Tips for creating a CV that will stand out
Sarah Dolan • May 19, 2025

The Ultimate CV Tips for 2025 | How to Create a Standout CV

In a competitive job market, your CV is your first chance to make a lasting impression. Whether you're actively job hunting or just keeping an eye on the market, a standout CV can be the key to unlocking new opportunities. But what works in 2025 isn't the same as it was even a few years ago.

Here’s how to craft a CV that reflects who you are, what you offer, and why employers should take notice.


Master Your CV: Essential Tips to Stand Out and Land Your Dream Role in 2025


1. Start Strong with a Sharp Personal Summary

Your personal summary should be concise (3–4 lines max) and tailored to your goals. Rather than generic buzzwords, focus on your value:

  • What are your key strengths?
  • What’s your area of expertise?
  • What are you looking for next?


📝 Example:
“Experienced software engineer with 6+ years in cloud-native development, delivering scalable fintech solutions across AWS environments. Passionate about building secure, user-first applications. Seeking a leadership role in a high-growth tech team.”


2. Optimise for ATS — But Keep It Human

Most employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), so structure and keywords matter. Here’s how to strike the right balance:

  • Use a clean, professional layout (no fancy columns or graphics).
  • Include relevant keywords from the job description (but naturally).
  • Stick to common section headings like “Experience”, “Education”, “Skills”.


🚫 Avoid: Tables, text boxes, or images. These can confuse ATS software.


3. Highlight Achievements, Not Just Duties

Listing your responsibilities isn’t enough. Instead, show the impact you made:

  • Use action verbs (led, improved, built, launched).
  • Include metrics or results whenever possible.


📝 Example:

Before: Responsible for managing the CRM system.
After:
Improved CRM efficiency by 30% by leading the migration to Salesforce and training 20+ staff.


4. Tailor Your CV for Each Application

One-size-fits-all CVs don’t work anymore. Hiring managers can tell when you’ve made the effort.
Before applying, tweak:

  • The summary to reflect the role.
  • Skills to match what’s listed in the job spec.
  • Key achievements that align with the job goals.


📌 Pro tip:
Keep a master CV and create shorter, targeted versions when applying.


5. Make Skills Easy to Scan

In 2025, skills-based hiring is growing. Include a clearly formatted “Skills” section to spotlight:

  • Technical skills (e.g., Python, Tableau, Figma)
  • Soft skills (e.g., stakeholder management, agile leadership)
  • Tools and platforms (e.g., HubSpot, AWS, GitHub)


6. Include AI and Digital Literacy Where Relevant

Even if you’re not in tech, AI is everywhere. If you’ve used tools like ChatGPT, Notion AI, or automation platforms like Zapier — mention them. It shows you're adaptable in a digital-first world.


7. Education and Certifications Still Matter

List your education, qualifications, and any certifications that are relevant to your field — especially those in-demand in your industry (e.g., Google Analytics, PMP, CIPD, AWS Cloud Practitioner).


🎓 Omit older or unrelated certifications that no longer add value.


8. Keep It Concise and Clean

  • Ideally 1–2 pages.
  • Use bullet points, consistent formatting, and plenty of white space.
  • Stick to professional fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica.


9. Avoid Common CV Pitfalls

  • Don’t include a photo (not standard practice in Ireland or the UK).
  • Don’t list references — say “Available on request”.
  • Don’t exaggerate or include outdated jargon (e.g., “hard-working team player” without examples).


10. Proofread — Then Proofread Again

Typos or formatting errors can instantly disqualify your CV. Run a spellcheck, ask someone else to review it, or read it aloud to catch any awkward phrasing.


Final Thought

A strong CV opens doors, but it’s also just one part of the bigger picture. Pair it with a tailored cover letter, strong LinkedIn profile, and strategic networking to give yourself the best shot at success.


Partner with Mason Alexander

Looking for your next opportunity in technology, life sciences, financial services, or legal?


At Mason Alexander, we understand that every career journey is unique. Whether you’re seeking a role that challenges you, offers better work-life balance, or aligns with your long-term goals, we’re here to support you every step of the way. With deep industry expertise and a wide network of top employers across Ireland, we can connect you to the right opportunity—fast and efficiently.

 

Partner with Mason Alexander today and take the next step in your career with confidence.

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