Introduction

Despite the abundance of advice on using a spraak cv maker gratis online, several persistent myths continue to mislead job seekers and hinder their chances of success. These misconceptions often stem from outdated practices or anecdotal evidence, and following them can lead to missed opportunities and wasted time. According to a study by CareerBuilder, nearly 70% of employers have rejected candidates due to poorly crafted resumes. This article separates fact from fiction, providing research-backed insights to help you navigate the competitive job market.

At Stake: Following these myths can cost you critical job interviews and career advancement opportunities.

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❌ Myth #1: "A Longer CV is Always Better"

The Myth:

"The more information you provide on your CV, the better your chances of getting hired."

The Reality:
Research from the National Association of Colleges and Employers indicates that recruiters spend an average of just 6 to 7 seconds reviewing a CV. This means adding unnecessary length can actually detract from your chances of getting noticed.

Why This is Dangerous:

• Cognitive Overload: Recruiters may overlook key qualifications if they are buried under superfluous details.
• Negative First Impression: A lengthy CV can signal a lack of clarity and focus, making you seem unfocused.
• Impact on Job Search: A CV that doesn’t get read effectively reduces your chances of landing interviews.

The Evidence:

Study	Finding	Source
NACE Study (2023)	70% of recruiters prefer CVs that are one page or two at most.	National Association of Colleges and Employers
Jobvite Survey (2022)	88% of recruiters said they disregard CVs longer than 2 pages.	Jobvite

What To Do Instead: ✅ Focus on Relevance: Highlight only the most pertinent experiences and skills related to the job.
✅ Use Bullet Points: Make your CV easy to skim with concise bullet points.
✅ Tailor Your Content: Customize your CV for each application to enhance relevance.

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❌ Myth #2: "Keywords Alone Will Get You Through ATS"

The Myth:

"If I just stuff my CV with the right keywords, it will pass the Applicant Tracking System (ATS)."

The Reality:
Industry experts agree that while keywords are important, they are only part of a successful CV strategy. A study from the Jobscan found that only 50% of applicants who optimized for keywords got past the ATS when their overall presentation was poor.

Where This Comes From:
This myth originated from early ATS systems that primarily focused on keyword detection. However, modern systems evaluate formatting, context, and overall document quality.

The Evidence:

• Recruiter Survey (2023): 73% of recruiters say they look for a balance of keywords and good formatting.
• LinkedIn Data: Resumes optimized for both content and keywords receive 30% more interview requests.
• Indeed Report (2022): 65% of candidates felt their keyword-stuffed CVs did not accurately represent their skills.

Better Approach:

OLD WAY (Myth):

• Simply inserting job-specific keywords.
• Result: Often rejected by ATS due to poor overall quality and context.

NEW WAY (Evidence-Based):

• Use keywords naturally within a well-structured CV that highlights your skills and achievements.
• Result: Increased chances of both ATS acceptance and recruiter interest.

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❌ Myth #3: "You Should Always Use a Functional CV Format"

The Myth:

"Using a functional CV format is the best way to hide employment gaps and focus on skills."

The Reality:
The truth is more nuanced: while a functional CV can benefit some candidates, a 2023 survey by the Resume Lab found that 70% of recruiters prefer a chronological format as it provides clearer career progression.

Real-World Impact:

Following Myth	Following Evidence	Difference
60% of candidates with functional CVs got interviews	80% of candidates with chronological formats received calls	+20%

Expert Opinion:

John Doe, Career Coach: "Most recruiters find chronological CVs more trustworthy and easier to follow. Functional formats can raise questions about gaps."

Correct Method:

1. Use a chronological format that highlights your work history and achievements.
2. If you have gaps, address them briefly in a cover letter or explain in your CV.
3. Include relevant skills but ensure they are contextualized within your work experience.

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❌ Myth #4: "You Should Include Every Job You've Ever Had"

The Myth:

"It’s better to list every job to show your experience."

The Reality:
Modern spraak CV maker gratis online actually requires a more strategic approach. A study by Glassdoor revealed that 80% of employers prefer relevant experience over an exhaustive job list.

Historical Context:
Years ago, CVs were often longer, and more detailed job histories were the norm. However, today’s hiring climate demands brevity and specificity.

Current Best Practice:

Element	Myth Says	Reality Is	Why It Matters
Every job listed	All positions must be included	Only relevant positions should be featured	Helps employers quickly see pertinent skills

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❌ Myth #5: "Cover Letters Aren't Necessary"

The Myth:

"No one reads cover letters anymore; they’re not needed."

The Reality:
Data from a 2022 survey by ResumeGo shows that 57% of hiring managers still value cover letters as a key factor in their decision-making process.

The Hidden Cost:
Believing this costs job seekers an average of 37% more in potential interviews:

• Lost opportunities in competitive markets.
• Risk of appearing unprofessional or disinterested.
• Missed chances to showcase personality and fit.

Evidence-Based Alternative:

Instead of: Skipping cover letters entirely.
Do this: Craft tailored cover letters that highlight your passion for the role and fit with the company culture.
Result: Candidates who submit personalized cover letters receive 25% more interview callbacks.

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The Collective Damage

Following these 5 myths together leads to:

1. ⚠️ Reduced visibility in applicant tracking systems.
2. ⚠️ Increased rejection rates due to poor CV presentation.
3. ⚠️ Missed opportunities to make a strong impression on potential employers.

Evidence-Based Approach

The 5 Proven Principles:

✅ Principle 1: Keep your CV concise and relevant.
✅ Principle 2: Balance keyword usage with quality formatting.
✅ Principle 3: Prefer chronological formats unless a functional one is truly warranted.
✅ Principle 4: Include only relevant job experiences.
✅ Principle 5: Always submit a well-crafted cover letter.

Your Action Plan

Immediate Steps:

• Stop doing: Adding irrelevant information to your CV.
• Start doing: Tailoring your CV and cover letter for each application.
• Verify: Check your CV against job descriptions for relevance.
• Optimize: Use modern templates that enhance readability.

Sources & Further Reading

1. National Association of Colleges and Employers
2. Jobscan - ATS and Resume Research
3. Glassdoor - The Importance of Resumes
4. ResumeGo - Cover Letter Insights

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