Introduction
The Saudi job market in 2025 is more competitive, digital, and fast-evolving than ever before. With Vision 2030 accelerating diversification, employers in every sector — from construction and energy to hospitality, healthcare, and tech — are searching for professionals who can deliver results.
And your CV (curriculum vitae) is your first and most powerful opportunity to prove that you are one of them.
At Safwa HR, we’ve reviewed thousands of CVs from across Saudi Arabia, and we know exactly what helps jobseekers stand out. Whether you’re a Saudi national or an expatriate looking to join the workforce, this guide will show you how to build a modern, winning CV for the Saudi job market that gets noticed in 2025.
Understand What Employers Are Looking For
Saudi companies today value more than technical skills — they seek adaptability, communication, cultural fit, and compliance awareness.
Before writing your CV, research:
- The company’s Vision 2030 alignment and key projects.
- Required certifications (e.g., NEBOSH for Safety Officers, CMA for accountants).
- Language preferences — English dominates most corporate roles, while Arabic remains essential in government and public sector positions.
🟢 Tip from Safwa HR: Always adapt your CV to the job description instead of sending a single generic document.
Keep the Format Clean, Modern & Mobile-Friendly
In 2025, over 70 percent of HR managers in Saudi Arabia review CVs on tablets or mobile devices. A cluttered, outdated format could cost you a second look.
Recommended structure:
- Header: Full Name, Nationality, Location (in KSA or abroad), Contact Details.
- Professional Summary: 3–4 sentences showing your core expertise and achievements.
- Core Skills: Bullet list of 6–10 skills relevant to the role.
- Professional Experience: List jobs in reverse chronological order with clear achievements and measurable results.
- Education & Certifications
- Languages & Technical Proficiency
- 🟢 Design Tip: Use simple fonts (Calibri, Lato, or Open Sans), a single page for entry-level roles, and a maximum of two pages for experienced professionals.
Craft a Strong Professional Summary
Think of this section as your “elevator pitch.”
In three lines, show what you bring to the table:
“Certified Mechanical Engineer with 7 years of experience in Saudi construction projects — specializing in HVAC and energy optimization solutions. Proven track record of delivering cost-efficient results aligned with Vision 2030 goals.”
Your summary should answer why you’re the right fit and hint at your impact without sounding vague.
Highlight Achievements — Not Duties
Recruiters in KSA care about impact. Replace task descriptions with results you’ve achieved.
❌ Instead of:
Responsible for managing a sales team.
✅ Write:
Led a team of 10 sales representatives to achieve 130% of monthly targets, generating SAR 5 million in new contracts.
Use metrics, percentages, and SAR figures where possible — they grab attention instantly.
Align with Saudi Labor and Visa Expectations
For expatriate candidates, mention your visa status and transferability (“Transferable Iqama”) clearly.
For Saudi nationals, emphasize your commitment to Saudization goals and national growth.
HR teams value clarity — a small detail like this can fast-track your application to the shortlist.
Optimize for Recruiter Systems (ATS Compliant)
Most Saudi companies — including Safwa HR’s partners — use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter CVs automatically.
Here’s how to pass the filters:
- Use keywords from the job description naturally.
- Avoid tables and graphics that may break the ATS parser.
- Export your CV as a PDF with selectable text (not an image scan).
🟢 Example: If you’re applying for a hospitality manager role, use keywords like “guest experience,” “F&B operations,” and “team leadership.”
Include Soft Skills and Digital Skills for 2025
Saudi employers now seek professionals who are both technically competent and digitally ready.
Top in-demand skills for 2025 include:
- Communication & Cross-Cultural Collaboration
- Microsoft Office 365 and ERP Proficiency
- AI & Automation Awareness
- Data Reporting & Analysis
- Customer Experience Mindset
🟢 Bonus Tip: Add a LinkedIn profile link and ensure your profile matches your CV details.
Proofread and Seek Professional Feedback
A single spelling error can damage your credibility — especially in roles requiring attention to detail.
Before submitting your CV:
✅ Read it aloud to spot awkward phrases.
✅ Ask a colleague or mentor to review it.
✅ Use tools like Grammarly for English or Microsoft Editor for Arabic.
Tailor Your CV for Each Application
One CV won’t fit all.
Adapt each version to the specific job title and company.
A personalized CV can increase your chances of shortlisting by up to 40%, according to Safwa HR’s 2025 recruitment data.
Attach a Winning Cover Letter
Even though many jobseekers skip this step, a short, well-written cover letter is a powerful tool in the Saudi market.
Keep it to one paragraph explaining:
- Why you’re interested in the company.
- How your skills match the role.
- When you can start (if you’re in KSA).
Final Thoughts
Building a winning CV for the Saudi job market in 2025 is about strategy and precision, not length. Make it focused, data-driven, and aligned with Vision 2030 goals.
And remember — your CV is not just a document; it’s your professional story told with purpose.
