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One background. Two job listings.

See how the same supplied experience can support two different applications, with unsupported requirements kept out.

By KiwiCV · Product guidance · Updated

Change the emphasis, keep the facts

Tailoring starts with a question: which parts of your existing experience are relevant to this job? It does not start by copying the requirements into your skills list. A useful tailored CV helps a reader find the connection without changing what you have done.

This worked example uses a fictional retail assistant and two illustrative listings. The wording choices demonstrate the method; they are not evidence of hiring outcomes.

Read the listing before editing your CV

Separate the work the employer needs done from the qualifications or tools it requires. Then match each item to something you can support. If your experience is related but different, describe the actual experience and let the connection remain visible. Customer returns can demonstrate handling customer queries; they do not establish experience with a particular support platform.

  1. List the main responsibilities in plain language.
  2. Beside each one, write a matching fact from your CV or supporting notes.
  3. Mark requirements for which you have no evidence. Ask yourself whether you have relevant experience to add; do not manufacture a match.
  4. Move the strongest relevant facts earlier and remove repeated wording. Keep accurate job titles, employers and dates.

Two versions from one source

For the customer-service application below, customer contact and training come first. For the stock-support application, stock counts and preparing promotions come first. Both versions describe the same person. Neither claims a new qualification, an unconfirmed result or experience with software named only in the listing.

A short tailored profile can help explain the direction, but the experience section should still carry the evidence. Avoid filling the profile with adjectives that the work history does not support.

Keep a source CV and review each copy

Keep your main CV as a reliable starting point. Give each application copy a recognisable name and check that the correct file is attached before sending. If the listing changes, review the relevant requirements again rather than assuming your previous wording still fits.

In KiwiCV Pro, a Job-tailored CV is a separate copy. Review its proposed wording and supplied evidence before accepting it. Your source CV remains available. If you tailor manually, you can use the editable Word download from the free builder.

  1. Check every added claim against your own facts.
  2. Confirm that emphasis has changed without overstating responsibility.
  3. Check contact details, dates and the role you are applying for.
  4. Save the copy with the job so you can explain the same experience at interview.

See what changes. See what stays true.

An illustrative retail example, written to show the method. These are fictional notes and listings, not a customer result or a live AI response.

The supplied facts

I worked at a Hamilton supermarket. I served customers and handled returns. I trained six new team members on the till. I also counted stock and helped prepare weekly promotions.

The original CV entry

Retail assistant. Customer service, stock and other duties as needed.

A clearer experience section

  • Served customers and handled returns at a Hamilton supermarket.
  • Trained six new team members on the till.
  • Supported stock counts and preparation for weekly promotions.

Training now has its own line. Vague duties become specific tasks. The number six comes from the notes; no sales increase or management responsibility has been added.

A question before a stronger claim

Did your training change how quickly new staff could work independently? If you do not know, keep the factual training line. Do not add an invented result.

For a customer-service listing

The example listing asks for customer queries, team support and Zendesk.

  • Served customers and handled returns at a Hamilton supermarket.
  • Trained six new team members on the till.

Lead with serving customers, handling returns and training colleagues. Ask whether the person has used Zendesk; leave it out unless they confirm it.

For a stock-support listing

The example listing asks for stock counts, promotion preparation and a forklift certificate.

  • Supported stock counts and preparation for weekly promotions.
  • Served customers and handled returns.

Lead with stock counts and weekly promotions. Keep the customer-service experience below. A forklift certificate is not in the notes, so it does not go on this CV.

Put it into your own CV.

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