Writing a resume in 2025 isn’t just about typing up your past experience. It’s about understanding how employers think, how technology reads, and how you want to be seen.
For students, job seekers, educators, and even parents wondering how to help, this article gives you an honest, updated look at what makes a resume great in 2025.
Let’s skip the fluff and get into what works, what’s changed, and how to build a resume that doesn’t just blend in, but actually gets you noticed.
Who This Is For
Students & Job Seekers
Especially if you’re writing your first resume, applying for internships, apprenticeships, entry-level jobs, or college programs.
Educators, Tutors & Career Advisors
Whether you’re running employability classes or coaching 1:1, this will give you modern tools to guide students confidently.
Parents & Guardians
Want to support your child with job applications without sounding outdated? This is for you.
Employers & Mentors
Working with young people or hiring early-career talent? Here’s what good looks like in today’s market.
What’s Actually Changed
1. AI is reading resumes first.
According to Jobscan, more than 97% of Fortune 500 companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), automated software that filters resumes before a human ever sees them.
2. Skills matter more than job titles.
A 2025 report by the World Economic Forum highlighted that employers are shifting toward skills-based hiring, especially for early-career roles. According to Forbes, nearly 90% of hiring managers now say candidates who demonstrate strong skills even without experience are more valuable than those with traditional degrees alone.
3. Design should be simple, not fancy.
Most ATS bots can’t read images, columns, or overly designed resumes. A clean, one-column format is still king.
4. Gen Z voice is welcome.
Authenticity matters. You don’t have to sound overly formal. Just clear, confident, and real.
What a Good Resume Looks Like in 2025
Key Features:
- Clean layout: No columns, images, or graphics
- Keyword-optimized: Mirrors language from the job post
- Short, strong summary: Tells your story fast
- Skills up front: Especially important if you lack work experience
- Real achievements: Not just tasks
- ATS-proof: Reads well by machines and humans
2025 Resume Structure (with Tips)
1. Contact Info
- Name
- Email (professional)
- Phone
- LinkedIn or portfolio link
2. Summary (a.k.a. Your Personal Intro)
“Motivated public service student with hands-on experience in team leadership, event planning, and community engagement. Passionate about helping others and learning by doing. Looking to apply these skills in an entry-level support role.”
Keep it 2–3 lines. Sound human. Be specific.
3. Key Skills
Don’t hide your strengths! List your technical, digital, and soft skills up top:
- Communication
- Canva / Adobe Suite
- Teamwork
- Google Docs / Excel
- Conflict Resolution
- Customer Service
💡 According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), soft skills like teamwork and communication are among the top traits employers want in 2025.
4. Education
Start with your most recent education. Include relevant subjects, grades (if strong), or projects.
Example:
Wigan & Leigh College
Diploma in Public Services, 2021–2025
- Relevant Modules: Emergency Response, Criminal Law Basics
- Led a team safety drill during student open day
5. Projects or Experience
This can be:
- Volunteering
- Personal or school projects
- Freelance or family jobs
Example:
Volunteer – CRAM Barcelona (June 2024)
- Supported marine conservation team on-site
- Led visitor groups and answered questions on wildlife protection
6. Certifications & Courses
- Google Digital Garage: Digital Marketing (2024)
- First Aid Certification – St. John Ambulance (2023)
- LinkedIn Learning: Time Management Fundamentals (2025)
7. Optional: Hobbies
Only include hobbies if they add value or show soft skills:
- Member of a local football team (teamwork)
- Digital photography (creativity and attention to detail)
Visual Example: 2025 Student Resume
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| ❌ Don’t Do This | ✅ Do This Instead |
|---|---|
| Use columns or graphics | Use clean, single-column format |
| Include vague soft skills | Prove them through real examples |
| Write in third person | Write in first person (without “I”) |
| List outdated software | Only include tools used in 2025 workplaces |
| Submit fancy PDFs or images | Submit .docx or simple PDF formats |
According to Harvard Business Review, even qualified applicants are rejected by ATS bots just because their formatting was unreadable.
Tips for Educators & Career Advisors
- Use this article and resume image in CV-writing sessions
- Teach students the STAR method for writing achievements: Situation, Task, Action, Result
- Show “before and after” resume examples to help students understand clarity vs clutter
Tips for Parents
- Encourage your child to focus on strengths and transferable skills
- Offer to help with proofreading, but let them lead the story
- A “good resume” today looks very different than it did 5-10 years ago, the world of work is changing and we need to adapt.
A great resume in 2025 isn’t about sounding impressive. It’s about being clear, real, and relevant. Whether you’re just starting out, switching paths, or helping someone else step into their future, knowing what a good resume looks like today can make all the difference.
Your resume is your voice on paper. Let it sound like you—just your best, job-ready version.