3 top tips to make your CV stand out in the Netherlands

Making a CV is the first step of any job search. Not sure how to make one? Novorésumé gives you three tips to make sure you stand out from your competition!

You’ve seen your dream job advertised and now you need to apply for it. One of the most important documents you’ll write is your CV. This is one of the documents that will get your foot in the door, lead to an interview, and hopefully, secure that dream position. In this article, you’ll learn three essential tips for making your CV stand out from the other applicants’ CVs. So, let’s get started.

1. Use a CV builder that works

Let’s take the strain out of crafting that perfect CV for your next job application. Don’t fall into the trap of using a Word template for your CV, because quite frankly, they’re not your best option or purposely designed for the task either.

Why don’t you try a CV builder template? There are ones available online that will allow you to produce a free, customized one-page CV of your choice. Of course, paid premium features are also available online. Whichever one you choose, make sure that your CV is optimised for Applicant Tracking Systems, so that it will pass the initial screening with ease.

2. Use a CV summary or objective to grab the attention of the HR Manager

First impressions count! Right? By using a CV Summary or CV Objective you’re able to give the best impression possible to the one who’s going to read your CV, so make it count. But what’s the difference between them both? If you have more than two years’ worth of job experience, then we’d recommend you go with a CV Summary, if you haven’t, then go with a CV Objective. Remember you’re looking at two to three sentences maximum, with clear and concise language.

CV Summary

This is what you should include in your CV Summary:

• How many jobs you’ve had and years of relevant work experience
• Achievements and responsibilities relevant to the current job application
• What you’re looking for and your goal(s)

Taking the above points, your CV Summary may look like the example below:

Senior marketing analyst with 15 years of consecutive experience. Specialising in marketing and sales analysis for a well-established, worldwide SaaS company. Looking for a position as head of a marketing analysis department.

CV Objective

Now, what about a CV Objective? Here, you’ll follow the same format (two to three sentences) but with a twist. Instead of your experience being at the forefront, it’s your motivation for applying for the current job that should stand out in your CV Objective.

For instance, you’ll want to include all of the following:

• Relevant skills, education and certificate(s)
• The type of responsibilities that will help you with this job application
• How you can transfer all of the above to the current position you’re applying for

So, your CV Objective may look like the example below:

Intelligent and hardworking graduate with an MBA in Business Studies and Management from London Business School. Seeking new opportunities for a junior management role in a SaaS start-up, with 4+ years of practical experience in writing code and keeping at the forefront of software development. Looking to break into the lower echelons of junior management to continue to learn and grow my managerial skills in a SaaS working environment.

Make sure you clearly summarise the goal of your CV as well as the motivation behind you applying for the current vacant position.

3. Stand out by showing off your work experience

If you have the right experience for the job you’re applying for - great! With a little wordplay as well as results to back up your work experience, this part of your CV will have the HR manager recognise what you have to offer and why they’d be totally crazy not inviting you to interview. So, make this section count!

In the work experience section, you should include the following subsections:

• Job title and position(s) held
• Company’s name, description, and location
• Your relevant achievements and responsibilities
• Date employed and leaving date (if applicable)

Backing your relevant work experience with measurable results and achievements are always going to make you stand out from the crowd, especially if you have tailored this section to match the keywords and essential criteria for the position you’re applying for.

Right / wrong example

So, what sounds better? "Managed a small team of coders on a daily basis," or "Successfully managed the daily operation of a team of coders by overseeing the practical application of the company’s policies; and after two months in the position, suggested a new approach to the daily working routine that saved the company 15% on its staffing overheads in less than a month after implementation"?

You went with the latter example. Great choice! You see that example not only shows the HR manager what responsibilities were undertaken but also that the achievements and results are measurable by actual figures that show what impact those actions had on the company. Always back up your work experience with results that can be measured and that will show you off in the best possible light to the one who’ll decide whether you’re the right fit for the job and if they’ll call you to interview.

If this blog post has whetted your appetite to learn more about this integral part of your job search, then you can read this comprehensive CV guide. From all at Novorésumé, all the best with crafting that killer CV. Good luck with your next job application!