What’s In and Out in 2025: How CV Trends Have Changed Over Time
Okay, people looking for work or changing careers, pay attention! It’s time to step up your CV game if you’re looking for a job in 2025. The art of writing a great CV changes over time, just like fashion styles do. Things that worked a few years ago might not work now. So, what’s new in CV trends right now and what’s not?
You are one of dozens or even hundreds of people who want the job. Your CV is more than just a procedure; it’s what will make you stand out. People who have strong personal brands, clean styles, and skills that stand out are in the spotlight this year. No longer do resumes have to be boring and generic. Today, job managers want something more personalized and up-to-date.
Think of your CV as the person who sells you. Make an impact that lasts and shows off your unique skills. From flashy visuals to putting more emphasis on accomplishments than on tasks, things are changing. Additionally, don’t forget about keywords; they are still your best friend when it comes to getting past those annoying ATS.
Knowing about the newest trends can really help you, no matter what stage of your job you’re in (new graduate, mid-career, or trying to get to the top), in any case. Read this guide to find out what’s new in CV style and content for 2025 and what you should leave behind. Hold on tight, because we’re about to make you a CV that will blow the recruiter away!
1. The Rise of Business Branding
In: Building your own name is now very important. In 2025, employers want to know more about you than just your job tasks. They want to know what makes you tick. In your CV, you should talk about what makes you special. Being different from everyone else is what your personal brand is all about.
It’s your chance to stand out among the many forms that are out there. At the top of your CV, put a personal statement or summary that talks about your strengths, values, and job goals. Potential employers can see why you’re different from other applicants if you write a strong personal brand part.
Out: General goals for a job that anyone could use. Don’t use general phrases like “seeking a challenging position.” Instead, talk about what makes you a great fit for the job and the business.
Example: Marie Forleo is a great example of how a well-thought-out personal brand can help you stand out in a crowded market by highlighting your unique skills and worth. Personal branding in the same way can be a game-changer for people changing their CVs in 2024.
2. Good Design Is Important
In: Design is coming back, but it’s important to find the right mix. In 2024, CVs are coming out with clean, modern styles that are also a little creative. Your CV can stand out without being too much for the reader if you use color, small graphics, and clear section titles.
Also popular right now are infographics and other visual elements, especially if you work in a creative area. They can help you show off your accomplishments in an interesting way. Just make sure it fits the job and doesn’t make your CV look too busy.
Out: Designs that are too fancy with bright colors and logos that aren’t needed. Be professional and easy to read. Even so, both people and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) should still be able to easily read your CV.
3. Skills Are More Important Than Job Titles
In: There are more and more CVs that are built on skills. Don’t just list your job names and duties; instead, talk about the skills you’ve gained and how they can help you in the role you want. The direction of this trend shows that hiring is becoming more focused on skills.
Add a part on skills that talks about both hard and soft skills. When you talk about your accomplishments, be detailed and use numbers if you can. Instead of saying “led a team of 10,” for example, say “managed a team of 10,” which will sound better.
Out: Listing job names without any other information or context. People who are hiring want to know what you can do, not just where you’ve been.
4. Fitting the Job
In: It’s important to customize. No longer is it a choice; it’s assumed that you will change your CV for each job application. If you want to make sure your CV matches what the company wants, use keywords from the job description. This not only shows that you’ve done your research, but it also helps you get past ATS screens.
There should be a part that is specifically about the job you’re applying for. List specific projects or skills that fit the needs of the job. This amount of detail can help people want to read your CV more.
Out: A CV that works for everyone. You’re missing a big chance to make a good impression if you decide not to customize.
Here is an example of a CV for the job of accountant:
What makes this job description for a resume work:
5. Putting More Value on Accomplishments Than Duties
In: People who are hiring are more interested in what you’ve done than what you’ve done. Use your CV to show off your most important results and accomplishments. Whenever you can, put a number on your success — numbers speak louder than words.
Instead of “in charge of sales,” you could write “increased sales by 30% in six months through targeted marketing strategies.” This gives a clear picture of your effect.
Out: Just listing tasks without explaining them or what they lead to. Focus on what you did instead of making it sound like a job description.
6. How Keywords Can Help You
In: Keywords are still very important, especially if you want to get past ATS. But it’s not enough to just sprinkle keywords around; you need to use them in a smart way. Use job-related words and phrases easily in your CV to show that you’re a good fit for the job.
Find keywords that are popular in your field and role and use them in your skills and experience sections. This makes it more likely that your CV will be seen by both the ATS and hiring managers.
Out: using too many keywords or buzzwords that don’t make sense. It’s all about balance and being useful.
7. Adding LinkedIn
In: More and more people are linking their LinkedIn page to their CV. At the top of your CV, put a link to your LinkedIn page. Make sure that your CV and LinkedIn page go well together. This gives a fuller picture of who you are as a worker.
Make sure that the information on your LinkedIn page is correct and up to date. A good LinkedIn page can help the message your CV sends.
Out: Not including information about your LinkedIn profile or having information that is different on your CV and LinkedIn profile.
8. Formats That Can Be Changed
In: CV designs that are more flexible are becoming more popular. A lot of people still use the traditional chronological format, but hybrid or functional formats are becoming more common. A hybrid format takes parts from both chronological and skills-based CVs. This can be helpful if you’re switching jobs or have gaps in your work history.
Pick a format that shows off your skills and fits the job you’re looking for. Make it simple to read and get around.
Out: Sticking to one style without thinking about how to best show what you’ve done. Change your style based on the business and job.
9. Getting Used to Digital Tools
In: Digital platforms and tools are making it easier to make CVs. There are many online tools that can help you make a CV that looks good, formats it properly, and even checks to see if it works with an applicant tracking system (ATS). These tools will help you speed up the process and make sure your CV looks professional.
If it works for you, you might want to use a CV builder or design. A lot of these tools let you change things about your CV that can make it stand out.
Out: Using only old forms or not using any tools that are available to make your CV better.
10. Emphasizing Remote Working Skill
In: As working from home grows in popularity, it becomes more important to show skills and experiences that are useful for working from home. If you’ve worked from home before, show that you can handle jobs on your own, communicate clearly, and use tools for remote work.
Include a section or list of bullet points on your CV that highlights your experience and skills with working from home. This will show that you can adapt to a changing work setting.
Out: Not caring about how working from home affects people. If they are important, make sure to include and draw attention to them.
Making a CV That’s Ready for the Future: Closing the Deal
It can help your job search a lot if you keep your CV up to date with the latest trends. It’s all about personal branding, looks, highlighting skills, and making things your own in 2024. Pay attention to what makes you different, make sure your CV fits each job, and be clear about what you’ve accomplished.
If you know what’s new and what’s popular, you can make a CV that not only gets you noticed in a competitive job market but also gets the attention of hiring managers. These trends will help you show the best form of yourself, whether you’re just starting out or want to become an executive. Don’t be shy about updating your CV — your dream job is just a great resume away!