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The start-up landscape is constantly evolving, and the skills required to succeed in the sector reflect the dynamics of an increasingly innovative and competitive global ecosystem. In 2025, startups and emerging companies will focus on profiles that combine adaptability, innovation and technological skills. In this article we explore in detail the most in-demand skills and provide practical tips to enhance them on your CV.
Recruitment trends in start-ups for 2025
Before reviewing the most sought-after skills for start-ups for this year, let’s quickly look at the main recruiting trends among startuppers.
- Focus on practical experience: start-ups, and private companies and organisations in general, favour practical skills over academic qualifications. In essence, it is what you know that counts but, above all, what you can do that counts.
- Test-based assessment: in order to check the real skills of candidates, many companies use tests during the selection process, which makes the application process somewhat longer but the assessment results more reliable.
- Importance of networking: being active in communities related to innovation and the specific topics of interest of the start-up is perceived positively. Besides weighing up the CV, recruiters tend to check candidates’ presence on professional platforms and the network of contacts they have.
The 5 skills most in demand by start-ups in 2025
Let’s turn to the set of skills most in demand by start-ups in the year to come.
1. Adaptability and resilience
Start-ups operate in dynamic environments where change is the norm. The ability to adapt quickly and deal with unforeseen situations is crucial.
How to highlight adaptability and resilience in the CV: use concrete examples of work experiences where you managed major changes or solved complex problems.
Useful phrases and keywords: problem solver; managing projects in changing contexts; solving critical issues in high-pressure environments.
2. Creativity and innovation
At the heart of every start-up is innovation. Companies look for individuals who think outside the box and help develop unique products or strategies.
How to highlight creativity and innovation in your CV: whether it is research conducted in an academic environment or protocols applied in a professional context, describe projects in which you introduced new ideas or improved existing processes.
Useful phrases and keywords: lateral thinking; out-of-the-box thinking; creative thinking; ability to find innovative solutions.
3. Technological and digital skills
Technological and digital skills – indispensable in any context that wants to innovate – require constant updating.
If 2024 saw artificial intelligence enter our lives, 2025 will see an increasing spread and integration of tools based on AI, machine learning and automation. It is unthinkable not to take this into account and update accordingly.
How to highlight technological and digital skills in your CV: point out in detail the tools, software and platforms you are able to work with, naming each one by name and specifying the level of mastery (accompanied by its certification, if you have it).
Useful phrases and keywords: tech savvy, machine learning and AI, process automation, data-driven decision-making, data analysis platforms, cloud computing, blockchain, cybersecurity.
4. Entrepreneurial mentality
A start-up needs enterprising people who are able to anticipate business needs. That is why it appreciates those who show initiative and the ability to work autonomously.
How to highlight the entrepreneurial mindset in your CV: describe experiences in which you took on significant responsibilities, led projects independently, assumed leadership roles.
Useful phrases and keywords: leadership, initiative, autonomous project management, decision-making capacity.
5. Communication and collaboration
Working in a successful start-up means, in perspective, working in a large and successful company. Which means having the ability to interact with colleagues, collaborators, external stakeholders, multidisciplinary and increasingly international teams, i.e. being able to communicate well in Italian and – at least – in another language (English is a must).
How to highlight communication skills in the CV: cite examples of teamwork and successes achieved by collaborating with other people. Describe experiences of managing teams or projects with international partners.
Useful phrases and keywords: English language, teamwork, negotiation, active listening skills, intercultural communication, international experience.
Strategies for enhancing skills on the CV
And now let’s see how to organise the CV to best highlight the skills most in demand with a series of practical tips.
Customising the CV
Every start-up has specific needs: adapt your CV by highlighting the skills most relevant to the role.
To this end, study the company well, its website and social channels, the profiles of its founders and collaborators, and then insert keywords that reflect not only the requirements of the job advertisement, but also the start-up’s vision and mission.
Bringing out concrete results
Don’t just describe tasks: show how your skills have generated concrete results.
For example, if you are an expert in SEO optimisation, specify the percentage of traffic increase to the site. If you have implemented workflow, quantify the savings in time and resources obtained, and so on.
Entering the most important skills in the personal profile
An opening paragraph summarising the key competences for the role and your professional objective can help to immediately grab the recruiter’s attention.
For example: ‘A graphic designer specialised in user-centred design, I have many years’ experience in digital solutions for start-ups and advanced skills in the use of leading graphics and video editing software’.
Using an attractive and easy-to-edit CV template
A visually appealing and well-organised CV is essential: choose a clean design and use well-defined sections to guide the reader’s attention.
Remember that the CV must be able to be updated and edited without worries, quickly and intuitively, and for this purpose it is very useful to use pre-set templates created especially for this purpose, such as those of Jobseeker.
Include references
In the CV we do not lie: we take it for granted that what is stated in the CV is true. But if someone else is also attesting to our competences, the value of the profile increases.
Ask former colleagues, managers or clients you have worked with for references that confirm your skills. Enter their contact details in the relevant section of your CV or, if you prefer, write ‘References available on request’ to leave room for the recruiter to elaborate later.
In conclusion, in 2025, start-ups will look for resilient candidates, equipped with strong technological skills, ready to innovate and able to relate positively and constructively.
Preparing a CV that reflects these qualities is a matter of strategy: highlighting essential skills, supporting them with practical examples and presenting yourself in a professional and authentic manner can make all the difference. With the right tools and an effective presentation, you too can help shape the future of a start-up, bringing added value to an ecosystem that is in great need of skilled people. (photo by charlesdeluvio on Unsplash)
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