How to Write a CV That Gets Noticed by Recruiters (The 2025 ATS Guide)
The average recruiter spends just 6 seconds scanning a CV before deciding “Yes” or “No.”
Even worse, before it reaches a human, your CV has to pass through an ATS (Applicant Tracking System)—software that filters out up to 75% of applicants automatically because they didn’t use the right keywords or formatting.
If you are applying for dozens of remote jobs and getting zero replies, your skills aren’t the problem. Your document is.
Learning how to write a CV that gets noticed isn’t about making it look “pretty” with Canva graphics (which actually confuse the bots). It is about structuring your data so both humans and machines see your value instantly.
This guide will teach you the “Google Formula” for bullet points, how to optimize for remote roles, and the exact layout that wins interviews in 2025.
Part 1: The “F-Pattern” Layout (Structure Matters)
Recruiters read in an ‘F’ shape: Top left, across, and down the left side.
If your important info is hidden in the bottom right corner, it won’t be seen.
- Contact Info: Keep it simple. Name, Phone, Email, and LinkedIn URL. (Do not include your full home address for privacy).
- The Professional Summary: Ditch the old “Objective” statement (e.g., “Looking for a job to learn…”). Instead, use a “Summary” that acts as an elevator pitch.
- Bad: “Hardworking student looking for marketing roles.”
- Good: “SEO-focused Content Marketer with 2 years of experience driving organic traffic for SaaS startups.”
Pro Tip: Do you have samples of your work? Include a link to your portfolio right at the top. If you don’t have one yet, read our guide on How to Build a Freelance Portfolio with No Experience to create one this weekend.
Part 2: The “Google Formula” for Experience
Stop listing duties. Start listing results.
Most beginners write CVs that look like job descriptions: “Responsible for sales,” “Answered emails,” “Managed social media.” This tells the recruiter what you did, but not how well you did it.
To learn how to write a CV that gets noticed, use Laszlo Bock’s (former VP at Google) formula:
“Accomplished [X] as measured by [Y], by doing [Z].”
Examples:
- Bad: “Managed the company Twitter account.”
- Better: “Grew Twitter following by 20% (X) in 3 months (Y) by implementing a daily video content strategy (Z).”
- Bad: “Wrote blog posts.”
- Better: “Wrote 10 SEO-optimized articles (X) that generated 5,000 monthly views (Y) using Ahrefs keyword research (Z).”
Why this works: Numbers pop off the page. Even if you are a student, you can quantify your class projects or volunteer work.
Part 3: Beating the Bots (ATS Optimization)
If the software can’t read it, you don’t exist.
Many candidates use fancy two-column templates with photos, icons, and skill bars. This is a mistake. ATS software often cannot read graphics or tables, meaning your CV arrives as a blank page.
The Rules for a Robot-Friendly CV:
- File Type: Always use PDF or Word (.docx). Never use PNG or JPEG.
- No Columns: Stick to a single-column layout. It scans better.
- Standard Headings: Use “Experience” and “Education.” Don’t get creative with “My Journey” or “Where I’ve Been.”
- Keywords: Read the job description. If they ask for “Project Management,” do not write “Team Leading.” Use the exact words they use.
Part 4: The “Remote-Ready” Signal
Specific advice for the 2025 market.
If you are applying for a work-from-home role, you need to prove you can work without a manager standing over your shoulder.
In your “Skills” section, explicitly list Remote Collaboration Tools.
Add these keywords if you know them:
- Async Communication: Slack, Microsoft Teams, Discord.
- Project Management: Trello, Notion, Asana, Jira.
- Video Conferencing: Zoom, Google Meet.
Listing these tools shows the recruiter: “I don’t need training; I can plug into your remote team on Day 1.”
Looking for roles? Once your CV is polished, don’t just apply on Indeed. Check our list of The Top 5 Companies That Hire Remote Workers to find employers who value these specific skills.
Part 5: The “LinkedIn Sync”
Your CV is the hook; LinkedIn is the closer.
90% of recruiters will check your LinkedIn profile immediately after reading your CV. If your CV says you are a “Graphic Designer” but your LinkedIn says “Student,” you look suspicious.
- Ensure dates and job titles match exactly.
- Upload your CV PDF to your LinkedIn “Featured” section.
Need to create a network? A great CV gets you in the door, but a brand keeps you there. Read How to Start a Personal Brand as an Influencer to make recruiters come to you.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to write a CV that gets noticed is a skill that pays dividends for your entire career.
Remember: The goal of the CV is not to get the job—it is to get the interview.
Keep it under 2 pages. Focus on metrics and results. Remove the fluff. And most importantly, tailor the keywords for every single application.
Next Step: Once your CV is ready, you need to send it with a message. Do not use a generic template. Read our guide on How to Use AI to Write a Cover Letter to ensure your email is just as strong as your resume.
