Your CV is no longer just a list of job titles and qualifications, it’s your first impression, your personal brand, and often, your one shot at standing out in a saturated job market. In 2025, crafting a CV that catches attention, survives Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), and actually gets read by a human recruiter requires more than just good formatting, it demands strategy.

Whether you’re starting your job search or refreshing your CV to explore new opportunities, this guide breaks down exactly how to build a CV that works in today’s hiring landscape.

1. Understand What Recruiters Actually Want in 2025

The average recruiter spends 6 to 8 seconds scanning a CV before deciding whether to keep reading. That’s it. So forget long-winded introductions or generic objectives. What they want to see is:

• Clear structure and formatting
  
• Evidence of results, not just responsibilities
  
• Relevance to the role they’re hiring for
  
• Keywords that align with the job description
  

Recruiters want proof that you’re worth their time, and they want it fast.

2. Start With a Strong, Relevant Summary

In 2025, the “career objective” section is out. What’s in? A concise, keyword-rich professional summary that speaks directly to the role you’re targeting.

Your summary should:

• Be 3–5 lines max
  
• Include your job title, core skills, and standout results
  
• Mention your years of experience and industry
  

Example:

Results-driven Digital Marketing Specialist with 5+ years’ experience in B2B growth campaigns, paid media strategy, and lead generation. Proven track record of increasing ROI by 140% using data-driven targeting.

This helps recruiters understand who you are within seconds, and also improves your CV’s visibility in ATS software.

3. Format for Humans and Robots

Most companies use ATS software to filter CVs before they reach a human. If your formatting is off, your application might never be seen.

To be safe:

• Use a clean layout with clear headings (Work Experience, Skills, Education)
  
• Avoid tables, graphics, and unusual fonts
  
• Save your CV as a PDF or Word Doc (.docx) unless instructed otherwise
  
• Use bullet points to describe responsibilities and results
  

Also, keep your file name professional. 

4. Tailor Every CV to the Job Description

This is non-negotiable. Recruiters want to see relevance, and ATS software is designed to scan for keywords that match the job post.

Your job is to:

• Highlight key skills mentioned in the job ad (e.g. CRM management, data analysis, project coordination)
  
• Mirror the language used by the company
  
• Prioritise the most relevant roles and achievements
  

This doesn’t mean lying, it means being strategic with what you emphasise.

5. Show Achievements, Not Just Duties

Don’t just tell employers what you were responsible for, show them what you achieved. Use numbers wherever possible. Quantified results build credibility and demonstrate your impact.

Instead of this:

Managed social media accounts

Try this:

Grew LinkedIn following by 400% and increased inbound leads by 30% through targeted content strategy

Each bullet point should answer the question: “What value did I bring to this role?”

6. Highlight Soft and Digital Skills

In 2025, it’s not just about technical ability, soft skills like adaptability, problem-solving, collaboration, and emotional intelligence are essential in hybrid and remote work environments.

Equally, digital literacy is a must. Be sure to include platforms, tools, and systems you’ve used (e.g. Salesforce, HubSpot, Microsoft Teams, Slack, Trello, Google Workspace, AI tools like ChatGPT).

Tip: List your skills under a separate section titled “Skills” and break them into categories if needed:

• Technical Skills: SQL, Adobe Photoshop, Zapier, Notion
  
• Soft Skills: Communication, Time Management, Critical Thinking
  

7. Education and Certifications

List your most relevant and recent qualifications first. Include:

• Degree title and institution
  
• Graduation year (optional if you have 5+ years’ experience)
  
• Relevant certifications (e.g. Google Analytics, AWS, LinkedIn Learning)
  

In 2025, micro-credentials and short online courses are more respected than ever, especially in fast-changing industries like tech, marketing, and finance. Don’t be shy about including them.

8. Keep It One or Two Pages, Max

Unless you’re applying for a senior-level role with 15+ years of experience, your CV should not be more than two pages. Hiring managers are busy and will skim. Make it easy for them.

Use spacing and design to make your CV visually readable, and only include what’s truly relevant to the role.

9. Add a Touch of Personality

Yes, your CV is professional, but that doesn’t mean it has to be boring. A single line about your passions or a fun fact at the bottom can help make you memorable (especially in creative or people-facing roles).

This shows you’re a human, not just a LinkedIn profile come to life.

10. Don’t Forget the Basics

You’d be amazed how many CVs still come through with glaring errors. Double check:

• Spelling and grammar (use Grammarly or ask a friend to review)
  
• Your contact info is up to date
  
• Your LinkedIn profile is polished and matches your CV
  
• There are no unexplained gaps in your work history
  

Pro tip: Use the same header (name, contact info, etc.) across your CV, cover letter, and portfolio for consistency.

Your CV Is a Living Document

Your CV in 2025 isn’t something you set and forget. It should be a dynamic, living document that evolves as you do. Every project, achievement, course, and new role is worth reflecting on and incorporating where it makes sense.

Remember, the goal of your CV isn’t to tell your whole life story, it’s to get you to the interview stage. By keeping it clean, targeted, and results-focused, you dramatically increase your chances of landing the job you want.

And if you feel stuck, don’t hesitate to seek feedback from mentors, career coaches, or even recruiters. A second set of eyes can make all the difference between a “maybe” and a “yes.”