looking for, which recruiters notice.
Why it matters for neurodivergent jobseekers
Recruitment processes are full of unwritten rules, and many neurodivergent candidates find that a strong set of skills doesn’t come across on a generic CV. Tailoring is one of the most reliable ways to close that gap, because it turns the job description into a checklist you can answer point by point.
Some people also find it easier to write one master CV and update it rarely. That’s understandable, but a CV that hasn’t been touched in a while can quickly fall out of step with what employers are asking for. A master CV is a great starting point. Tailoring is what you do with it each time.
A tailored CV can help you:
- show only the skills that matter for this role
- stand out from applicants who sent a generic version
- show genuine interest in the job and the organisation
- explain gaps in your work history in a way that relates to the role
How to tailor your CV, step by step
If you don’t have a CV yet, start with our guide on how to write a CV and come back here once you have a first version.
1. Read the job description closely
Print it out or copy it into a document and highlight the key skills, tasks and requirements. These are the words the employer will be looking for.
2. Match your skills and experience
Next to each requirement, note something you have done that shows it. Paid work, volunteering, study and personal projects all count.
3. Rewrite your personal profile
Your personal profile sits at the top of your CV. Rewrite it for each role as a short paragraph explaining why you suit this particular job.
4. Reorder your work history
Lead with the experience that is most relevant. If the role involves working with customers and you have done that before, make it prominent. Use bullet points for achievements and responsibilities that match the job.
5. Focus your education section
Highlight the qualifications, courses, modules or projects that relate to the role. Leave out detail that doesn’t.
6. Use the employer’s keywords
Many employers use applicant tracking systems that scan CVs for keywords before a person reads them. Use the same terms the job description uses, where they honestly describe your experience.
7. Keep it concise
For most people, two pages is plenty. Cut anything that isn’t relevant to this application.
Common mistakes to avoid
Skimming the job description
If you miss a key requirement, your CV may not address it at all. Read it twice.
Sending the same CV everywhere
Recruiters can usually tell. A few small changes for each role make a real difference.
Leaving in irrelevant detail
Space on a CV is limited. Every line should help the employer see why you fit.
Forgetting numbers
Where you can, show the result of your work: how many customers, how much time saved, how big the project was.
Skipping the proofread
Typos are easy to miss in your own writing. Use a spellchecker or text-to-speech tool, or ask someone you trust to read it.
Stretching the truth
Tailoring is about emphasis, not invention. Only include skills and experience you really have.
Useful next steps
The National Careers Service has a helpful breakdown of what to include in each section of a CV. Once your CV is ready, our cover letter tips for neurodivergent jobseekers will help you write the letter that goes with it, and our guide to answering the strengths and weaknesses interview question will help when you are invited in.
Download the Tailoring Your CV worksheet (Excel)
How Enna can help
A tailored CV needs the right job to go with it. Browse roles on the Enna jobs board, where employers are actively looking for neurodivergent talent, or sign up for job alerts to hear about new vacancies as they go live. For more support with your application, visit our CV help page.
