There is a huge amount of advice available to job seekers, but I believe many candidates still play the numbers game in the hopes of being lucky if they fire off enough applications. If you really want a chance of getting beyond the "submitting CV" stage, then you have to be prepared to commit some effort to your applications.

My first piece of advice is to really think about what is is your are looking for in your next role. That doesn't mean you have to have a very narrow focus, but it does mean you have to be clear in your own mind about what you want from your next role. Remember, it's a 2-way relationship, the candidate must be the right person for the role, but the role must also suit the candidate if there is to be a happy engagement going forward.

It is very obvious when reviewing applications if they are speculative, and will be discounted as a consequence. If you really want the job, tailor your CV to highlight your relevant experience and really make sure you are getting your message across. No one will be a perfect fit, but as a reviewer, the first filter is relevant background. Don't be surprised if you keep submitting a generic CV, even if it is very good, and you have no success! A large generic CV with your life experience acts as a great database for you to then pick relevant parts for a tailored CV.

My final point is, listing responsibilities from a past role tells me what was expected of you in that job, not how you performed. If I'm hiring, I want someone who has a track record of achievement, so tell me what you achieved in your past jobs, not what you employer expected you do do.