How to Optimize Your CV – The #1 Mistake (and a Golden Tip at the End!)

The biggest mistake I see in resumes again and again is not being specific enough about your role.

Let’s look at Kate’s story 👇

Kate moved to the Netherlands six months ago. Back home, she worked as a Customer Manager, a role focused on customer support..

She knows the job title might be different in NL, so she broadens her search and applies to roles like buyer, sales assistant, account representative, marketing support, etc. She creates her best resume, showcasing her proudest achievements and chooses a general job title like Customer Journey Manager.

She applies. And applies. And applies.

Nothing happens.

She starts noticing:
❌ Many roles require Dutch
❌ The competition is fierce (100+ applicants per job)
❌ Local market knowledge is valued highly

And then, a dangerous thought creeps in:
💭 “I’m not good enough for this market. There’s always someone better, smarter, more experienced… and who speaks Dutch.”

This thought grows and takes over. Her confidence drops. She starts feeling isolated, doubting herself, and questioning her future.

I want to meet Kate, hug her, and tell her:
💙 You are not alone.
💙 You are more than enough for the Dutch market.
💙 You just need to adjust your approach!

Here’s what I would recommend to Kate (and to you if this sounds familiar!):

11 Steps to Make Your CV Work for You

1️⃣ Choose ONE target job (e.g., Customer Service Representative).
2️⃣ Pick a specific vacancy (ideally, you match 60% or more of the skills).
3️⃣ Use the job title from the vacancy in your CV + add 1-2 synonyms (for ATS screening).
4️⃣ Adapt your summary (2-3 sentences) to match the job description.
5️⃣ Tailor each section of your CV (experience, skills, requirements) to reflect keywords from the job description.
6️⃣ Customize your past roles: if you were a Marketing Specialist, highlight your customer service experience in that role.
7️⃣ Make sure your CV length is appropriate:

• 0-5 years of experience → 1-page CV
• 5-10 years → Max 2 pages
• 10+ years → 2-3 pages, but only if needed (focus on relevance!)
• Dutch recruiters love short, well-structured CVs—make it easy to scan in under 10 seconds!

8️⃣ Include numbers & achievements, not just tasks:

• Bad: Handled customer inquiries and resolved issues.
• Good: Managed 50+ daily customer inquiries, achieving a 98% satisfaction rating.
• Recruiters love measurable impact!

9️⃣ Align your LinkedIn with your CV – recruiters will check it! Make sure your profile supports your target role.

🔟 Use your network – ask for introductions to the company (this increases your chances by at least 50%).

1️⃣1️⃣ Apply promptly – be one of the first candidates! Once you master the process, it will be quick & efficient.

The Golden Tip 

💡 A well-optimized CV isn’t about what YOU want to tell—it’s about what THEY want to see.

The more your CV speaks the employer’s language, the higher your chances of getting an interview—and the job!