How to craft a standout CV in 2025

A well-crafted, but authentic, CV will help you stand out. Being authentic, and ‘human’ will give you the best possible chance of getting noticed and securing an interview. 

Job seekers are increasingly using artificial intelligence (AI) for speed and ease of application, but don’t make the fatal mistake of not taking the time to tailor, refine and personalise your CV to accurately reflect your experience and skills.  

This is essential, as more employers are grappling with an increased volume of applications, in fact, at TPP we have had a 45% increase in the average number of applications per job in during January to March 2025, compared with October to December 2024.  

In response to the challenge of employers dealing with high volume responses, some may resort to overlooking or even discounting applicants from the process if it is very apparent that AI has been used and where there is a clear lack of authenticity to the CV or application. 24% of employers in our recent AI recruitment survey stated that they review written style and tone to look for signs of AI usage by applicants.

AI can be useful in helping you craft the perfect CV, but it will still take time and effort to demonstrate why you are the most suitable person for the role.  

CVs are often the first direct communication with an employer, and it is important to invest time in making an excellent first impression.

At TPP, we understand the importance of standing out in an increasingly, crowded job market and that is why we support job seekers to showcase the absolute best version of themselves.  

Tips to help you craft a CV that will get you noticed in 2025!

Include a personal statement – Highlight who you are – your suitability, skills, experience and potential. A short summary of why you are interested in the role and organisation and alignment with their values or cause, can be very impactful here too. Think about how you can get across in just a few lines, what you bring and who you are!

Tailor your CV for each role – Craft your CV specifically for the role you are applying for.  By clearly reflecting your experience to the requirements of the role, this shows employers you've invested time in understanding their needs and can do the role effectively.

Highlight achievements and outcomes – For every listed position, as well as always including key duties and skills, always highlight specific achievements and emphasise tangible outcomes and results (eg, increased delegate event attendance by 20%, implemented a new database within the specified timeline of 3 months, resulting in a successful data migration for the go live date).

Highlight remote and hybrid working experience – Showcase your ability to work independently and/or manage remote teams, as these skills highly valued and a requirement for many positions in today's job market.

Include key words and skills – Many employers use applicant tracking systems that look to match key skills and qualifications for a role, particularly to screen applicants in the early stages of the screening process.  

AI can assist with ensuring your key skills, qualifications and experience are incorporated sufficiently. You should, however, avoid overloading your CV with these, as it takes away from the authenticity.

Don’t ever exaggerate, inflate or be untruthful – Ensure your CV accurately reflects your own experience and skills. AI can help in many ways but using it could put you at risk of creating a CV that may not be a true reflection of your experience, which can present all sorts of problems further down the line.

Professional formatting – Use clear, easy-to-read fonts (size 10-12). Ensure your CV is well-structured with distinct sections and headings. Avoid text heavy paragraphs and do not insert images, graphics or tables.  

Aim for a CV that is no longer than two to three pages ideally, focusing on the most recent and relevant roles first.

Continuous learning – Highlight any complete or ongoing education, certifications or training, as this will demonstrate your commitment to professional growth.

Proofread thoroughly – Use AI-powered grammar and spell-check tools like Grammarly to ensure your CV is error-free and polished. Whilst proofreading, put yourself in the shoes of the potential employer, what stands out? What is missing or unclear? Reviewing it from this perspective may highlight a few necessary tweaks.

If you need any adjustments or support when applying for a role, you should always ask – read our blog on what reasonable adjustments you can ask for during the recruitment process.

Given our extensive experience as trusted recruiters and our ability to advise job seekers in the context of the current job market, you may also be interested in reading our latest blog – Your CV questions answered & essential advice for job seekers. This blog answers questions such as, 'How long should my CV be’ or ‘How far back should my experience go?’ and much, much more.

By following these tips and leveraging AI tools safely and responsibly, you can create a CV that stands out while still authentically representing your skills and experiences. 

If you would like further advice on CVs, applications, or interviews, please get in touch with the TPP team on 020 7198 6000 or email info@tpp.co.uk, and we will be happy to assist you.