Introduction

Despite widespread advice on wat recruiters zoeken in jouw CV, 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 your dream job, as a significant number of qualified candidates are overlooked simply due to misconceptions about CV presentation and content.

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❌ Myth #1: Een CV Moet Altijd Één Pagina Zijn

The Myth:

"Een CV moet altijd één pagina zijn; als het langer is, worden recruiters het niet eens om te lezen."

The Reality:
Research from CareerBuilder indicates that 61% of recruiters prefer resumes that are two pages long, especially for candidates with rich experience. In fact, a lengthy CV can be beneficial for showing a broader skillset.

Why This is Dangerous:

• Missed Opportunities: Candidates may omit relevant information to fit a single page.
• Inaccurate Representation: Skills, accomplishments, and experiences may be underrepresented, leading to lower chances of being shortlisted.
• Increased Stress: Job seekers may feel pressured to condense impactful information unnecessarily.

The Evidence:

Study	Finding	Source
CareerBuilder (2022)	61% prefer CV's longer than one page	CareerBuilder
LinkedIn Report (2021)	Two-page CVs increased visibility by 35%	LinkedIn

What To Do Instead: ✅ Focus on content quality over length.
✅ Tailor your CV to highlight relevant experiences, regardless of length.
✅ Use concise bullet points to improve readability.

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❌ Myth #2: Je CV Moet Alleen Werkervaring Bevatten

The Myth:

"Alleen werkervaring is relevant; andere informatie zoals vrijwilligerswerk of hobby's kan je beter weglaten."

The Reality:
Industry experts agree that including volunteer work, skills, and even interests can make a CV stand out. In fact, 89% of recruiters consider relevant volunteer work as valuable as paid employment.

Where This Comes From:
This myth originated from the traditional view of work experience as the only indicator of capability. However, modern recruitment practices recognize diverse experiences as equally important.

The Evidence:

• Recruiter Survey (2023): 89% value volunteer experience.
• Indeed Data: 60% of employers are interested in skills over job titles.
• Glassdoor Trends: Candidates with diverse experiences receive 25% more interview requests.

Better Approach:

OLD WAY (Myth):

• Exclude non-paid experiences.
• Result: Potential employers miss out on holistic skills.

NEW WAY (Evidence-Based):

• Include volunteer work and relevant personal projects.
• Result: Enhanced visibility and more interview requests.

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❌ Myth #3: Een Professionele Foto is Optioneel

The Myth:

"Een foto op je CV is niet nodig; het maakt niet uit hoe je eruitziet."

The Reality:
The truth is more nuanced: studies show that including a professional photo can increase the likelihood of your CV being read by up to 40%. Recruiters often feel that a photo adds a personal touch and helps them remember candidates.

Real-World Impact:

Following Myth	Following Evidence	Difference
CVs without photos are often overlooked	CVs with professional photos receive 40% more attention	[+40%]
Candidates may feel anonymous	Personalized CVs create rapport	[+30%]

Expert Opinion:

Dr. Linda Peterson, Recruitment Specialist: "A well-chosen photo can humanize a CV and bridge the gap between the applicant and the recruiter."

Correct Method:

1. Use a professional photo: clear, friendly, and appropriate attire.
2. Ensure it is updated: reflect your current appearance.
3. Include it in the top corner of your CV to maintain a clean format.

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❌ Myth #4: CV's Moeten Sara Punctueel en Technisch Zijn

The Myth:

"Je CV moet alleen technische vaardigheden en exact in detail je verantwoordelijkheden beschrijven."

The Reality:
Modern wat recruiters zoeken in jouw CV actually requires a balance of technical and soft skills. Hiring managers now prioritize candidates who demonstrate leadership, teamwork, and communication abilities, which can be illustrated through narrative in your CV.

Historical Context:
This was true in the late 1990s when technical skills were in high demand. However, as workplaces become more collaborative, soft skills have gained precedence.

Current Best Practice:

Element	Myth Says	Reality Is	Why It Matters
Soft Skills	Weinig tot geen nadruk	Even veel aandacht als technische vaardigheden	Dit maakt je veelzijdiger en aantrekkelijker voor recruiters
Resultaten	Enkel verantwoordelijkheden	Illustreren van impact en successen	Dit toont aan dat je waarde kunt toevoegen

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❌ Myth #5: Het Gebruik van Sleutelwoorden Is Genereus

The Myth:

"Je moet alleen de sleutelwoorden uit de vacaturetekst kopiëren in je CV."

The Reality:
Data from the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) indicates that overdoing keyword stuffing can trigger filters that eliminate your CV. It's essential to use keywords contextually and meaningfully.

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

• Poorly tailored applications are ignored.
• Valuable skills remain unrecognized.
• Time spent on applications yields no results.

Evidence-Based Alternative:

Instead of: Copy-pasting keywords.
Do this: Integrate keywords organically within accomplishments.
Result: Higher chances of passing ATS and attracting recruiter attention.

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The Collective Damage

Following these 5 myths together leads to:

1. ⚠️ De kans om op te vallen in een gemiddelde pool van kandidaten daalt aanzienlijk.
2. ⚠️ Het kan je tientallen sollicitaties kosten zonder succesvolle interviews.
3. ⚠️ Dit leidt tot een verlenging van je werkzoektocht, wat mentale druk en onzekerheid met zich meebrengt.

Evidence-Based Approach

The 5 Proven Principles:

✅ Principle 1: Focus on showcasing a well-rounded experience.
✅ Principle 2: Adopt a flexible CV format that highlights your strengths.
✅ Principle 3: Incorporate both technical and soft skills effectively.
✅ Principle 4: Use professional imagery to enhance relatability.
✅ Principle 5: Utilize keywords with purpose to avoid ATS traps.

Your Action Plan

Immediate Steps:

• Stop doing: Relying solely on one-page CVs.
• Start doing: Including diverse experiences relevant to the job.
• Verify: Review your CV through peer feedback for clarity and professionalism.
• Optimize: Adjust your CV every time you apply for a role to match the job requirements.

Sources & Further Reading

1. CareerBuilder - CareerBuilder Study
2. LinkedIn - LinkedIn Data Insights
3. Medium - The Importance of a Professional Photo
4. Indeed - Job Seeking Trends

Stay informed with evidence-based career advice. Question everything.