Sending the same CV to every employer is one of the biggest mistakes job seekers make. In hospitality, each property has its own personality, standards, and service philosophy. Tailoring your CV for every job shows effort, attention to detail, and a true understanding of what the employer values most.

Understand the Job Description

Every job post is a guide. Read it carefully to identify keywords and specific qualifications. Look for recurring terms such as “guest satisfaction,” “teamwork,” or “attention to detail.” These are the qualities the employer values most. Reflect them naturally in your CV, especially in your summary, experience, and skills sections.

Highlight Relevant Experience

Focus on what matters most for the position. If you’re applying for a front office role, emphasize guest interaction, communication, and problem solving. If it’s a food and beverage position, focus on service quality, teamwork, and attention to guest preferences. Tailoring means prioritizing what’s relevant, not rewriting everything.

Adjust Your Professional Summary

Your summary should be customized for each role. A Front Office Supervisor might say, “Dedicated to creating personalized check in experiences that reflect luxury service standards.” For a Restaurant Manager, it could be, “Driven by a passion for delivering exceptional dining experiences and leading high performing teams.”

Use Keywords Wisely

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) read your CV before recruiters do. Using the right keywords ensures your CV gets noticed. Mirror the language from the job post naturally, avoid overstuffing keywords. The goal is to align your skills with the employer’s needs without losing authenticity.

Match the Hotel’s Tone and Culture

Every brand has a voice. A luxury resort values refinement and detail; a lifestyle hotel prefers energy and creativity. Match your tone accordingly. Recruiters quickly recognize when a candidate fits the brand culture through the way they write and describe their achievements.

Keep a Master CV

Maintain a complete version of your CV with all experiences and achievements. Before applying, create a copy and tailor it for that specific job. This saves time and ensures accuracy while keeping your applications focused and personal.

Personalization shows professionalism. It tells recruiters that you don’t see their property as “just another job” but as a place where your skills and values belong.