Dutch CV guide

How to write a CV for the Netherlands

A CV for the Netherlands is short, factual and easy to scan. Whether you write it in English or Dutch, the same habits apply. This guide covers what Dutch recruiters look for and how to set out your CV so it fits.

The usual structure

Personal details: name, phone, email, city and LinkedIn. A photo, date of birth and nationality are optional.
Profile: three or four sentences on who you are and what you are looking for.
Work experience: most recent first, with job title, employer, city and dates.
Education: degree, institution and years. Explain foreign degrees briefly (see below).
Skills and languages: tools, certifications and languages with your level (A1 to C2).
Optional: interests and volunteering. Dutch CVs often include a short line about hobbies.

How long should it be?

One to two pages of A4. Many Dutch recruiters prefer one page for early-career applicants. If you have a long career, keep the detail to the last ten years and summarise the rest.

Write in a direct, factual style

Dutch readers are put off by superlatives and vague claims. Swap adjectives for facts and let results show your strengths.

Instead of

Highly motivated, passionate team player with excellent communication skills.

Write

Coordinated a team of six analysts across three countries and presented monthly results to the management team.

Should you include a photo?

It is up to you. A professional photo is still fairly common on Dutch CVs, particularly for client-facing roles, but it is not required, and international employers and recruiters often prefer CVs without one. If you include a photo, use a recent, neutral head-and-shoulders shot.

Languages are a key section

Many jobs in the Netherlands need English, Dutch or both. Give every language a level on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), from A1 (beginner) to C2 (fluent), for example “English: C2, Dutch: A2 (taking lessons)”. If you are learning Dutch, say so. Employers notice the effort.

English or Dutch?

Write your CV in the language of the job advert. If the advert is in English, an English CV is fine. If it is in Dutch and you are not fluent, you can still apply in English, but say your Dutch level clearly. Choose either British or American spelling and stick to it.

Where to apply

LinkedIn is the main job platform in the Netherlands, so keep your profile in line with your CV. Indeed, Nationale Vacaturebank and employers’ own career sites are also widely used, and recruitment agencies (uitzendbureaus and specialist recruiters) fill many roles.