A well-crafted CV is essential to standing out in today's competitive job market. With changing hiring trends, AI-powered recruitment tools, and a focus on skills over degrees, writing a CV in 2025 requires a thought through approach. Here's how to craft the perfect CV that will capture recruiters attention and help you land your dream job.

1. Modify your CV for each job application

Gone are the days of sending the same CV to multiple employers. Customize your CV to align with different job descriptions, using keywords and skills relevant to the specific role. Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that scan for keywords, so including those keywords according to job descriptions increases your chances of getting shortlisted.

2. Keep it concise and impactful

Recruiters spend an average of 6-8 seconds scanning a CV before making a decision. To make a strong impression:

• Keep your CV limited to one or two pages.
• Use clear headings, bullet points, and white space for easy readability.
• Focus on achievements rather than just listing responsibilities.

3. Ensuring an ATS friendly CV

While creativity is encouraged, your CV should be structured in a way that is ATS-compatible. Some best practices include:

• Using standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
• Avoiding complex tables, images, or excessive graphics.
• Saving your CV as a PDF (unless specified otherwise).

4. Utilizing CV templates and builders

CV builders help you structure your CV in the right way while highlighting your key skills and job roles. Below are a few points you need to have in your resume.

A. Contact Information

Include your full name, phone number, email, LinkedIn profile, and portfolio (if applicable). Avoid including personal details like age or marital status.

B. Professional Summary

A short 3-5 sentence overview highlighting your skills, experience, and career goals.

C. Key Skills

List 5-10 key skills relevant to the job. Consider including a mix of technical and soft skills.

D. Work Experience

For each job, include:

• Job Title, Company, Location
• Dates of Employment
• Key Responsibilities and Achievements (Use bullet points and quantify achievements where possible)
• Increased sales by 30% through a new digital campaign.
• Led a team of 10 developers in delivering a high-impact mobile application.

E. Education & Certifications

• Degree, University Name, Year of Graduation
• Additional certifications

F. Additional Sections (Optional)

Depending on the job role, you may add sections like:

• Projects (especially for tech and creative roles)
• Volunteer Experience
• Languages
• Awards & Recognitions

5. Highlight soft skills and adaptability

Employers in 2025 look for adaptability, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence. Use real-world examples to showcase these skills in your work experience.

6. Incorporate AI and tech skills

With AI transforming industries, having AI-related skills (such as automation tools, data analysis, or machine learning knowledge) can give you an edge.

7. Leverage LinkedIn and online portfolios

Many recruiters review LinkedIn profiles. Ensure your CV matches your LinkedIn profile and includes a link to any online portfolios, or personal websites showcasing your work.

8. Proofread and Get Feedback

Nothing turns off recruiters faster than typos or poor grammar. Use tools like Grammarly to proofread your CV before submitting.