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Your cover letter often gets a lot of attention, and rightly so. But in practice, it is your resume that determines whether or not you're invited to an interview. In Belgium, your resume, together with your cover letter, is the first screening tool used by recruiters and employers. That’s why it pays to invest time in getting it right.
A strong resume doesn’t need to be complex. What matters most is clarity, structure, and relevance to the role you are applying for. In this article, you’ll learn how to build an effective resume, which elements are essential, and why a clear structure often makes the difference.
Be sure to download our free resume template and increase your chances of getting a job interview with a professional resume.
Why resume structure matters
Recruiters often review dozens of resumes in a short period of time. They rarely have the opportunity to read each one in detail. Instead, they first scan for structure and relevance. If those are clear, the content gets their attention.
A well-structured resume helps recruiters quickly answer three key questions:
Who are you?
What experience do you bring?
Does your profile match the open role?
Making this easy significantly improves your chances.
Which resume format works best?
While resumes come in different formats, two types are most common in practice.
The chronological resume is by far the most widely used in Belgium. It lists your education and work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent role. This format is familiar, easy to scan, and ideal if your career path is consistent.
The functional resume focuses more on skills than on a timeline. This can be useful if you are changing careers or have limited work experience.
Whichever format you choose, it is best to deviate from the standard structure only when the job posting clearly calls for it.
Essential sections of a strong resume
A strong resume consists of a number of fixed building blocks. These ensure recognizability and make your resume scannable.
Personal details
At the top of your resume, include your name, address, phone number, and email address. You may also add a professional LinkedIn profile or other relevant online presence. Keep this section concise. It’s about contact details, not personal storytelling.
Education and work experience
Education and work experience form the core of your resume. List your education in reverse chronological order and clearly indicate:
the program completed,
where and when you studied,
whether you obtained a degree (and any honors).
For work experience, go beyond job titles and company names. Briefly describe your role and responsibilities to give recruiters a concrete view of your background.
Skills, languages, and competencies
After your experience, highlight relevant skills such as technical expertise, software knowledge, languages, and professional competencies. Select skills that genuinely reflect your strengths and are relevant to the role. A focused list is more effective than a long, generic one.
Strengthening your resume without overloading it
A resume is not meant to tell your entire story. Its purpose is to spark interest. That requires making thoughtful choices.
Common recruiter guidelines include:
limit your resume to two pages;
use clear, straightforward language;
avoid exaggeration — accuracy matters;
explain any gaps in employment.
If space allows, you can include additional relevant information under a section such as “Additional information,” including volunteer work or interests related to the role.
Clear structure works in your favor
While creativity can be tempting, recruiters primarily value speed and clarity. A standardized structure allows them to quickly review and compare candidates.
Unless you’re applying for a highly creative role, clarity will always outweigh originality.
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Your resume shapes the first impression you make on an employer. By choosing a clear structure and relevant content, you significantly increase your chances of securing an interview.
Download our free resume template and tailor it to your profile. You can also share your resume with Robert Half. We’re happy to support you in finding the right opportunity.
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Don't hesitate to send in your resume to Robert Half, we are happy to help you with your job search.
