How to write a motivation letter for Dutch employers
In the Netherlands, the motivation letter (motivatiebrief) is often read before the CV. It answers two questions: why do you want this job, and why are you a good fit? A clear, honest letter can be the reason you are invited to interview.
How long should it be?
One page, about 250 to 400 words. Dutch recruiters appreciate brevity. Every sentence should tell them something new.
A simple structure
- Opening: the role you are applying for, and one sentence on why it caught your attention.
- Why this employer: something specific about the organisation, its products, mission or projects. Show you have done your research.
- Why you: two or three examples from your experience that match the job’s main requirements, with results.
- Practical details: your availability, work permit status if relevant, and your Dutch level if the job needs it.
- Close: a short, polite line saying you would welcome an interview.
Get the tone right
Be direct and sincere. Dutch readers dislike flattery and grand claims, so explain your motivation in plain terms and back up your strengths with facts. “I would like to” and “I am interested in” sound natural; “I am the perfect candidate” does not.
An example to adapt
I am applying for the position of Data Analyst at Greenfield Logistics. Your work on route optimisation for electric delivery fleets is exactly the kind of problem I want to work on.
In my current role at a Berlin food delivery company, I built forecasting models in Python that cut late deliveries by 18%. I also present results to non-technical teams every week, which I understand is a big part of this role.
I have an EU passport and can start from 1 March. My Dutch is at A2 level, and I am taking evening classes to reach B1 this year.
I would be glad to tell you more in an interview. Thank you for considering my application.
Common mistakes
- Repeating your CV line by line instead of explaining your motivation.
- Sending the same letter to every employer.
- Writing more than one page.
- Overselling: confident is good, boastful is not.
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