How to Make Your CV Stand Out in 2025: Expert Tips from Barker Ross Recruitment

A woman is writing in a notebook while sitting at a table with a cup of coffee.

In today's fast-paced job market, your CV is more than just a summary of your work experience — it's your first impression. And in 2025, standing out from the competition is more important than ever. At Barker Ross Recruitment, we see thousands of CVs each month, and we know what makes the difference between landing an interview — or being overlooked.

Here’s our expert guide to making your CV stand out in 2025 and beyond:

✅ 1. Tailor Your CV for Every Role

Generic CVs no longer cut it. Employers expect to see clear relevance between your experience and the role they’re hiring for.

🔹 Top Tip from Barker Ross: Before applying, study the job description and align your skills and accomplishments to the specific requirements. Use keywords from the posting to pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

🧠 2. Highlight Future-Focused Skills

The world of work is evolving. Employers are not only interested in what you’ve done, but also in what you’re capable of learning and adapting to.

🔥 In-demand skills in 2025 include:

AI and digital literacy
Emotional intelligence
Data interpretation
Remote collaboration tools
Sustainability awareness

Barker Ross recruiters recommend listing any digital tools or tech platforms you’ve mastered, especially if they’re common in your industry.

📝 3. Structure It for Clarity and Impact

A sleek, well-organised CV makes a great impression. Stick to clean fonts, bullet points for responsibilities, and clear section headers.

Format checklist:

Professional summary at the top (2–3 sentences max)
Key skills section
Reverse-chronological work history
Education and certifications
Optional: relevant achievements, volunteer work, or personal interests

💡 Pro Tip from Barker Ross Recruitment: Use quantifiable results where possible. Instead of saying “managed a team,” say “led a team of 8 staff to exceed targets by 15% in 6 months.”

🎯 4. Lead with a Strong Personal Statement

Your personal statement should be a short, punchy overview of who you are, what you bring to the table, and what you’re looking for.

Example:
"Results-driven logistics coordinator with 5+ years of experience optimising supply chain processes across the UK. Seeking to bring operational excellence and innovation to a forward-thinking employer through Barker Ross Recruitment’s extensive employer network."

📲 5. Include LinkedIn and Online Profiles

Your digital footprint matters. Include a link to your LinkedIn profile or personal portfolio website, especially if you're in a creative or tech-focused industry.

If you’ve worked with Barker Ross, consider adding a brief note like:
"Currently represented by Barker Ross Recruitment for roles in industrial and logistics sectors."

🧩 6. Be Authentic and Human

Recruiters and employers want to get a sense of the real person behind the CV. Don’t be afraid to inject some personality into your achievements and interests — as long as it stays professional.

🔍 Let Barker Ross Help You Get Noticed

At Barker Ross Recruitment, we do more than forward CVs — we guide jobseekers through every step of the hiring journey. From CV feedback to interview prep, we’re here to help you present the best version of yourself.

If you're unsure whether your CV is up to scratch, our expert consultants are happy to offer advice. Whether you're in logistics, food manufacturing, construction, or commercial sectors, our team knows what employers are really looking for in 2025.