Resume Refresh: How to Make Your CV Stand Out in 2025
Refresh your resume with Adecco’s expert tips for 2025! Create an ATS-friendly resume, highlight your skills, and stand out to hiring managers today.
6 minutes
5th of February, 2025 Adecco
Refresh your resume with Adecco’s tips! Create an ATS-friendly, standout CV to impress recruiters and land your dream job in 2025. Apply with Adecco now!

A strong and polished resume is no longer optional; in 2025, it's essential. Whether you're launching your career, making a career shift, or aiming for a promotion, your resume is the first step to landing that dream job. The job market is evolving, and with the rise of applicant tracking systems (ATS) and AI-driven hiring processes, presenting a professional resume that stands out is your ticket to success.
This guide will arm you with actionable resume tips to help you shine in a competitive job market. From understanding resume formatting to optimizing for ATS and showcasing your skills to impress recruiters and hiring managers, we’ll cover everything you need to create an ATS-friendly, stand-out resume.
The Importance of a Professional Resume in 2025
The job market is more competitive than ever, with hiring managers receiving hundreds – even thousands – of applications for a single role. Here’s why your resume must adapt to current trends:
-
The Impact of ATS: Applicant tracking systems are AI software that sift through resumes to identify candidates who match the job description. Including relevant keywords can make or break your chances.
-
Recruiter Screening: A recruiter spends roughly 7 seconds scanning a resume. To impress, your resume needs to grab attention from the header to the final bullet point.
-
Dynamic Job Market: Career paths are shifting. Many job seekers are transitioning industries or acquiring new skills, which requires a resume that conveys a clear, compelling narrative.
Crafting a professional resume that aligns with the latest trends ensures your career doesn't stay stagnant in this increasingly fast-changing world.
Building the Foundation of a Winning Resume
Every great resume starts with a solid foundation. Here’s how to build yours:
Choose the Right Resume Format
Your resume format should reflect your career story:
-
Chronological Resume: Best for professionals with steady work history over several years.
-
Functional Resume: Ideal for career changers or those with gaps in their work experience, as it highlights relevant skills over work history.
-
Modern Resume: Combines both with a sleek design perfect for the digital-first job market.
Create a Stand-Out Resume Header
At the top of your resume, include:
-
Name
-
Contact information (phone number, email)
-
LinkedIn profile (or relevant online portfolio)
Ensure your resume header is clean and professional—it’s often the first thing recruiters notice.
Write a Compelling Resume Summary
Use the resume summary to give recruiters a snapshot of your career:
-
Tailor it to your career goals and highlight relevant experience.
-
Example:
"Dynamic project manager with 7 years of experience in data analysis and team collaboration. Proven track record of exceeding goals by 25% and solving complex problems through innovative strategies."
Resume Sections That Shine
Each section of your resume should convey value. Here’s how to optimize each one:
Work History
The work experience section is central to your resume:
-
Use action verbs to describe your accomplishments (e.g., "collaborated," "led," "streamlined").
-
Focus on metrics like percentages and data analysis to demonstrate impact.
Example:
"Improved team efficiency by 30% through updated project management practices."
Skills Section
Highlight both hard skills (e.g., proficiency in Microsoft Excel) and soft skills (e.g., teamwork, problem-solving) relevant to your job application. Tailor this list to the job posting to increase ATS compatibility.
Education Section
Go beyond listing your degree:
-
Include certifications that signal career progression or new skills (e.g., PMP certification for project managers).
-
Mention relevant coursework for roles that align with your academic background.
Tailoring Your Resume for Success
Customizing your resume for each job is no longer optional – it’s the key to success. Here’s how to tailor your approach:
Analyze the Job Posting
Break down the job title, description, and required skills. Integrate this language into your resume sections to resonate with hiring managers and ATS.
Use Resume Templates and Builders
Leverage resume templates or a resume builder to ensure formatting is ATS-friendly. We have developed an AI-powered tool that creates a personalized resume in less than three minutes. Get started now and start applying to jobs with your new customized resume!
Match Industry Standards
Different industries value different resumes. A specific job in tech may prioritize data-heavy stats, while a creative role might call for innovative resume design.
Enhancing Your Online Presence
Your resume doesn’t operate in isolation. Improving your online brand boosts your credibility with potential employers.
Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile
Employers often check an applicant’s LinkedIn profile after scanning their resume. Optimize it with:
-
A professional headline.
-
Detailed work experience that aligns with your resume.
-
Recommendations and endorsements for top skills.
Manage Social Media
Maintain a professional digital footprint. Delete unprofessional posts and ensure your profiles reflect your brand.
Resume Writing and Design Tips
Here are some best practices to make your resume both effective and reader-friendly:
-
Use a clean font like Arial or Calibri.
-
Prioritize white space for ease of reading.
-
Format dates and jobs in chronological order to avoid confusion.
-
Reference resume examples for inspiration when stuck.
For added impact, pair readable design with bullet points to emphasize key parts of your career.
Final Steps to Perfect Your Resume
Even the best resumes need refinement—don’t skip these final steps:
Proofread for Perfection
Catch spelling and grammar errors by proofreading your resume. Tools like Grammarly can help, or seek professional advice from a resume writer.
Test Your ATS Compatibility
Run your resume through an ATS-friendly checker to ensure it meets modern standards.
Add a Tailored Cover Letter
A tailored cover letter complements your resume while showcasing your passion for the new role.
Refresh Your Resume for Career Growth
A friendly resume may open doors, but a polished, professional one can catapult your career growth to new heights. With the right format, relevant keywords, and compelling work history, you can make your career stand out in 2025. Take these tips, refresh your resume, and prepare to step confidently into your next adventure.
Need help crafting the perfect CV? Start your resume refresh today using our free resume builder tool and take your job search to the next level.
Once you’re done revamping your resume, apply to our job openings to start your new career journey with Adecco. Let us help you unlock opportunities and achieve your career goals! Apply Now and make 2025 the year of your professional success.