8 CV Trends That Don’t Work Anymore (And What to Do Instead)

Your CV might be holding you back—and not because of what’s missing, but because of what’s still in there.

Recruiters in Switzerland (and beyond) go through dozens of CVs every day, and some trends that were popular just a few years ago are now considered outdated, unnecessary—or worse, red flags.

In this post, we’ll highlight 8 CV trends that no longer work in 2025, and exactly what to do instead to keep your application modern, relevant, and recruiter-approved.

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❌ 1. Objective Statements

“Looking for a challenging role where I can grow professionally...”

This line used to be common, but now it just takes up space.

✅ What to do instead:

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Write a brief summary that shows your value, not your wish list.
Example:

“Marketing graduate with experience in content creation and analytics. Passionate about digital strategy and brand growth.”

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❌ 2. Overdesigned CVs with Icons, Columns & Color Blocks

Graphic-heavy layouts often confuse Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and distract recruiters.

✅ What to do instead:

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Use a clean, ATS-friendly layout. Keep design minimal: bold for headings, bullet points for clarity, and max 2 fonts.

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❌ 3. Listing Every Job You’ve Ever Had

No recruiter wants to scroll through 3 pages of irrelevant jobs from 15 years ago.

✅ What to do instead:

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Include only relevant experience from the last 10–12 years. Tailor each entry to the job you're applying for.

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❌ 4. Buzzword Overload

“Hardworking, results-driven, detail-oriented team player with a passion for innovation.”

These phrases mean nothing without context.

✅ What to do instead:

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Show, don’t tell. Use action verbs and real results:

“Led a 3-person marketing team that increased email engagement by 45%.”

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❌ 5. References Listed on the CV

Recruiters don’t contact references at the CV stage.

✅ What to do instead:

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Simply write:

“References available upon request.”

Or skip it entirely and focus on your experience.

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❌ 6. Using a One-Size-Fits-All CV

Sending the same CV to every job is a fast way to get ignored.

✅ What to do instead:

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Customize your summary, keywords, and bullet points based on each job description. It doesn’t take long—but makes a big difference.

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❌ 7. Photos That Look Unprofessional

Selfies or cropped vacation pics still show up—don’t be that candidate.

✅ What to do instead:
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If you choose to add a photo (common in Switzerland), use a neutral, high-quality headshot with good lighting and a plain background.

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❌ 8. Unclear Job Titles or Dates

Recruiters won’t guess what “Freelancer – Various Clients” means, or why there’s a gap.

✅ What to do instead:

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Be specific.

“Digital Marketing Consultant – 3 clients (SEO, content, paid ads)”
Always explain gaps briefly in your cover letter if needed.

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🚀 Ready to Modernize Your CV?

If you’re not sure whether your CV is up to date, we’re here to help.

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