CV and portfolio: what does it take to stand out in a selection process in 2025?

Did you know that, on average, a recruiter takes just six seconds to decide whether to keep reading a CV or discard it? That’s about as long as it takes to blink twice—and in that short window, your candidacy could be decided. Not because you lack talent or experience, but because your CV didn’t manage to communicate it effectively.

In 2025, standing out in a recruitment process isn’t just about having dozens of projects under your belt or having studied at the “right” institution. It’s about crafting a professional image that’s coherent, compelling, and tailored to an environment where candidates are scrutinised down to the smallest detail. That’s why the CV still matters—but it’s no longer enough. So, what’s the answer?

Increasingly, your portfolio is the space where your work can speak for itself. It’s not just about showing off eye-catching projects, but providing clear, concrete proof of your skills, mindset, and the value you bring. A strong portfolio doesn’t replace your CV—it enhances it, complements it, and, most importantly, helps you stand out in a competitive market where simply ticking the boxes is no longer sufficient.

If you're at a stage where you're building or reshaping your professional profile, Planeta Formación y Universidades is here to help. Our programmes are designed to equip you with the skills, tools, and perspective needed to succeed in today’s job market.

The current context: why a traditional CV is no longer enough in 2025

Many companies now use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to perform the first round of candidate screening. These systems look for keywords, structure, clarity, and relevant data. If your CV passes this filter, it’s reviewed by a human. But even then, the margin is slim: your CV has to be clear, concise, and demonstrate value at first glance.

A list of roles and responsibilities, without any context or results, is no longer enough. What really matters is what you’ve done and what impact you’ve made. That’s why a well-written CV should highlight how you contributed to each project—with measurable outcomes wherever possible.

What are recruiters and HR departments looking for now?

A focused, relevant CV is more valuable than ever. You don’t need to tell your whole story—just the parts that matter. Recruiters want to see achievements, not just tasks. They’re looking for impact: what you improved, how much revenue you helped generate, what processes you optimised. And if you can summarise that with a number—even better.

CV or portfolio? You need both to stand out

Your CV tells people what you’ve done. Your portfolio shows them. Having both reinforces your professional message. A well-crafted CV is great—but when paired with a portfolio that showcases your actual work (projects, campaigns, analyses, presentations, prototypes…), the impression is far stronger.

Portfolios are no longer exclusive to creatives. Today, professionals in marketing, communications, tech, education, and even more technical fields are using them. The format is flexible: it can be a personal website, a downloadable PDF, or a shared document.

How to create a CV that grabs attention in seconds

What works is a CV that’s well-structured, easy to scan, and contains just the right amount of information. Avoid long paragraphs, cluttered layouts, or overly elaborate graphics. Instead, opt for a clean design with clearly separated sections: professional summary, work experience, skills, education, and links to other relevant content where applicable.

What to include and what to avoid in your CV

Make sure your contact details are clearly visible (email, phone number, LinkedIn profile), and add a clear professional title (like “Data Analyst” or “UX Researcher”). Open with a short, sharp summary of what you do and what kinds of projects you’ve worked on.

List your work experience from most recent to oldest, with specific examples of what you accomplished in each role. Use short, action-oriented phrases: “Led,” “Designed,” “Implemented,” “Solved,” “Launched”… It’s also worth including tools, platforms, or methodologies you’ve mastered, as well as any soft skills relevant to the role you’re applying for.

Using keywords and measurable outcomes in your CV

Automated screening systems look for matches between job descriptions and the terms used in your CV. That’s why it’s smart to tailor your CV to each role—not by copying the listing word-for-word, but by using equivalent terminology. If a company is asking for “experience in agile environments” or “knowledge of Power BI,” make sure to include that naturally—if you genuinely have that experience.

Beyond keywords, what adds real weight are specific achievements. Data-driven outcomes—like “served an average of 60 customers per day” or “increased customer satisfaction by 20%”—demonstrate your impact and strengthen your application.

What is a portfolio and why is it gaining relevance?

A portfolio is essentially a curated collection of your work that shows what you’re capable of. It lets you tell the story of your career through real-life examples—demonstrating not just end results, but your thought process, decision-making, and the outcomes you delivered.

Recruiters increasingly want more than just a list of jobs—they want to see how you work. A great portfolio doesn’t just showcase the final product. It gives context: what was the brief, how did you approach it, what results did you achieve?

Differences between physical, digital, and interactive portfolios

There are many ways to present a portfolio. The most popular today is digital—whether that’s a personal website or a downloadable PDF. Digital formats are accessible from any device and make it easy to include links, videos, graphics, and supporting documents. They’re also easy to keep updated.

Then there are interactive portfolios. These are typically built using more dynamic platforms like Notion, Figma, or even animated presentation tools. This kind of portfolio not only shows what you did, but how you did it—ideal for roles where process is just as important as outcomes (e.g. product design, web development, strategy).

Who needs a portfolio? It’s not just for graphic designers

Portfolios were once almost exclusively for designers—but that’s no longer the case. Today, marketers can showcase the campaigns they’ve led, content they’ve created, and digital metrics they’ve achieved. Data analysts can present dashboards, visualisations, or analytical reports. Educators can share lesson plans, classroom activities, or e-learning materials they’ve developed.

CV with portfolio: how to combine them to multiply your impact

Your CV and portfolio should work together to tell a cohesive story. It’s not about repeating the same information—it’s about complementing it. A great approach is to insert links to specific portfolio items directly in your CV. For instance, if you mention leading a digital campaign, add a link to a case study or project summary.

You can also include a dedicated section in your CV titled “Featured Projects” or “Portfolio,” listing links to selected works. On LinkedIn, the “Featured” section is ideal for showcasing the same materials.

The importance of personal branding in your application

Beyond your CV and portfolio, another key element can tip the scales: personal branding. This is how you define and communicate your professional identity, and how you're perceived across platforms (CV, LinkedIn, website, portfolio, etc.).

When someone searches your name online, ideally they should find a clear, consistent message about what you do, your working style, and the value you offer.

What elements reinforce your professional value proposition?

• A strong, specific one-liner that summarises who you are. It doesn’t need to be perfect—just clear. For example: “Sustainability consultant specialising in circular economy projects.”
• A consistent visual identity. If you have a personal logo or colour palette, use them consistently across your CV and portfolio. If not, at least use the same fonts or a unified layout style.
• Content that showcases your expertise. This could be a short article, a presentation, or a how-to guide. Not to promote yourself, but to share knowledge and demonstrate your perspective.
• Active participation in relevant spaces. Whether it’s speaking at a webinar or sharing insights in a LinkedIn comment, every contribution helps increase your professional visibility.

Conclusion

No matter how the tools evolve, one thing remains essential: clearly communicating who you are, what you can do, and how you can make a difference. It’s not about trying to impress—it’s about connecting. It’s about showing, in just a few seconds, that there’s a story behind your name. A professional story worth exploring.

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