When applying to startups, a generic resume won’t cut it. Startups pivot constantly, wearing multiple roles, and value adaptability over rigid experience. To stand out, you need to tailor your resume to reflect the distinct ethos and priorities of each startup. Start by conducting thorough due diligence. Look at their landing page, blog, news mentions, and https://backloggd.com/u/curriculum12 even their founders’ and employees’ profiles. Understand what pain point they’re targeting}, who their primary audience consists of, and what growth stage they’ve reached. Are they pre-seed with three employees or scaling with 10+ hires? This will influence the narrative you build around your past.

Focus on impact, not just duties. Startups care about impact. Instead of saying you ran digital channels, say you increased engagement by 200% with organic content and micro-influencers. Use data points wherever possible. Quantify results that demonstrate initiative, creativity, and resourcefulness. Highlight passion projects, indie work, or nonprofit contributions. Startups often reward hustle over titles.

Tailor your core competencies to match phrases in the posting. If the startup is looking for someone who can own end-to-end customer engagement, make sure those skills are front and center. Don’t include every platform you’ve dabbled in—only include the ones that are relevant. Remove jobs that dilute your story that don’t add value to your story. Every line on your CV should answer: why you’re uniquely prepared for this role.

Show that you’re thriving in uncertainty. Include examples where you learned by doing, adapted to changing priorities, or took ownership without being told. Startups don’t have rigid org charts. They need people who can roll up their sleeves and execute. Mention any experience working in small teams, startups, or high-growth environments—even if it was informal.

Add a one-sentence passion pitch if it feels genuine. A brief declaration about why you’re inspired by their vision can go a long way. It shows true alignment, not transactional intent. But avoid vague clichés like "I’m passionate about innovation". Be specific. Say: "Your tool empowers underserved educators in ways I’ve witnessed in my own community."

Finally, keep it sharp and streamlined. One page is ideal for pre-Series A companies. Use a simple layout with clear headings. No graphics, no fancy fonts. They’re scrolling through stacks of resumes. Make it simple to evaluate. Proofread carefully. A typo can signal unprofessionalism, which startups spot right away.

Customizing your CV for a startup isn’t about exaggerating your experience. It’s about presenting a clear, authentic case that shows you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and help build something meaningful.