11 proven ways to make your tech CV stand out in 2025

If you’re aiming for your next developer, data, or DevOps role in 2025, your tech CV is your launchpad. Whether it’s scanned by an ATS or reviewed by a hiring team, a well-structured CV helps you cut through the noise and show the real impact of your work.

Let’s break down how to get it right.

1. Quantify your achievements with hard data

The strongest CVs show impact, not tasks. Skip vague lines like "Improved app performance." Instead, back it up with results:

"Optimised API response time by 42%, reduced cloud costs by £15,000 annually, and increased user satisfaction scores by 28%."

Use numbers wherever you can, such as performance gains, uptime, cost savings, or user growth. Even modest data points show you understand business value, not just code.

2. Focus on clarity and consistency

Your CV should be effortless to scan. Use one layout, one font style, and one format for dates and bullet points. Avoid creative templates or icons that confuse ATS software.

Keep the flow predictable: Summary → Technical Skills → Experience → Education → Certifications → Projects.

This makes life easier for recruiters and helps AI tools interpret your experience correctly.

3. Use an ATS-friendly CV format

If an ATS can’t read it, no one else will. Stick to:

• A clean, single-column layout

• Standard fonts (Arial, Calibri, Helvetica)

• No tables, graphics, or text boxes

Use simple section titles like Work Experience and Technical Skills. Save as .docx unless the employer asks for a PDF, and test it by pasting it into Notepad. If it still looks neat, you’re good.

4. Build a structured technical skills section

Your skills section should tell a story, not read like a grocery list. Group technologies logically:

• Languages: Python, JavaScript (ES6+), Go

• Frameworks: React, Node.js, Spring Boot

• Databases: PostgreSQL, MongoDB

• Cloud: AWS, GCP, Azure

• Tools & Methods: Docker, CI/CD, Agile

Focus on relevance, not volume. Only include tools you’d be happy to discuss in detail.

Another pro move: show where you used each technology. Instead of listing "AWS," write:

Deployed scalable APIs on AWS Lambda handling 10K+ daily transactions.

🎧 On hackajob, this happens automatically. When you upload your CV, our system maps your skills to each role, so employers can instantly see what you used and where.

5. Write experience descriptions that show results

Recruiters skim quickly. What stops them is evidence of outcomes. Use the CAR method (Context, Action, Result):

"Led migration from monolithic architecture to microservices (C), implemented 12 containerised services with Docker and Kubernetes (A), improved scalability by 200% and reduced deployment time from hours to minutes (R)."

Start bullets with verbs that show ownership: Built, Led, Designed, Improved, Automated. Avoid "helped with" or "responsible for."

6. Add side projects and open source work

Projects outside your day job show initiative and curiosity. Include 2–3 examples that highlight relevant tech:

• Short description of what you built

• Tech stack used

• What impact it had

• GitHub or live link

According to the 2024 Stack Overflow developer survey, roughly one-quarter of developers (25%) actively contribute to open-source projects in their spare time, and an even larger share code as a hobby or for learning.

Showcasing these passion projects on your CV can give you an edge. It demonstrates genuine enthusiasm for technology, self-motivation, and extra experience beyond your job title.

7. Highlight certifications and continuous learning

Certifications aren’t everything, but they can tip the scale, especially in cloud, DevOps, and security.

List recognised ones like:

• AWS Certified Solutions Architect

• Google Professional Cloud Developer

• Microsoft Azure Developer Associate

• Certified Kubernetes Administrator

Add credible courses too, such as "Advanced React Patterns (Frontend Masters, 2024)" or "Generative AI for Developers (Coursera, 2025)."

8. Avoid easy-to-miss CV mistakes

Small errors can undo a great profile. Watch for:

• Typos or inconsistent formatting

• Casual email addresses (use firstname.lastname@domain.com)

• Buzzwords with no proof ("team player," "results-driven")

• Overly long CVs (keep it to two pages max)

• Outdated sections like "Objective" or "References available on request"

If you’ve had a break, frame it positively, for example: "Freelance projects and cloud certifications (2023–2024)."

9. Write a professional summary that earns attention

Your 3–4 line summary is prime real estate. It should quickly show who you are, what you do, and what value you bring:

"Backend engineer with 6+ years building scalable distributed systems using Go, Kubernetes, and AWS. Improved uptime by 99.98% through automated pipelines. Looking for senior roles in cloud infrastructure or AI systems."

Use language that reflects your current focus, not a generic career objective.

10. Prove soft skills through examples

Soft skills matter more than most people think, but listing them isn’t enough. Show them in context:

"Presented technical proposals to senior leadership, securing £250K infrastructure budget."
"Mentored four junior developers, introducing code reviews that cut production bugs by 45%."

This turns generic claims into credible evidence.

11. Use smart job-matching platforms

Manual job hunting is time-consuming and hit-or-miss. Smart platforms like hackajob match you with roles that actually fit your skills and preferences.

Once your profile is set up, employers can apply to you for their roles based on your:

• Skills

• Salary range

• Industry or company size preference
  
  

• Location or work setup

With hackajob Intelligence, matches go beyond keywords. The model understands how skills connect, so recruiters see why you’re a fit, even if your experience doesn’t use the exact same words as their job description.

It’s faster, fairer, and gives you visibility to hiring teams right when they start looking.

Take your CV from good to great

Forget fancy formatting. What gets you hired is a CV that highlights real impact, relevant skills, and the drive behind your work.

🟢 Show your results
🟢 Keep it easy to scan
🟢 Back every claim with context
🟢 Keep learning and updating

Once your CV is in great shape, the next step is preparing for the technical assessments that usually follow. Check out our technical interview prep guide to learn how to tackle coding challenges, system design questions, and real-world problem-solving tasks with confidence.

FAQ: Tech CVs in 2025

What makes a tech CV stand out in 2025?
Employers are looking for developers who can show real impact. That means quantifying achievements, highlighting relevant technologies, and presenting your experience clearly. Focus on measurable results rather than job duties.

How can I make my CV ATS-friendly?
Use a clean, single-column layout with standard fonts and no tables or graphics. Save it as a .docx file, and make sure your section titles are clear (like Work Experience and Technical Skills). Always test your CV by pasting it into plain text to see if it stays readable.

Should I include side projects or open source work?
Absolutely. Side projects and open source contributions show initiative and practical experience. Include links to GitHub repositories or live demos where possible.

How long should a tech CV be?
Most mid to senior-level developers should keep their CV to two pages. Junior or early-career candidates can often fit everything on one page.

What’s the best format for listing my skills?
Group your skills into categories like Languages, Frameworks, Databases, and Cloud. Then, highlight where you used each technology within your experience section. This makes it easier for recruiters to see how you applied each skill in context.

Do I need certifications?
They’re not mandatory but can help if you’re targeting roles that value formal credentials, such as cloud, security, or DevOps positions.

How does hackajob help improve my chances?
When you upload your CV to hackajob, our platform extracts and maps your skills to each role. With hackajob, employers see why you’re a strong match, not just the keywords. That means better visibility and higher-quality matches for you.