Whether you’re actively searching for a new job or just open to the right opportunity, you’re in good company. According to BCG, about 41% of people are open to a job change if the right offer comes along, even though they aren’t actively searching. For those who are actively looking, the numbers vary between 1 in 10 and 1 in 4.
Whichever camp you fall into, competition is fierce. So, whether you’re returning to work, exploring new industries, or chasing your dream job, standing out has never been more important.
But what’s actually working right now? From CVs to cover letters, LinkedIn profiles to AI-powered interviews, here’s everything you need to know to about getting noticed and landing your dream job in 2025.
Let’s start with some hard truths:
The takeaway? While your CV is still important, success in 2025 comes down to the three P’s: being Present, Prepared, and Proactive.
While you might see headlines about big brands ditching CVs altogether (think Joe & the Juice), for most industries, you can’t quite get away with not having one. Or worse, having a poor one.
Your CV is still your first introduction to most employers, and in 2025, it needs to work smart. It’s not enough to just list your experience anymore, your CV should clearly and concisely show your value, and in a way that grabs attention, whether from a recruiter or an applicant tracking system (ATS).
Here’s how to make your CV stand out:
Most hiring processes rely on ATS software to screen CVs. You might have heard the claim that “75% of applications are rejected before a human even sees them”, but this isn’t entirely accurate. ATS systems are primarily designed to streamline and organise the hiring process - not eliminate candidates outright.
That said, ATS can still filter out CVs that aren’t formatted correctly or don’t include relevant keywords. To make sure yours makes it through:
Remember, ATS isn’t your enemy; it’s just a tool. So, by understanding how it works, you can use it to your advantage.
AI can help write a CV, but if it feels too generic or it’s packed full of AI-buzzwords, it might turn employers off.
In an interview with the New York Post, one recruitment leader said of AI generated CV’s:
“A good recruiter can spot an AI-written application from a mile away. It signals to me that the person may not know what they are talking about or how to blend AI-generated content with their own ideas.”
Employers are looking for candidates who can demonstrate individuality and genuine insight into their own experiences. While AI can save you time, don’t let it overshadow your personality or make your CV feel robotic.
If you’re in a creative or technical field, a portfolio might be essential. A CV might list your skills and achievements, but a portfolio allows you to demonstrate them in action.
Whether it’s a design project, data analysis, or a marketing campaign, showing tangible examples of your work can give potential employers confidence in your abilities - which just might give you the edge over another candidate.
Yes - and no. While cover letters aren’t always required, they’re still a great way to stand out. Consider this:
Around 70% of employers favour cover letters that are half a page or shorter, so keep it brief. Use the space to:
If you’re not on LinkedIn, you’re already behind. Recruiters may check LinkedIn before even reading your CV, and a strong profile can boost your chances of being invited to interview.
What’s more, a strong LinkedIn profile can also increase your chances of being approached directly by a recruiter. With access to powerful data analytics tools, recruiters and hiring managers use LinkedIn to both find and engage with suitable passive and active job seekers. That means an up-to-date profile and frequent activity can help you get noticed by the right people.
Here’s how to make yours shine:
Interviews have come a long way since sitting across a desk with a hiring manager! These days, you might come across:
AI-powered chatbots are a fairly new innovation that may be used in the early stages of hiring. Typically, they can conduct pre-screening interviews, ask standardised questions, and even analyse your responses for tone, content, and relevance.
How to prep:
While pre-recorded video interviews aren’t as common as live interviews, they are being used more frequently, particularly in the early stages of hiring.
Instead of interacting with a recruiter, you’ll respond to a set of pre-defined questions, with your answers recorded for later review. This format can feel a bit daunting - it’s just you, the camera, and the clock - but with the right prep, you can make a great impression.
How to succeed:
According to a survey by CIPD, 67% of employers now use tasks or assessments to better gauge a candidate’s suitability for a role. These tests, which can include case studies, projects, or practical exercises, are designed to evaluate your skills and how you approach real-world challenges.
How to approach them:
While the job market might feel a bit tricky or overwhelming at the minute, try not to panic. With the right prep – whether that’s improving your CV, polishing your LinkedIn profile, or knowing how to ace a video interview – you can boost your chances and take steps towards landing your dream job in 2025.