Work hunting can be a tiring journey and I know it right away.
A few months ago, I sent 166 applications, pouring my heart into each, hoping for a breakthrough. But the reality was tough; I hardly got the answers and my conversion rate was poorly 2%, which means that only two of the 100 applications to interviews.
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I realized my cv was holding me back so I decided to fix it. Through the experiment and the mistake, I developed five important rules that turned things around, increasing my conversion rate to an impressive 20% -> 1 in each 5 applications, let me interview!
These rules became the backbone of my CV-creation presentation for the Vrije University Lecture in Amsterdam and I am pleased to share them with you, with why they work.
Rule 1: to highlight the main achievements
The first rule is to introduce your most valuable experience to grab your attention immediately.
When I sent these first 100 applications, my CV was clicked with general work duties ->
“Worked as a background developer for 1 year”
It didn't say anything unique to the recruiters. Instead, I learned to focus on specific, influential achievements.
For example, I replaced vague descriptions with statements like:
“Achieved a 96% decrease in the user waiting Time to solve existing simultaneity problems ”
This shift made my CV out of the results, not just for obligations. Highlighting the achievements to employers to highlight the signals of proposals that you are a candidate who offers value!
Rule 2: Show the effect with numbers
The numbers make your achievements tangible, so the second rule is to use numerical data to demonstrate the results.
On the days of hunting my early work, I would write things like:
“Designed and maintained PostgreSQL Database for Marketplace Search Data”
But it didn't pack the strokes.
When I started to add specifics:
“Developed and cared for a 600m+ entry PostgreSQL Database for Marketplace Search Data ”
My CV became much more weighty.
The numbers give the recruiters a clear picture of your influence. Whether it is a percentage, income or time to save, let the numbers talk, these will make your achievements easier to understand.
Rule 3: Keep it easy
The third rule is to use a pure, minimal design with no fancy style.
After helping more than 25 CV Build students and young professionals, I can say that a very visually heavy and confusing style template is a common mistake.
I suggest that everyone be exchanged for a simple template that passes through ATS scans. I will add a link to my
It also gives you extra points when Mr. Reads it because it is visually light and easy to digest.
Rule 4: Hold on one page
I was not influenced by this misconception, but many people are…
I found out that recruiters spend only 10-15 seconds to scan CV, so every inch is important. Cutting fluff and focusing on the most important, like recent roles and main achievements, everything can fit on one page.
This forced you to a priority for quality, ensuring that recruiters would quickly see my value without extra pages.
Rule 5: Use keywords
The final rule is to use the relevant set of keywords to review ATS scanning.
When I made my first applications, I didn't even know what Ats was! Until I realized that my CV did not reach the eyes of the people because it had no correct terms.
I began to analyze job advertisements (usually 4-5 at a time) and used AI tools to identify the most common keywords, such as “Django” or “SQL”.
This simple tip made my CV ATS visible, dramatically increasing my chances of getting over the first reviewer.
PS You can just put the keywords together at the end of your CV, people never read them!
These five rules turned my job hunting and they can do the same for you.
After implementing them, I went to a 20 % conversion rate of almost 100 applications that opened the doors to exciting opportunities.
When you work hard to interview, it's time to rethink your CV.
Do you want to know or get personalized help more?
I would like to help you take your CV to the next level!
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