10 CV tips for software engineers in 2025 (pass ATS + get noticed)

Your CV is your first impression, whether you're applying through a job board or a referral platform like Mafiro. In 2025, standing out as a software engineer means crafting a CV that’s ATS-friendly, showcases your impact, and aligns with industry trends.

Here are 10 actionable tips to make your CV stand out and help you land that interview.

1. Tailor your CV for each role

Yes, it can take a lot of your time, but the general CV that you have now doesn’t do it anymore. Always customise your CV to match the job description.

Use keywords from the job posting, about the skills like full-stack development, machine learning models, and any other skills you possess that are relevant to them, to pass ATS scans and demonstrate your expertise.

Show them you’re the right candidate for them, and hint through your CV that you have done your research about them, and you actually want to work with that company.

2. Write a strong personal statement

Your personal statement (or CV summary) should briefly introduce who you are, your top skills, and what you can bring to the role. Focus on what you bring to the table: your years of experience, technical stack, and the impact you’ve made in previous roles.

For example:

"I’m a full-stack engineer with 5 years of experience building scalable web applications, specialising in React, Node.js, and cloud infrastructure. My work has improved system performance by 40% in past projects."

This shows recruiters you’re results-driven.

3. Use tech-specific keywords recruiters search for

Recruiters and ATS systems scan for tech keywords. Include terms like:

Microservices architecture
DevOps best practices
CI/CD pipelines
API development
Data engineering

Including these boosts your visibility in searches.

You can include other keywords that are relevant for the job description, this is only an example.

4. Focus on impact, not just tasks

A common mistake or a comfortable way to approach when writing a CV is that candidates focus on tasks, and they add a long list of them, which is good to know, of course, but if it’s not followed by some results you brought, then the work is only half done.

Show how you made a difference. For example:

Instead of: Worked on frontend development.
Try: Led frontend migration from AngularJS to React, reducing page load time by 35%.

This kind of result speaks volumes.

5. Keep your CV clean and readable

Tech recruiters often scan tens or hundreds of CVs a day. Use clear formatting, bullet points, and concise language. Tools like Notion, Canva can help create a sleek, modern CV that stands out.

6. Highlight relevant tech skills for 2025

Tech evolves fast. Update your CV to include (and more, depending on the job description) in-demand tech skills like:

Cloud-native development
AI/ML integration
Cybersecurity best practices
Low-code/no-code tools
Blockchain development

This shows you’re future-ready. If you don't yet have these types of skills yet, you can start looking into them and add them as interests in your CV.

7. Mirror the language of the job description

Every job description contains keywords that signal what the company is looking for. If the role mentions “microservices architecture,” “cloud platforms like AWS,” or “CI/CD pipelines,” make sure your CV includes those exact phrases. This is how you align your experience with the specific requirements of the job.

For example, if the job description says:

We’re looking for a software engineer with experience in containerization technologies and Kubernetes deployments.

Then in your CV, you should write:

“Deployed applications using Kubernetes and Docker, ensuring seamless containerization and scalability across microservices.”

This tells both the recruiter and the ATS that you’re a fit for the role.

8. Showcase soft skills for tech teams

Tech is more than just code. Highlight soft skills like:

Collaboration (especially in agile teams)
Problem-solving
Communication with stakeholders
Mentoring junior developers

These skills make you a valuable team member.

9. Keep It Concise but Comprehensive

Aim for 1–2 pages. Prioritise recent, relevant projects and technologies. If you’re a senior engineer, you don’t need to list every tool you’ve ever touched—focus on what matters for the role.

If you're a junior engineer, don't worry. Add projects you've worked on or had in school, and you did a great job on them. Go to GitHub and work on some new projects. Share experiences you've had that helped you learn, and show recruiters your passion for your area you want to be an expert at.

10. Update Your CV Regularly

Refresh your CV every 3–6 months to include new projects, certifications (like AWS, Azure, or Kubernetes), and emerging skills.

Maybe it may seem like it might not be relevant, but it probably will make a difference in your recruitment process. Who knows what skill or experience might be the one that is decisive in calling you for an interview?

Final Thoughts

Your CV is your personal brand in the tech world. By tailoring it for each role, using tech-specific keywords, and demonstrating impact, you increase your chances of getting noticed, whether you’re applying through a traditional portal or a referral hiring platform like Mafiro.