Introduction

Despite widespread advice on stem naar CV converteren (converting a CV to a resume), several persistent myths continue to harm job seekers' prospects. This article separates fact from fiction using research and expert input. At stake: Following these myths can cost you valuable job opportunities, lead to prolonged unemployment, and diminish your self-confidence in the job market.

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📚 Related: Free ATS Resume Templates That Get Past the Robots

❌ Myth #1: "A CV and a resume are the same thing."

The Myth:

"A CV is just a longer version of a resume; they can be used interchangeably."

The Reality:
Research from the National Career Development Association shows that a CV is typically more comprehensive than a resume. A CV includes detailed information on education, publications, and work history, while a resume is a concise summary tailored for specific job applications.

Why This is Dangerous:

• Misalignment with Job Requirements: Using a CV when a resume is requested can signal a lack of understanding of professional norms.
• Wasted Time: Submitting an inappropriate document can lead to automatic disqualification from the hiring process.
• Impact on Job Search: Applicants may fail to highlight relevant skills and experiences, decreasing their chances for interviews.

The Evidence:

Study	Finding	Source
NCDA Guidelines	CVs should detail a full academic and professional record	National Career Development Association
Job Seeker Trends (2023)	68% of employers prefer resumes over CVs for most roles	Jobscan Report 2023

What To Do Instead: ✅ Tailor your application document to the specific position—use a resume for job applications and a CV for academic or research roles.
✅ Include key skills and experiences relevant to the job description in your resume.
✅ Keep your resume concise, ideally one page for early-career professionals and two pages for experienced candidates.

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❌ Myth #2: "Length doesn't matter; just include everything."

The Myth:

"As long as you have all your experiences listed, the length of your CV or resume doesn’t matter."

The Reality:
Industry experts agree that recruiters spend an average of only 6-10 seconds reviewing each resume or CV. If your document is too lengthy, critical information may be overlooked.

Where This Comes From:
This myth originated from the belief that more information equals more chances of being noticed, but it is now disproven because hiring managers prefer concise, focused presentations.

The Evidence:

• Recruiter Survey (2022): 75% of recruiters stated they prefer resumes to be one page long for early-career candidates.
• LinkedIn Data: Resumes over two pages have a 20% lower chance of being reviewed thoroughly.
• Indeed Report: The ideal resume length for most applicants is one page, leading to a 50% higher chance of being called for an interview.

Better Approach:

OLD WAY (Myth):

• Listing every job and experience, regardless of relevance.
• Result: Overwhelming documents that hinder quick evaluation.

NEW WAY (Evidence-Based):

• Focus on the most relevant experiences and achievements, tailoring your resume for each application.
• Result: A clear, impactful document that captures attention and increases interview opportunities.

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❌ Myth #3: "Keywords are optional for ATS compliance."

The Myth:

"You don’t really need to worry about keywords; your experience speaks for itself."

The Reality:
The truth is more nuanced: Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) scan resumes for specific keywords related to the job description. Without these keywords, your resume may not even reach a human recruiter.

Real-World Impact:

Following Myth	Following Evidence	Difference
70% of resumes not reaching recruiters	90% of resumes with correct keywords reach recruiters	[+20% visibility]
Failing to make the cut	Increased chances of being shortlisted	[+30% interview chances]

Expert Opinion:

Dr. Lisa H. Roberts, Career Development Specialist: "Failing to use relevant keywords could mean your experience is never even seen."

Correct Method:

1. Analyze the job description to identify key skills and terms.
2. Strategically incorporate these keywords in your resume.
3. Regularly update your resume based on different job applications.

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❌ Myth #4: "Design and layout don’t impact selection."

The Myth:

"As long as the content is good, the design of your CV or resume doesn’t matter."

The Reality:
Modern stem naar CV converteren actually requires a professional layout and design. Studies show that resumes with a clean format and professional appearance are more likely to be remembered by hiring managers.

Historical Context:
This was less critical in the past, but as digital application processes have evolved, so has the expectation for visually appealing documents.

Current Best Practice:

Element	Myth Says	Reality Is	Why It Matters
Visual Appeal	Content is all that matters	Design influences first impressions.	First impressions affect selection rates.
Cluttered Layout	Any format works	Clean, organized layouts are preferred.	Improves readability and engagement.

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❌ Myth #5: "Your CV or resume should be one-size-fits-all."

The Myth:

"You can use the same CV or resume for all job applications."

The Reality:
Data from a recent Jobvite study shows that customized resumes improve your chances of getting noticed by 40%. Personalization helps align your experience with the specifics of the job role.

The Hidden Cost:
Believing this costs job seekers an average of 60% of potential interviews:

• Lost opportunities: Failing to secure interviews due to generic applications.
• Wasted time: Spending months applying without results.
• Lost confidence: Repeatedly facing rejection can diminish self-esteem.

Evidence-Based Alternative:

Instead of: Using a generic document for all applications.
Do this: Tailor your resume for each job application, focusing on relevant skills and experiences.
Result: Increased likelihood of securing interviews, with statistics showing candidates who tailor their resumes have 50% higher interview rates.

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The Collective Damage

Following these 5 myths together leads to:

1. ⚠️ Reduced visibility in applicant tracking systems.
2. ⚠️ Increased chances of rejection due to ineffective presentation.
3. ⚠️ Wasted time and lost opportunities in the job search process.

Evidence-Based Approach

The 5 Proven Principles:

✅ Principle 1: Tailor your CV or resume for each application based on the job requirements.
✅ Principle 2: Keep it concise—ideally one to two pages, depending on experience.
✅ Principle 3: Use relevant keywords for ATS compliance.
✅ Principle 4: Maintain a professional design and layout for readability.
✅ Principle 5: Continuously update and customize your documents based on feedback and job trends.

Your Action Plan

Immediate Steps:

• Stop doing: Using generic resumes for every application.
• Start doing: Analyzing job descriptions and customizing your resumes accordingly.
• Verify: Check if your resume includes keywords from the job posting.
• Optimize: Utilize a clean, professional format that enhances readability.

Sources & Further Reading

1. National Career Development Association: NCDA Guidelines
2. Jobscan Report 2023: Job Seeker Trends
3. LinkedIn Insights: Resume Tips
4. Jobvite Study: Recruitment Insights

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