What is your CV worth?
- donnan80
- May 12, 2019
- 11 min read
Updated: Aug 24
Introduction: Why CVs Have Changed.
Your CV is no longer just a list of jobs; it’s your personal marketing tool. In 2025, hiring managers, recruiters, and even artificial intelligence systems expect more than a simple record of work history. They want clarity, evidence of impact, and an authentic sense of who you are as a professional. With the rise of applicant tracking systems (ATS), increased use of AI in recruitment, and the demand for candidates who can demonstrate measurable achievements, the rules of CV writing have shifted.
This blog explores what makes an effective CV in 2025, how you can adapt your approach, and what pitfalls to avoid. Whether you’re just starting out or an experienced professional, these tips will help you stand out in a crowded job market.
Know Your Worth.
A CV is more than a document; it is a statement of your professional worth. Too often, job seekers undervalue their skills and experience, which leads to selling themselves short in applications. Recognising your worth means understanding not only what you can do, but also the measurable impact you have made. When you know your worth, you can present yourself with confidence, pitch yourself at the right salary level, and highlight achievements that show your value to future employers.
Once you recognise your worth, the next step is to understand how the job market values your skills.
Understanding Your CV’s Value.
Before tailoring your CV, you need to know the value of your skills and experience. One way to do this is by analysing job advertisements within your sector. Look at multiple adverts and note the salary ranges offered, from entry-level to senior roles. This provides a benchmark for your own positioning.
Entry-level applicants: Average out salaries for graduate or junior posts to set your expectations.
Mid-level (2–3 years’ experience): Pitch yourself around the midpoint of the salary band.
Experienced professionals (5+ years, Level 4+ qualifications): Aim for the higher end of the scale.
Websites like Prospects, National Careers Service, and NI Direct Careers can give you an idea of typical salaries. You can also use CV value checkers such as Adzuna’s Value My CV, which scan your document and estimate your market worth.
Remember, location matters. For example, Northern Ireland has lower average pay rates than Great Britain, partly due to lower housing costs. Being aware of regional and sector variations helps you set realistic goals when applying.
Tailoring Your CV: One Size Does Not Fit All.
A CV in 2025 must be tailored for every job you apply for. Generic CVs are easy to spot and often ignored. Recruiters and ATS software are both looking for alignment between the job description and your skills.
Start by selecting three job adverts in your target field. Highlight the repeated keywords and required skills. Then weave these naturally into your professional summary, work experience, and skills sections. This not only demonstrates relevance but also increases your chances of getting through ATS screening.
Optional but Valuable Sections.
Sometimes including additional sections can add weight to your CV without overwhelming it. These work best when they reinforce your candidacy and provide evidence of credibility:
Certifications: Industry-recognised qualifications that prove your skills.
Publications: Articles, research, or white papers that demonstrate expertise.
Volunteer Activities: Highlight transferable skills such as leadership, organisation, or teamwork.
Professional Memberships: Show engagement with your field and commitment to professional development.
Notable Projects: Specific initiatives or assignments that showcase your abilities.
Use these strategically; the aim is to strengthen your application, not to clutter your narrative.
Projects and Extra-Curricular Achievements
For early-career professionals, graduates, or career changers, projects and extra-curricular achievements can make a significant difference. They provide opportunities to demonstrate transferable skills that may not be fully reflected in traditional job experience. Examples include leading a university society, managing a community event, or delivering a freelance project. Each example should be presented with the same clarity as professional achievements, showing outcomes and skills developed.
Keeping It ATS-Friendly.
Applicant Tracking Systems are the gatekeepers of modern recruitment. Around 70–80% of CVs never reach human eyes because they don’t pass ATS filters. To avoid rejection:
Use standard section headings like Work Experience, Education, and Skills.
Stick to clean formatting with no graphics, tables, or unusual fonts.
Include keywords from job adverts, but in a natural way.
Save your CV as a Word document or PDF, avoiding images that ATS cannot scan.
Focus on Achievements, Not Duties.
One of the biggest shifts in 2025 is the emphasis on achievements over responsibilities. Employers don’t just want to know what you did; they want proof of the impact you made.
Instead of writing:
“Managed a team of five staff.”
Try:
“Managed a team of five, increasing project efficiency by 20% through improved workflow systems.”
Whenever possible, use numbers, percentages, or specific outcomes. These measurable results make your CV stand out and show you can deliver value.
Crafting a Strong Professional Summary.
Your professional summary is often the first section a recruiter reads. Keep it short, 2 to 4 sentences, and make it a snapshot of your value.
Bad example: “Hard-working professional with good communication skills, looking for a job in marketing.”
Strong example: “Marketing Manager with 7+ years’ experience delivering global campaigns. Specialises in lead generation, digital strategy, and cross-team collaboration, with a proven record of increasing brand engagement by 35%.”
This statement demonstrates expertise, achievements, and ambition all in one concise paragraph.
Showcasing Your Skills.
Recruiters increasingly look for skills first. Highlight both hard and soft skills, but make them evidence-based.
Instead of:
“Good communicator at all levels.”
Write:
“Skilled at delivering complex medical information to patients and families with sensitivity, while liaising effectively with consultants and nursing staff.”
By framing skills with examples, you demonstrate competency rather than making empty claims.
Power Words That Make a Difference.
The language you use matters. Action verbs and power words trigger stronger responses from recruiters and make your CV dynamic. Words like orchestrated, implemented, executed, delivered, optimised, and innovated give energy to your achievements.
For example:
“Orchestrated a £1m product launch campaign, achieving a 40% increase in sales within six months.”
Compare this to:
“Helped with product launch.”
The difference is dramatic.
The Role of Multimedia and Digital Enhancements.
In some sectors, particularly creative, digital, and marketing roles, adding multimedia elements can help your CV stand out. QR codes linking to a portfolio, video introductions, or interactive CVs are becoming more common. If you work in a traditional field, however, keep it simple. Always prioritise clarity and ATS compatibility.
Authenticity is More Important Than Ever.
Recruiters are increasingly using AI and background checks to verify information. Even small exaggerations can be detected and damage your credibility. Be honest about your skills and experience. If you lack something, focus on transferable skills, professional development, or evidence of learning.
Structure and Length.
The recommended order for a CV in 2025 is:
Contact Details
Professional Summary
Skills and Achievements
Work Experience
Education
Training / Volunteering / Awards
Referees (or “Available on request”)
Optional: Hobbies and Interests, include only if they are relevant or show transferable skills (for example, captain of a sports team demonstrating leadership).
Length matters. Aim for one page if possible, two at most. Recruiters spend an average of 7–10 seconds scanning a CV, so keep it concise.
Example CV: Master’s Graduate in International Business.
Here’s a sample CV layout that brings the principles we’ve discussed to life. This example shows how a recent graduate can present their academic expertise, transferable skills, and early career experience in a way that highlights value and employability.
Johanna Smyth.
Belfast | M: 0123456789 | E: johnanna@anymail.com.
International Business Master Graduate | Business Analyst and Innovative Thinker.
Career Statement.
Versatile International Business Graduate familiar with global market analysis and cross-cultural management best practices. Offering academic research and industry internship experience, with a special focus on international trade, market entry strategies, and cultural communication. Analytical and organised professional, comfortable working independently or as part of a team. Excellent reputation for research quality, problem-solving, and contributing innovative insights. Currently looking for a suitable position with a reputable company in the international business sector.
Key Skills & Competencies.
Global Market Analysis – Skilled in interpreting international market trends and consumer behaviours to support strategic growth.
Cross-Cultural Management – Experienced in overcoming cultural barriers and fostering effective collaboration within multinational teams.
Data Analysis – Proficient in SPSS and Stata, with the ability to transform complex datasets into clear, actionable insights.
Project Management – Adept at planning, coordinating, and delivering projects to deadline while managing competing priorities.
Research & Writing – Proven ability to conduct high-quality academic and professional research, producing published articles and clear reports.
Communication & Collaboration – Strong interpersonal and presentation skills, confident in simplifying complex ideas and engaging diverse audiences.
Work History
Business Analyst Intern | [Company Name], [City] | June 2022 – August 2023.
Provided analytical support on international projects, focusing on market entry strategies and consumer behaviour.
● Contributed to a project developing a market entry strategy for an Asian market, influencing a proposal estimated to expand revenue by 12%.
● Analysed consumer behaviour data using SPSS, producing insights that helped refine marketing campaigns and boost engagement by 15%.
● Collaborated with cross-functional teams to prepare reports and presentations for senior stakeholders, improving decision-making speed.
Research Assistant | [University Department], [University Name] | September 2021 – May 2022.
Supported faculty-led research on international trade laws and contributed to academic publications.
● Co-authored a peer-reviewed article published in the Journal of International Business Studies.
● Conducted literature reviews and data collection, enhancing the project’s accuracy and saving researchers an estimated 30+ hours.
● Assisted in presenting findings at academic conferences, increasing the visibility of the research team’s work.
Teaching Assistant | [University Name], Dept. of International Business | September 2020 – June 2021.
Facilitated undergraduate learning in International Economics and supported teaching staff with course delivery.
● Led weekly tutorials for 50+ students, raising class participation and improving average assessment results by 10%.
● Designed exam materials and graded coursework with a 100% on-time completion rate, ensuring academic standards were met.
● Provided one-to-one guidance to struggling students, contributing to a 15% improvement in pass rates.
Education
Master of International Business – Queen’s University Belfast – Graduated: [Month, Year].
Thesis: Impact of Cross-Cultural Communication on Multinational Corporations.
Conducted in-depth research on communication barriers in multinational firms.
Developed practical methodologies for cross-cultural training programmes.
Bachelor of Business Administration – Queen’s University Belfast – Graduated: [Month, Year] Specialisation: Marketing.
Certifications & Skills
Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP).
Fluent in English and Mandarin.
Proficient in SPSS, Stata, and Microsoft Office Suite.
Expertise in market research, statistical analysis, and project management.
Professional Affiliations
Member, Academy of International Business.
Member, Strategic Management Society.
Conferences & Publications
Presenter, 2023 International Business Conference, New York.
Author, “Cultural Influence in Global Marketing” – [Journal Name], 2023.
Additional Information
Volunteer Coordinator, [Local NGO], organising international culture festivals.
Interests: travel photography, hiking, and learning new languages.
References available upon request.
Practical Formatting Tips.
Use a clean, professional font (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman).
Keep font size between 10–12pt.
Use bullet points for clarity.
Include your name and phone number in the header or footer of every page.
Save your file with a clear name: Firstname.Lastname.JobSector.CV
for example, Jane.Smith.ProjectManager.CV
Leveraging AI and Online Tools.
AI is now built into many recruitment processes, but it can also help job seekers. Tools like Adzuna’s CV checker or CV builder platforms can provide a starting point, but never rely solely on them. Always review and personalise the output to ensure your CV reflects your authentic voice and strengths.
Using ChatGPT to Draft Your CV.
One of the most powerful tools available to job seekers in 2025 is ChatGPT. With the right prompts, you can save time, overcome writer’s block, and generate a first draft of your CV that you can then edit and refine.
Here are some example prompts to try:
“Write a professional summary for a CV of a project manager with 5 years of experience in IT, focusing on leadership, problem-solving, and team achievements.”
“Generate 6 bullet points of measurable achievements for a sales executive who has increased revenue by 20% year-on-year.”
“Rewrite this job duty into a strong achievement statement for a CV: managed a team of 10 customer service staff.”
“Suggest 10 power words I can use in my CV to replace passive language.”
“Format a CV for a recent graduate applying for an entry-level marketing role, keeping it ATS-friendly.”
When using ChatGPT, remember that the output is a starting point. Always personalise the content to reflect your real achievements and ensure the language sounds like you. ChatGPT is excellent for generating structure and ideas, but your CV must remain authentic, using your own words and style so that it truly represents you.
Regional Differences: CVs vs Resumes Around the World.
When writing your CV, it is also important to understand regional differences. A CV is not the same everywhere, and expectations vary across the UK, Europe, the USA, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia.
United Kingdom and Europe
A CV is the standard application document.
It is usually 1–2 pages, concise, and tailored to each job.
Employers expect a professional summary, measurable achievements, and clear formatting.
In some European countries, such as Germany, longer CVs (3+ pages) are still acceptable, often including detailed education and training history.
United States
The term resume is used instead of CV.
A resume is normally 1 page in length, very concise, and highly achievement-focused.
Resumes rarely include personal details such as age, marital status, or a photo, as these can be viewed as discriminatory.
A CV in the US is used only for academic or research roles and can be much longer.
Africa
Practices vary widely depending on the country, but many employers expect a CV rather than a resume.
Some regions still accept longer CVs (2–4 pages) with detailed personal information such as date of birth or nationality.
Increasingly, global companies operating in Africa prefer concise, ATS-friendly CVs similar to UK and European standards.
Middle East
CVs are more detailed and often longer than in the UK or US, typically 2–3 pages.
Personal details such as nationality, marital status, and sometimes a photograph are still common practice.
Employers expect a full account of education, work history, and training, with less emphasis on brevity.
Asia
In countries such as India, China, and Japan, CVs tend to be more detailed, with personal information (age, gender, marital status) often included.
Photographs are sometimes requested, especially in Japan and China.
International companies based in Asia may prefer a more Western-style, concise CV, but local employers often expect a longer, comprehensive version.
Australia
The CV format is similar to the UK.
A 2-page CV is standard, focusing on achievements, skills, and relevant experience.
Australian employers expect clear and direct language, without unnecessary detail.
Personal details like date of birth or marital status are not typically included.
Understanding these differences is essential if you are applying internationally. Always check the norms of the country and industry you are targeting before submitting your application.
Key Takeaways for Your CV.
Your CV is no longer just a list of jobs. It’s a marketing tool that must show your worth and impact.
Recruiters and AI systems look for clarity, measurable achievements, and keywords that match the role.
Tailoring your CV to each application is essential; a generic CV risks being filtered out.
Analyse job adverts to understand employer expectations and benchmark your skills against market demand.
Use strong action verbs, results-driven language, and evidence of impact to stand out.
Avoid common pitfalls: overloading with responsibilities, vague summaries, or ignoring ATS optimisation.
A well-crafted CV builds confidence, opens doors, and positions you for the opportunities you deserve.
Conclusion: Invest in the Details.
An effective CV in 2025 is tailored, achievement-focused, ATS-friendly, and authentic. It reflects your value through measurable results and demonstrates both your skills and your personality. While tailoring takes more time, the payoff is huge. A strong CV gets you noticed, moves you past the algorithms, and puts your application into human hands.
So, whether you’re applying for a role worth £18,000 or £80,000, remember: the details matter. Your CV isn’t just a record of what you’ve done, it’s a showcase of who you are and the value you bring. Invest in it, refine it, and let it work for you.
Final Thought: A tailored CV may take longer to craft, but in today’s job market, it’s one of the smartest career investments you can make.
Paula Donnan
Career Coach and Employability Trainer
Got a career dilemma?
📧 Drop me a line: info@donnancoachingservices.com
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