Profile — [Brief summary of your professional identity, key strengths, and what you’re looking for. 2–4 sentences.]
[Degree], [University] — [Year]
Dutch applications combine a structured CV with a letter, and language choice depends on the advertisement. This page covers Dutch CV conventions and how to complete the printable template on this page.
The document is a CV, one to two pages, reverse chronological with month and year. Write it in Dutch for Dutch-language advertisements, and in English for international employers — the Netherlands hires heavily in English, so mirror the ad's language exactly. Personal details are more visible than in the UK or US: date of birth and nationality are commonly included, nationality because it signals whether a work permit is needed, and a photo is common though not required — a professional headshot is the norm on traditional Dutch CVs, while multinationals frequently omit it.
Language skills are scrutinised: state Dutch, English and German levels clearly, since Dutch employers routinely use the first to gauge team fit and the second for international work. A sollicitatiebrief (cover letter) is expected for most advertised roles unless the ad explicitly says otherwise, and references are normally given as "referenties op aanvraag" (available on request). Directness is a cultural asset in the letter — Dutch employers prefer concrete, unembellished claims over marketing language.
Fill the template top-down: personal details first (including date of birth and nationality), then profile, then experience with exact month/year dates. The photo frame is there if you decide to include a headshot — leave it empty for international firms. Rewrite the sample bullets into results with numbers, and match key terms from the ad in your skills section so tracking systems can find them. Press Print / Save as PDF — A4 is pre-set on this page — and save as Voornaam_Achternaam_CV.pdf. For an editable copy to tailor per application, the resume builder keeps the same structure.
Mirror the advertisement. Dutch-language ads require a Dutch CV; English-language ads at international employers accept English. If the ad is bilingual, send both versions or a bilingual CV — it demonstrates the language balance the role needs.
In the Netherlands, yes — it tells the employer whether a work permit is involved, which is a practical hiring question. EU/EEA candidates list citizenship plainly; non-EU candidates should note their permit status or eligibility in the profile line so the employer can assess sponsorship quickly.
Common but not required. Traditional Dutch employers still expect a professional headshot; international firms advertising in English often omit it. Match the style of the company and the advertisement — a formal portrait if you include one.
For most advertised roles, yes: the sollicitatiebrief is a one-page letter stating why this employer and role. Some ads explicitly say "CV only" — follow that instruction rather than sending an unsolicited letter.