The landscape of recruitment and hiring will continue to evolve at a rapid pace in 2025. Expect to see employers increasingly leveraging technology, including AI-driven applicant tracking systems (ATS), and place a higher emphasis on transferable skills, adaptability, and cultural fit.
What does this mean for you? It means your CV needs to be more than just a list of past experiences—it should be a representation of your professional value, cultural fit and what you can bring to an organization. Here’s how to ensure your CV stands out in 2025.
As always ensure your skills align with the job requirements/description and are backed up by evidence.
1. Optimise for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)
ATS technology for main companies will remain a gatekeeper in the hiring process. To make sure your CV gets noticed, here are a few things you can do to optimize your CV:
- Use standard formatting: Stick to simple, professional fonts like Arial or Calibri and avoid using excessive graphics, images or columns that can confuse the software or flag it as possible spam.
- Incorporate relevant keywords: We can’t say it enough. Tailor your CV for each job application. Include specific terms and phrases from the job description. For instance, if the role requires “data analysis skills,” ensure this phrase appears organically within your CV.
- Focus on concise section headings: Stick to traditional headings like “Work Experience,” “Education,” and “Skills.”
2. Highlight Transferable Skills
In a world where career changes are increasingly common, employers place a lot of value in candidates who can adapt quickly to new roles. Showcase skills that apply across industries, such as:
- Communication and collaboration
- Problem-solving and critical thinking
- Leadership and project management
Always use specific examples to demonstrate how these skills have driven results in your previous roles or projects.
3. Showcase Digital Literacy
Regardless of the industry, digital tools and platforms are integral to most roles in 2025. Highlight your proficiency in tools like:
- Productivity software (e.g., Microsoft Office, Google Workspace)
- Industry-specific software (e.g., Salesforce, AutoCAD)
- Emerging technologies (e.g., AI tools, data visualisation platforms)
We suggest adding a “Technical Skills” section can help you spotlight your abilities in a clear and impactful way.
4. Personalise Your Professional Summary
Your professional summary is your chance to make a strong first impression. This section should:
- Be tailored to the specific role you’re applying for.
- Focus on your unique value proposition—what makes you the ideal candidate for this role.
- Include quantifiable achievements, such as “Increased sales revenue by 25% in 12 months.”
Keep it brief like an elevator pitch, around 3-5 sentences—but ensure it’s impactful.
5. Include a Skills-Based Section
With ATS and hiring managers scanning for specific qualifications, and as we mentioned earlier, having a dedicated “Skills” section is vital. We’d also suggest organising your skills into categories such as:
- Technical Skills
- Soft Skills
- Language Proficiency
As always ensure your skills align with the job requirements/description and are backed up by evidence in your “Work Experience” section.
6. Demonstrate Your Commitment to Growth
Employers place a lot of value on candidates who invest in their professional development. Highlight and include:
- Online courses and certifications (e.g., LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, industry-specific certifications)
- Workshops or conferences you’ve attended in the past 12 months or so
- Voluntary or freelance projects that showcase your drive to learn new skills
A “Professional Development” section will help showcase your continuous learning efforts.
7. Focus on Achievements, Not Just Responsibilities
Rather than simply listing your job duties, emphasise the results you achieved. Use metrics wherever possible, such as:
- “Managed a team of 10 to deliver a project three weeks ahead of schedule.”
- “Reduced operating costs by 15% through process improvements.”
These details provide concrete evidence of your capabilities, help you stand out and can be a talking point during the interview process down the line.
8. Update Your Design for a Polished Look
While content is king, as they say, presentation matters too. A modern CV design should:
- Be clean and professional
- Use bullet points for readability
- Include subtle visual elements, such as a single accent colour or a minimalist border, to stand out without overwhelming the content and an ATS
Something to consider is saving your CV as a PDF to ensure the formatting stays consistent when viewed on different devices.
9. Integrate Your Online Presence
It won’t come as a great shock that in 2025, your online professional footprint is just as important as your CV. Include links to:
- Your LinkedIn profile
- An online portfolio of work (if applicable)
- Relevant social media profiles (e.g., GitHub for developers, Behance for designers)
Ensure these platforms are up to date and aligned with the information on your CV.
10. Keep It Concise and Relevant
Hiring manager’s time is limited and they won’t spend a long time scanning a CV. To make the most of the time they do spend:
- Limit your CV to two pages, focusing on the past 10-15 years of experience.
- Avoid jargon and use clear, action-oriented language.
- Customise your CV for each role to ensure it resonates with the job requirements.
Final Thoughts
Your CV is more than a document—it’s your ticket to new opportunities. By following these tips and tailoring your CV to align with the trends and expectations in 2025, you can increase your chances of landing the role you’re aiming for.
Finally, if you’re looking for your dream job or need a hand with your CV in 2025. PE Global are here to help, so please get in touch or email queries@peglobal.net.
