The New Year is a natural time for reflection. For many tech professionals, it’s a chance to think about their careers, explore new opportunities, and, when the time feels right, update their CVs.

But crafting a standout CV in 2025 takes more than just updating job titles or adding a skill or two. To get a better understanding of what makes a CV truly shine, we spoke with Raj, a Senior Recruiter at Bolt who has hired for numerous tech roles. According to Raj, hiring managers aren’t just looking for a list of tasks—they’re looking for impact. They want to know how you’ve contributed, what you’ve achieved, and why you’re someone worth investing in.

1. Highlight achievements, not just responsibilities

When describing your experience, it’s tempting to list the tasks you were responsible for. But job descriptions don’t differentiate you from others in similar roles. What sets you apart are the results you delivered.

For example, instead of saying:

• “Managed cloud infrastructure.”

You could write:

• “Redesigned cloud infrastructure, reducing downtime by 35% and saving £100,000 annually.”

That simple shift shows your contribution, not just your duties. Think about what you’ve done in each role that improved processes, saved time or money, or solved a challenging problem.

Ask yourself these questions for each role:

• What problem did I solve?
• How did my work make a difference?
• Can I quantify the results?

2. Give your skills context

A list of programming languages, tools, and frameworks isn’t enough anymore. Employers want to see how you’ve used those skills to address challenges or create value.

For example, instead of saying:

• “Proficient in React.”

You could say:

• “Developed a user-friendly dashboard using React, reducing data retrieval times by 50% and improving customer satisfaction scores.”

By framing your skills with real-world examples, you demonstrate their practical value and your ability to apply them effectively.

3. Make your projects count

Projects are often the most compelling part of a tech CV. Whether they’re personal side projects, open-source contributions, or major initiatives at work, they provide tangible proof of your abilities.

When including projects, don’t stop at just listing them. Explain what the project was, your role, the tools you used, and the results.

Example:

• Instead of: “Worked on a machine learning project.”
• Write: “Developed a predictive maintenance tool for equipment, reducing downtime by 25% and saving £500,000 annually.”

4. Back it up with numbers

Metrics give weight to your accomplishments. They help hiring managers understand the scale of your work and the results you’ve achieved.

Examples:

• “Optimised deployment pipelines, reducing release times from 6 hours to 2 hours.”
• “Improved system performance by 20%, leading to faster load times and a better user experience.”

Even if you don’t have exact data, estimates can still be powerful. Saying you “increased efficiency by approximately 15%” is much better than leaving it vague.

5. Avoid the generic CV traps

A generic CV might feel quicker to write, but it’s less likely to stand out. Tailoring your CV doesn’t mean rewriting it for every application. It’s about emphasising the parts of your experience that align with the specific job.

Here’s what to avoid:

• Overused phrases: Words like “team player” or “results-driven” don’t say much unless backed by examples.
• Dense paragraphs: Use bullet points to make your CV easier to read.
• Irrelevant details: Focus on what’s most relevant to the role you’re targeting.

6. Trends to watch in 2025

The way we work and hire continues to evolve, and tech CVs need to keep pace. Here are some trends to consider:

• AI Integration: Employers value candidates with experience in AI-driven projects, whether that’s automation, machine learning, or AI-powered tools.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Show how you’ve worked with teams outside of tech, like product or marketing, to deliver business outcomes.

7. Keep your CV updated

Your CV is never truly “finished.” As your career evolves, your CV should grow with it. Regularly review and update it to reflect your most recent achievements, skills, and certifications.

💡 Tip: Schedule a quarterly check-in to refine your CV. Add new accomplishments, update metrics, and ensure it stays relevant to your career goals.

 Final thoughts

A great tech CV in 2025 highlights your achievements, contextualises your skills, and demonstrates your impact. It’s about more than listing jobs and skills—it’s about showcasing the value you bring to a team.

Take the time to tell your story clearly and effectively. Reflect on your accomplishments, tailor your CV to each role, and let your projects and results do the talking.