Five Key Elements Recruiters Seek When Reviewing a Resume

Crafting a standout resume/CV that captures a recruiter’s attention in the Netherlands can be a unique challenge. If you’re aiming to make a memorable impression, this guide is here to help. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a newcomer to the Dutch job market, understanding what recruiters prioritise is crucial. Though some advice might seem unconventional based on your previous experience, it’s essential to adapt to the nuances of the Dutch market— something our recruitment team excels at helping candidates navigate. Dive into our guide to discover the top five elements recruiters look for when reviewing CVs in the Netherlands, ensuring your application shines amidst the competition. 

1. Layout 

Recruiters receive many applications for each position, so it is crucial to make your resume as easily comprehensible as possible. Ensure the format is clear and easy to read, paying attention to spacing, font consistency, and clear headings. Approach it as a person, not as an applicant trying to fit as much content as possible onto the page.

A recruiter is more likely to respond positively if they can quickly locate the information they need and are not overwhelmed by inconsistencies, messy formatting or crowded pages. A well-structured, clear CV that contains relevant information demonstrates to the recruiter that you are organised and professional. On the other hand, an unorganised resume suggests the opposite. 

2. Readability 

Are you mindful of your language and expression? It is clear to a recruiter when sections of your resume are copied and pasted from different job responsibility pages or sources. Ensure it reads in one voice and in one tense. Additionally, avoid overly complex language. Using fancy words and long-winded phrases does not make you a superior candidate. Instead, be succinct and convey your message clearly. Recruiters will appreciate the ability to quickly obtain the information they need without unnecessary complexity. Focus on clarity and conciseness, omit small jobs that are irrelevant to the position you are applying for. Irrelevant jobs only distract the reader from the skills and experience that actually match the role. 

3. CV Executive Summary 

Being able to concisely express your fit for the role is a key skill and can help you stand out. Use a few sentences to describe your work approach, your suitability for the role, and your experience. Tailor each summary to the specific job you are applying for, keeping your application aligned directly with the role. Even though there might be similarities between roles, it’s important to customise your summary for each application. 

4. Hobbies on Your Resume

In a competitive market, personalising your CV can be advantageous. Do you have hobbies that represent you and that you enjoy? Take a little space on your resume to relay this. Being a team sports player, for example, can tell your recruiter that you work well being part of a team. Engaging in painting, sculpting, or other artistic pursuits can indicate that you are a creative thinker capable of non-traditional approaches to challenges. Including your hobbies, or anything that says something about your personality, on your CV is something we highly recommend. Dutch employers really value authenticity and want to get an idea about who you are as a person, in addition to your skills. 

5. Matching Your Skills with the Role Description 

One of the most important aspects of a successful CV is aligning your skills with the job description. Simply listing skills is not enough; you need to provide examples of how you have applied these skills in previous jobs or experiences. For instance, if a role requires strong project management skills, don’t just state that you have them. Highlight a specific project you managed successfully, detailing the steps you took and the outcomes achieved. This not only demonstrates your competency but also makes your CV more compelling and credible. Recruiters are looking for concrete evidence of your abilities, so be sure to illustrate your skills with relevant examples that match the requirements of the job. 

Looking for your next role in the Netherlands? 

We are always on the look out for top talent to introduce to our clients. Many of our clients are looking for multi-lingual talent, or people who are able to adapt to the culture of their business. Are you looking for a new challenge in the Netherlands? Check out our open jobs, or submit your CV via an open application, and we will let you know when we find a role which suits you.