In 2025, job applications aren’t read — they’re scanned. Recruiters don’t start by reading word-for-word. They skim, judge, and shortlist — often in less than 30 seconds. If your CV doesn’t grab their attention in that small window, it may never get seen again.
This guide explains how to write a CV in 2025 that people read — and remember. If you’re entering the workforce, changing industries, or simply updating your CV after years in the same job, this breakdown will help you get ahead.
1. Know Who’s Reading — and How
Before writing a single line, think about who your CV is for. Most job applications go through two filters:
a) The ATS (Automated Systems)
These digital gatekeepers scan for keywords, job titles, skills, and formatting signals. If your CV doesn’t align with the job description, it might not even reach a human.
b) The Human
If you pass the ATS, a hiring manager or recruiter will spend a few seconds looking for:
- Your current and most recent job
- Key skills listed for the job they’re hiring for
- Your career path and achievements, not just job titles
In other words: make it quick to understand who you are, what you’ve done, and how that fits the role.
2. Use a Clean, Modern Layout
In 2025, clean design beats overcomplication every time. A chaotic CV layout makes recruiters work harder than they should. They won’t.
What works now:
- One or two pages max
- Clear headings: “Work Experience”, “Skills”, “Education”, “Certifications”, “Projects”
- Consistent font (Arial, Calibri, or modern sans-serif)
- Bullet points instead of long paragraphs
- Plenty of white space
- Left-aligned, single-column format (two-column CVs confuse ATS systems)
Avoid unnecessary colours, images, and design tricks unless you’re in a creative industry (and even then, moderation is key).
3. Personal Statement: No Waffle, Just Impact
That paragraph at the top of your CV matters. It’s your pitch, not your life story.
Do this:
Write 3–4 lines summarising who you are, what you specialise in, and the value you bring. Tailor this section to each job.
Example (Tech role):
“Results-driven software engineer with 6 years of experience building scalable backend systems in Node.js and Python. Proven track record in leading sprints, reducing latency, and mentoring junior devs. Currently seeking new challenges in fintech innovation.”
What to avoid:
- Buzzwords like “hardworking team player”
- Vague goals like “looking for a challenging position to grow”
- Repeating what’s already in your job title
Make it about impact, not intention.
4. Show Career Progression Clearly
Recruiters want to see momentum. Even if you’ve made lateral moves or taken time off, you can still show growth.
Format:
Job Title
Company Name – Location (Month/Year – Month/Year)
- Achievement/result-driven bullet
- Key skill demonstrated
- Measurable outcome or improvement
Start each bullet point with an action verb: “Led”, “Increased”, “Developed”, “Delivered”, “Resolved”, “Implemented”, “Streamlined”.
Avoid this:
- Job descriptions copied and pasted from HR systems
- Tasks listed with no context or results
- Filler statements like “responsible for managing multiple priorities”
Instead, highlight what changed because you were in the role.
5. Keywords Matter (But Not Keyword Stuffing)
Most CVs are now filtered through Applicant Tracking Systems. They’re not evil, but they are strict. If your CV doesn’t mention specific words from the job description, it may not get through.
Strategy:
- Match key terms from the job ad (e.g., “CRM”, “B2B sales”, “risk modelling”)
- Use the same spelling or abbreviation where possible
- Avoid overloading — you’re writing for humans, too
Example:
Job ad says: “Experience with HubSpot, lead generation, and pipeline management.”
Your CV should mention:
“Managed outbound lead generation and pipeline tracking through HubSpot across 8+ B2B clients.”
6. Highlight Results, Not Duties
One of the biggest reasons CVs get ignored is that they read like a to-do list. Managers want to see what you’ve achieved, not just what you were told to do.
Instead of:
“Managed social media accounts and created posts.”
Write:
“Increased Instagram engagement by 45% in 6 months through data-driven content strategy and targeted campaigns.”
7. Tailor Every Application (Yes, Every One)
Sending the same CV to every job in 2025 doesn’t work. Hiring teams can tell when you’ve just recycled your CV for the hundredth time.
Tailor these:
- Personal statement at the top
- Highlighted skills in the “Skills” section
- Job descriptions — reorder bullet points to prioritise what’s most relevant
- Job titles — it’s okay to slightly reword them if they reflect the actual role
Time-saving tip: Create a “base CV” and adjust sections for each job. You don’t need to rewrite from scratch, just fine-tune.
8. Add a Skills Section That Helps
A good skills section gives recruiters a quick overview of what you bring to the table. Don’t just dump a list of buzzwords.
What to include:
- 6–12 keywords related to tools, software, methods, or industry knowledge
- Separate hard skills (e.g., JavaScript, Figma, Excel) from soft skills (e.g., negotiation, team leadership)
- Avoid vague traits like “motivated”, “innovative”, “adaptable” — these should be visible through your achievements, not listed outright
9. Education and Certifications
Unless you’re a recent graduate, your education should appear after your work experience. Keep it short.
Format:
Degree / Certification
Institution – Graduation Year
Relevant modules or achievements (optional)
If you’ve done recent, job-relevant training (e.g., coding bootcamps, Google certificates, language proficiency), include it. It shows you’re keeping your skills up to date.
10. Don’t Skip the Extras (If They’re Relevant)
Things like volunteering, freelance projects, and personal initiatives can strengthen your CV, as long as they connect to the job.
Example:
- Freelanced as a UX designer for local charities
- Volunteered as a mentor in a coding bootcamp
- Built and managed a personal e-commerce site with Shopify
Leave out unrelated hobbies unless they show transferable skills. “Likes reading and playing chess” won’t help your case unless you’re applying to be a librarian or strategy coach.
11. References: Optional in 2025
You no longer need to write “References available on request.” It’s assumed.
Only include references if:
- The employer specifically asks
- You’re applying for a public sector, academic, or executive-level role
- You want to impress with a well-known previous manager or mentor
12. Final Checks: The Last 10% That Matters
Before sending your CV:
✅ Check grammar and spelling.
✅ Ask someone to review it (or use tools like Grammarly).
✅ Save as PDF, unless the employer requests Word.
✅ Label the file clearly: Firstname-Lastname-CV.pdf
Naming your file “CV_latest_FINAL_FINAL2025.docx” looks amateur. Avoid.
Conclusion: What Gets Read, Gets Remembered
A good CV in 2025 is:
- Tailored
- Clear
- Result-oriented
- Optimised for ATS
- Human-readable
- Free of clutter
It doesn’t need to be beautiful. It needs to work. If you can show what you’ve done, how you’ve done it, and why it matters — all in a layout that invites a glance — you’re already ahead of most applicants.
Remember: your CV doesn’t get you the job. It gets you the conversation.