Futures.Works has over 15 years of experience in the Dutch job market.
We’ve screened hundreds of thousands of CVs and helped thousands take the next step in their careers.
We use this data to optimize your CV—so it doesn’t vanish into a black hole.
Why a Professional, ATS- and Database-Optimized CV Matters More Than Ever
—and How Your Chances of Landing an Interview Depend on It
In a world where job applications aren’t read carefully anymore but instead scanned by algorithms, a professional and well-structured CV is no longer a luxury—it’s a requirement.
Many candidates underestimate how ruthless the selection process has become.
You don’t have an hour, not even ten minutes… often you don’t even have 30 seconds.
In fact, in many cases, a human doesn’t look at your CV at all.
Welcome to the era of ATS systems, AI-driven keyword scanners, and automated rejections.
The Reality of Modern Job Applications:
Robots Decide First
Most companies now use ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems)—software that automatically scans and filters CVs based on set criteria such as job titles, keywords, education level, and work experience.
If your CV:
- lacks a clear structure,
- doesn’t use logical section titles,
- or is saved in a strange file format,
…it simply won’t get read. The system will either mark it as “unreadable” or give it a low score.
AI Determines Your First Impression
Larger companies have already integrated AI tools into their ATS. These tools assess whether your CV is relevant.
No keywords → No match → Automatic rejection.
No recruiter ever sees it. You are literally filtered out by an algorithm.
30 Seconds: The Brutal Human Factor
Let’s say your CV makes it through the ATS and lands in the “potentially interesting” pile.
Don’t get your hopes up—a recruiter spends on average 6 to 30 seconds per CV.
- Messy formatting? Gone.
- Vague job titles? Deleted.
- Huge blocks of text without bullet points or measurable results? Next.
A Professional CV Means:
- Clear structure
- Relevant keywords
- Concrete results
- Visual clarity and readability
The goal is not to describe your career.
The goal is to say within 30 seconds:
“I solve this problem. Call me.”
Why You're Better Off Not Applying via a Recruitment Agency
Many professionals think recruitment agencies will get them hired faster.
Often the opposite is true.
1. You’ll earn less
Agencies typically charge companies 20–30% of your annual salary as a placement fee. That means:
- You earn the same,
- The company pays thousands extra,
- Your “paper value” drops—you become an expensive candidate.
2. You’re seen as a cost
Hiring managers hesitate when an agency submits a candidate:
- “Can’t we find this person ourselves?”
- “Is this candidate worth the fee?”
- “Let’s wait a bit…”
3. Delay and distortion
A recruiter stands between you and the company:
- Delayed communication
- Misrepresentation of your profile
- No direct feedback from decision-makers
Result: You’re more expensive, less transparent, and less attractive.
Why You Should Never Use “Easy Apply” on LinkedIn
It sounds tempting: one click, attach your CV, done.
But Easy Apply is the junk food of job applications.
It feels efficient—but it’s lazy, overcrowded, and ineffective.
1. You’re applicant #389
Easy Apply jobs get flooded.
Recruiters bulk-delete 90% using filters.
You're just a line in a spreadsheet.
2. Poor context
Easy Apply often sends a shortened CV version. Recruiters receive:
- No cover letter
- No motivation
- No real sense of who you are
3. You’re skipping the real application route
Yes, the vacancy is posted on LinkedIn,
But most companies want you to apply via their own careers site.
That’s where your full details are entered into their system—that’s the official route.
Look up the company, go to their job page, read the posting, and apply properly with a structured CV and a clear motivation.
In Conclusion:
The Difference Between Being Read and Being Ignored
In today’s market, it’s all about:
- Presentation
- Keywords
- Readability
- Speed
A professional CV isn’t a €24.95 expense—it’s the deciding factor between getting an interview or being forgotten.
You could be the best candidate in the country—but if your CV is chaotic, unfocused, full of the wrong terms, or simply not machine-readable...
You don’t exist.
The algorithm pushes you out before anyone ever sees you.