Your CV is more than just a summary of your professional journey; it’s the story of your career told through the lens of an algorithm before it ever reaches human eyes.
The rise of Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) has completely transformed how hiring works. Recruiters no longer sift through piles of paper; instead, automated systems scan thousands of resumes in seconds, filtering, ranking, and selecting candidates who best match specific job descriptions.
A proven application system is now a multidimensional tool that helps hiring managers organize, evaluate, and shortlist candidates faster. And if your CV isn’t optimized for the system, it may never even reach human eyes, no matter how qualified you are.
That’s why it’s not enough to simply have a CV; you need one that’s ATS-friendly, strategic, and impactful. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the 10 best CV writing tips for 2025, practical strategies to help your resume rise above the bots and get noticed by recruiters.
1. Use the Right Keywords: Speak the Language of the Job Description
Your CV should mirror the job description. The ATS scans for relevant keywords, job titles, technical skills, certifications, and industry-specific terms.
Action tip: Before applying, read the job post carefully. Identify recurring words or phrases (e.g., “project management,” “data analysis,” “customer retention”) and naturally weave them into your experience and skills sections.
2. Keep Your Formatting Simple and ATS-Friendly
Fancy designs may look great, but they confuse applicant tracking systems. Avoid columns, tables, icons, and images. Stick to a clean, readable layout.
Action tip: Use standard section headings like Experience, Education, and Skills. Stick to fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica for maximum compatibility.
3. Tailor Your CV for Each Role
A generic CV gets generic results. Each application deserves a personalized touch.
Action tip: Modify your CV slightly for every position. Emphasize the experience and achievements that align directly with the role you’re applying for.
4. Optimize Your Professional Summary
Your summary is your elevator pitch, the first few lines that convince a recruiter to keep reading.
Example:
“Results-driven HR professional with 5+ years’ experience managing talent acquisition and onboarding across diverse industries. Skilled in optimizing recruitment processes and ensuring cultural alignment.”
Make it sharp, specific, and focused on results.
5. Use Measurable Results Numbers Speak Louder
Recruiters and ATS systems both love measurable impact. Numbers add credibility and weight to your experience.
Action tip: Instead of saying “Improved team performance,” say “Improved team productivity by 25% through streamlined workflow.”
6. Highlight Relevant Skills Clearly
ATS algorithms often rank CVs based on how relevant your skills are to the job.
Action tip: Create a Key Skills section. List 6–10 of your strongest skills that match the job. Mix technical skills (e.g., Excel, Java, Canva) with soft skills (e.g., communication, leadership, adaptability).
7. Avoid Unnecessary Graphics or Images
Visual elements might look appealing, but ATS systems can’t read them; they might even reject your CV.
Action tip: Stick to text-based formatting. Use bullet points and white space for clarity instead of icons or bars.
8. Use the Right File Type
The safest formats are .docx and PDF, but not all PDFs are created equal, especially those containing images or embedded text.
Action tip: If unsure, always go with .docx to guarantee full ATS readability.
9. Include Action Verbs and Strong Language
Your word choice defines your impact. Start each bullet point with verbs that show initiative.
Examples: Led, Managed, Developed, Created, Implemented, Designed, Improved.
Action tip: Instead of saying “Responsible for managing a project,” say “Led a cross-functional team that delivered a project two weeks ahead of schedule.”
10. Keep It Concise, One Page, Maximum Two
Recruiters spend an average of 6–8 seconds scanning a CV. That’s all the time you have to impress them.
Action tip: Keep it brief and relevant. For professionals with less than 10 years’ experience, stick to one page. For senior professionals, keep it under two pages.
Final Thoughts
In 2025, beating the ATS and standing out to recruiters isn’t about luck, it’s about strategy.
A well-optimized CV doesn’t just list experiences; it tells a story that both the system and the recruiter can understand. Whether you’re a fresh graduate or a seasoned professional, the key to landing your next role lies in how you present yourself on paper.
At Wepply, we help job seekers craft ATS-friendly CVs that stand out in a competitive job market. From keyword optimization to layout design, we ensure your CV not only passes the system but also captures human attention, the kind that leads to interviews.