How You Can Improve Your CV in 2025

In today’s competitive job market, having a standout CV is more crucial than ever. In 2025, the employment landscape continues to evolve, and so should your CV. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or seeking your first job, this guide will help you craft a CV that captures the attention of recruiters and potential employers.

Here are ten ways to improve your CV in 2025.

1. Use AI-Friendly Formatting

More companies are using Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) powered by AI to screen CVs. If your CV doesn’t pass this screening, it won’t ever be looked at by an actual human from the employer. To ensure your CV makes it past these digital gatekeepers:

• Use a clean, simple layout with standard fonts like Arial or Calibri.
• Avoid complex graphics or design elements that AI might struggle to interpret.
• Incorporate relevant keywords from the job description throughout your CV.
• Use standard headings such as ‘Work Experience’, ‘Skills’, and ‘Education’.

Remember, while making your CV AI-friendly is important, it should still be readable and appealing to human recruiters. This new AI screening doesn’t mean you have to abandon all creativity, but it’s essential to now strike a balance between optimisation and readability.

2. Showcase Your Technical Skills

In an increasingly digital world, technical skills are becoming more valuable across all industries. To improve your CV:

• Create a dedicated “Technical Skills” section.
• List relevant software, tools, and platforms you’re proficient in.
• Experience in AI prompt writing is a current and sought-after skill.
• Include any coding languages or data analysis skills you possess.
• Mention any certifications related to technical skills.

Even if you’re not in a traditionally tech-focused role, highlighting your familiarity with digital tools can set you apart from other job seekers.

3. Highlight Soft Skills

While technical skills are important, don’t overlook the value of soft skills. These skills are more about personal attributes and behaviour. Employers always seek candidates who can collaborate effectively and adapt to changing work environments. Improve your CV by:

• Incorporating keywords like teamwork, communication, and adaptability.
• Provide specific examples of how you’ve used these skills in previous roles.
• Using action verbs like ‘delegated’, ‘arranged’ and ‘launched’ to describe your achievements in team settings.
• Mentioning any leadership experience or roles where you’ve facilitated collaboration.

4. Tailor Your CV for the Job

One-size-fits-all CVs are less effective than those tailored towards a specific job. Of course, this doesn’t mean you need to invent things, and you shouldn’t, but you could frontload certain information or remove information that isn’t relevant. To improve your chances of landing an interview:

• Carefully read each job advert and job description.
• Customise your CV to highlight the most relevant skills and experiences for the role and the company.
• Use similar language and terminology as found in the job listing.
• Rearrange your skills section to prioritise the most relevant skills for the position.

This approach shows potential employers that you’ve taken the time to understand their needs and how you can meet them. It also helps pass through AI systems looking for specific experience or keywords.

5. Quantify Your Achievements

Numbers speak louder than words. To make your CV more impactful:

• Use specific metrics to describe your achievements in previous roles.
• Mention any targets you’ve exceeded or improvements you’ve made.
• Include statistics about team sizes you’ve managed or budgets you’ve handled.
• Quantify the results of any projects or initiatives you’ve led.

For example, instead of saying ‘Increased sales’, try ‘Increased sales by 25% over six months, resulting in £500,000 additional revenue.’ This jumps off the page and provides more definitive information for the employer.

6. Showcase Continuous Learning

Employers value candidates who commit to ongoing learning in a rapidly changing job market. Improve your CV by:

• Listing recent courses, workshops, or webinars you’ve attended.
• Mentioning any new certifications or qualifications you’ve obtained.
• Highlighting how you’ve applied new skills or knowledge in your work.
• Including learning skills, software, or systems that are new to the industry you’re applying to.

This shows potential employers that you’re proactive about keeping your skills up-to-date and relevant.

7. Optimise Your LinkedIn Profile

While not technically part of your CV, your LinkedIn profile is an extension of your professional brand. Many recruiters and hiring managers will check your LinkedIn profile after reviewing your CV. To improve your online presence:

• Ensure your LinkedIn profile aligns with the information on your CV.
• Use a professional profile picture and an engaging background image.
• Write a compelling headline and summary that showcase your expertise.
• Include rich media such as project samples, presentations, or articles you’ve written.

Including your LinkedIn URL on your CV could be helpful, making it easy for recruiters to find you online.

8. Incorporate Volunteer Work

You don’t need to limit your CV to paid work experience. Including volunteer work and personal projects can provide a more rounded view of your skills and interests and show you off as an active person:

• Mention side projects or freelance work that showcase your skills.
• Include any community involvement or leadership roles outside of work.
• Highlight new skills you’ve developed through these activities and how they apply to the job you’re applying for.

This additional information can be particularly valuable for recent graduates or those changing careers.

9. Rethink Chronology

The traditional chronological CV may not always be the most effective format. Consider using a hybrid format that combines chronological and functional elements:

• Start with a robust professional summary or objective statement.
• Follow with a skills section highlighting your most relevant abilities.
• Then list your work history in reverse chronological order.
• For each role, focus on achievements rather than just listing responsibilities.

This format is a great way to showcase your most important skills and accomplishments upfront while providing a clear employment history. Many candidates now use design elements to make their CVs stand out and avoid big blocks of text.

10. Consider Design and Readability

While content is king, the design and layout of your CV can significantly impact its effectiveness:

• Use consistent formatting throughout the document.
• Use bullet points to break up large blocks of text.
• Try to get your CV on one page or two at an absolute maximum.
• Proofread carefully for any spelling or grammar errors.
• Consider using CV templates for a professional look.

Remember, your CV should be easy to scan, allowing recruiters to find the most critical information immediately.

Premier People Recruitment

You don’t have to navigate this process alone; Premier People Recruitment (PPR) can be an invaluable resource in your job search journey.

Established in 2004, PPR connects talented individuals with exciting career opportunities across various sectors. With our extensive experience in supplying skilled staff for major infrastructure projects in London and the Southeast, PPR understands the nuances of what employers are looking for in today’s competitive job market.

Our team of experienced recruiters can provide personalised guidance on tailoring your CV to specific industries and roles, ensuring that your application stands out to potential employers. Whether you’re seeking temporary or permanent positions, PPR’s collaborative approach focuses on maximising your chances of landing your dream job.

Contact Us

If you’d like to take the next step in your career, don’t hesitate to contact us. You can call us on 01895 808188, email us at info@ppronline.co.uk or use our online contact form.

We’d love to connect with you and use our expertise to guide you towards your next professional success. Your improved CV, combined with PPR’s industry knowledge and extensive network, could be the key to achieving your dream job.