Eager to learn. A strong communicator. Works well in a team. It's in almost every profile, and it sets nobody apart, because it fits every candidate for every role. A match profile that stands out does the opposite: it's so specific that it only fits you. That comes from a few concrete choices, not from more adjectives.
What is a match profile, and how is it different from a cover letter?
A cover letter usually explains why you like a company. A match profile explains who you are and how you work, so a recruiter or hiring manager can judge whether that fits a role, including one you didn't know existed. You're answering a different question: not “why do I want to work here”, but “what kind of person am I, and in what kind of work do I do best”.
Start with why, not what
Don't list everything you've done; explain why you did it. Did you join that student association because you love organising, or because bringing people together gives you energy? That “why” says something about what you'd want to do in a role that isn't on your CV yet.
Use concrete moments, not adjectives
“I'm proactive” convinces no one. “When the planning fell apart, I called three suppliers myself and arranged an alternative before anyone asked” does. Pick two or three moments from your studies, side job or association that show how you work. One strong example with a beginning, a choice and an outcome says more than a paragraph of qualifications.
Be specific about what you want, not just what you can do
A profile that only covers skills doesn't tell a company whether the role fits you. So say where you're heading too: the type of work, the kind of team, the pace you want to grow at. A good match works both ways. A company that knows what you're after can judge the fit more honestly, instead of offering you a role that checks out on paper and not in practice.
How long should a match profile be?
Short enough to read in one go, long enough to be specific. Usually a few short paragraphs, not a full CV written out as prose. Pick three sharp points about yourself over ten vague ones.
Three signs your profile is too generic
- You could send the same text to three completely different vacancies without changing a word
- You use words like “driven” or “eager to learn” without an example that proves it
- A friend who knows you well wouldn't recognise you in the text
Character beats checkboxes
For a match, VOIDS looks at motivation, working style and culture, not just a list of skills [1]. A match profile that shows your character, motivations and way of working fits that approach exactly. Write it today: start with one real situation and one sentence about what you're looking for.
Sources
- VOIDS: Werving & selectie (incl. cases), accessed 11 October 2026.
Transparency: VOIDS connects working students with organisations and therefore has an interest in this topic. We back up facts with sources and connect research and trends to our own experience from practice.
