Do you know there will be strong competition in the job market in 2025? In such a situation, designing a CV that stands out is important to secure a dream job. With new technologies and a change in employer expectations, the designed resume should not only reflect our qualifications but be able to adapt to the modern workplace.
The point is that how can we get ourselves noticed when the recruiters just spend a few seconds to scan through the CV? Research has also proven that minorities receive job interview calls after they submit their resumes. In this blog, we will guide you on what you should add to the two-page CV that can help you in getting the call for the interview. So let’s prepare ourselves for the interview, as you will receive the call soon.
A CV that will stand out differently in the crowd
Use digital format
From the middle of 2024, a new norm was observed in the CV submission industry. Digital CVs were able to make their successful entry into the CV industry. This does not mean that applicants just need to submit a PDF format and wait for the call. However, many companies use Application Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan through the CVs. This adds a new element to the to-do list, and you need to create a CV that is ATS-friendly and visually appealing. You can contact CV writing agencies and ask them to provide some good CV examples for first job.
Tips you can consider:
- Opt for a clean, professional format using standard fonts
- Avoid choosing templates that are confusing in ATS software
- Submit the resume in PDF format so no formatting can take place.
Show your digital literacy
After COVID-19, remote jobs and digital communication set a new record. This has brought an addition of highlighting your digital skills on the submitted resume. Portray that you are familiar with the collaboration tools, software, and all the tech skills that align with the job description.
Digital skills to include:
- Highlight that you know the use of remote tools
- An experience of industry-specific software
- An idea of basic coding or analytical skills if they are needed in the applied field.
Don’t forget to add soft skills
Employers when choosing candidates for a job, do not only shortlist candidates with technical skills. The shortlisted candidates should have strong interpersonal abilities. Nothing can replace them. Your CV should include these soft skills:
- You are flexible and adapt to any situation with open arms
- Communication skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Ability to work in a team, and
- Emotionally intelligent.
Ability to use keywords strategically
Companies have shifted to ATS systems to finalize the CVs that can be given calls for interviews. They search resumes that have used specific keywords aligning with the job description. If you want your CV to clear the initial screening process, add those keywords that are highlighted in the job description.
You can do this by:
- Tailoring your CV according to each job description
- Include keywords in your experience and skills sections from the job posted online
- Don’t stuff your CV with keywords. This will be detected, and you will be penalized.
Prove your achievements
Proven data-driven results are important. You need to add evidence to qualify your achievements, portraying your potential employers about your achievements in the previous role. These can include examples like:
- Your work led to an increase in sales
- You were a team leader and let the team of a specific number of members
Add a professional summary
Begin your CV with a professional summary. This should include your experience, skills, and career goals. A snapshot of what you will bring to the benefit of the company if you are hired. Your structure should look like this:
- A few sentences summarizing your career background
- A picture of all your primary skills and achievements
- Your career passion for the chosen field and the ways it aligns with the job you are applying for.
Either ask your professors or link yourself to some agencies. Ask them to provide you with CV examples for students. Using those examples, you can analyze the ways people have written their summaries.
Make it concise and relevant
Although you may be working for a long time with a lot of experience on your bucket list. This is not a good idea that you add all of them. Only add those to your experience section that align with the job description. Your aim should be to design a CV that does not exceed more than two pages. To achieve your target,
- Get in the habit of using bullet points for clarity
- Minimize your focus years if you have been working for a long time
- Avoid adding outdated and irrelevant positions.
Keep your learning going
With the rapidly changing norms of the world, learning is highly valued. Show through words if you have additional training, certificates, or courses that are making you different. Add examples such as any online courses, certificates that align with your job position, or any workshops or seminars you have attended in the near past.
Proofread to avoid errors
Errors in the final CV are one of the major reasons for landing rejections. Make sure that your document is free from spelling mistakes, grammatical errors, and inconsistencies. This is easy to achieve by reading through the document multiple times. Additionally, you can use tools available online or hire someone professional in this task.
Give it a personal touch
With AI, recruiters examine if the submitted document is human-written. With maintaining a professional angle, don’t forget to add a personal touch to it. This will give it a unique look. You can add your hobbies and interests that align with the culture of the company. Some examples can be adding that you are interested in volunteering work or reading about a hobby that can help the company while you write.
FAQs
What are the characteristics of a good CV?
Designing a CV using a clear, professional layout and design will make the resume stand out. Additionally, each section should reflect your unique skills that make you different from other applicants.
Is it essential to add references to the resume?
Before references were essential in the resume. However, you don’t need to add it to your resume now. If the hiring manager requires details of your references, they will ask you to elaborate during the interview session.
How long should be the experience section?
Don’t overload the experience section with all the jobs you have been working till the present time. Just add those that align with the job you are applying for.
What skills should be added to the resume?
In designing a resume for the job market in 2025, digital skills along with soft skills must be part of the submitted resume.
Key takeaways
Designing a CV for securing a job in 2025 requires a strategic approach that portrays your skills, achievements, and passion for work.
Highlight all the skills that are relevant to the coursework, internships, or other courses that you have learned, along with your academic knowledge. Use relevant keywords from the job description and state your ability to adapt to any situation. By presenting yourself as the ideal choice for the desired position, you will succeed in creating a positive first impression.