When applying to startups, site, https://waselplatform.org, a standard job application won’t cut it. Startups pivot constantly, wearing multiple roles, and value adaptability over rigid experience. To stand out, you need to customize your CV to reflect the unique culture and needs of each startup. Start by conducting thorough due diligence. Look at their website, social media, press releases, and even their core team’s public bios. Understand what pain point they’re targeting}, who their target users are, and what funding phase they’re in. Are they early ideation with just a handful of founders or scaling with 10+ hires? This will shape how you present your background.

Focus on impact, not just duties. Startups care about impact. Instead of saying you handled social platforms, say you increased engagement by 200% with organic content and micro-influencers. Use data points wherever possible. Show measurable achievements that demonstrate proactive problem-solving, innovation, and hustle. Highlight passion projects, indie work, or nonprofit contributions. Startups often care more about what you’ve built than where you’ve worked.

Tailor your key abilities to match keywords from the job description. If the startup is looking for someone who can handle both marketing and customer support, make sure those skills are front and center. Don’t list every tool you’ve ever used—only include the ones that are aligned with their stack. Remove outdated or irrelevant roles that don’t add value to your story. Every line on your CV should answer: why you fit this team’s needs.

Show that you’re comfortable with ambiguity. Include examples where you learned by doing, adapted to changing priorities, or stepped up without being asked. Startups don’t have rigid org charts. They need people who can step into gaps and deliver. Mention any experience working in lean operations, early-stage ventures, or scaling companies—even if it was unofficial.

Add a concise mission-driven statement if it feels authentic. A simple line about why you’re inspired by their vision can go a world of difference. It shows passion, not just a job search. But avoid vague clichés like "I’m passionate about innovation". Be concrete. Say: "Your tool empowers underserved educators in ways I’ve witnessed in my own community."

Finally, keep it clean and concise. One page is ideal for bootstrapped or seed-stage teams. Use a clean format, bold section breaks. No icons, no decorative typefaces. They’re reading dozens of applications. Make it easy to scan. Edit for perfection. A misspelling can signal lack of attention to detail, which startups don’t tolerate.

Customizing your CV for a startup isn’t about padding your background. It’s about telling a focused, honest story that shows you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and help build something meaningful.