How to Make Your CV Stand Out in 2025

Want to Get Noticed by Hiring Managers?

Your CV is your personal sales pitch—so how well does it sell you? In 2025, recruiters are skimming CVs faster than ever, and standing out has never been more crucial.

Here’s how to make sure yours rises to the top of the pile.

1. Start with a Punchy Profile

Ditch the fluff. A great personal profile gets to the point:

Who you are
What you’ve achieved
What role you’re looking for

✅ Example:
“Experienced Finance Assistant with 5+ years in SME environments, specialising in Sage & Xero. Proven record in streamlining invoice processes and cutting month-end reporting times.”

2. Highlight Achievements, Not Duties

Instead of:

“Responsible for managing schedules”

Try:

“Streamlined team scheduling, increasing meeting efficiency by 30%”

Use bullet points, strong verbs, and numbers to show value.

3. Make It Visually Clean

Use clear section headings
Keep to 2 pages max
Choose a readable font like Calibri or Arial
Save as a PDF

4. Tailor Your CV for Every Application

Generic CVs are a red flag. Adjust your personal profile, keywords, and job titles to match each job spec. Yes, it takes time—but it’s worth it.

Bonus Tip: Get a Second Opinion

At Howard James, we offer friendly, expert CV advice—so your next application hits the mark.

Ready for the next step in your career?

Candidate Consultation

Schedule a Call >>

Book a free 30-minute consultation with our expert recruiters and get personalised advice to accelerate your career.

Previous Posts from Howard James Recruitment