This guide is written in English for candidates applying to roles in the Netherlands. Many multinational employers, startups and research institutions in Amsterdam, Eindhoven, Rotterdam and The Hague recruit in English, while Dutch-speaking roles expect a Dutch CV and motivation letter (motivatiebrief). Always verify the language of the vacancy first.
Build your checklist from the job posting
Dutch hiring processes value brevity, factual clarity and direct alignment with the vacancy requirements. Confirm what the employer asks for before uploading your files.
| Decision | What to verify in the vacancy | Your preparation step |
|---|---|---|
| Language | English vs. Dutch application instructions | Write your CV and motivation letter in the requested language |
| Page length | Concise 1-to-2 page A4 layout | Focus on recent roles, scope and concrete outcomes |
| Motivation letter | Whether a short motivatiebrief is requested | Explain clearly why you want the role and what evidence supports your fit |
| Education | How international or Dutch degrees (WO, HBO, MBO) are listed |
State the exact degree name and institution without inventing equivalences |
| Portal upload | Single PDF vs. separate CV and letter fields | Check the extracted fields in the applicant portal |
Write a direct A4 CV without inflated claims
Recruiters in the Netherlands generally prefer plain, concrete descriptions of what you built, managed or improved over promotional adjectives. Structure your A4 CV in reverse-chronological order with consistent MM-yyyy or month-year dates, clear role titles and verifiable numbers.
When applying from abroad or comparing international formats, review our international job application guide and inspect the chronological classic template for a clean A4 layout.
Same story. A little more breathing room.
Switch the layout. Watch how spacing and hierarchy change the way this sample reads.
Alex Morgan
Product designerProfile
Product designer focused on making complex workflows easier to understand.
Experience
Product Designer · Example Studio
- Mapped the onboarding journey with the support team.
- Designed and tested a clearer account setup flow.
- Documented reusable components for the engineering team.
Skills
Interaction design · Prototyping · Design systems
Everything is asking for attention.
Closely packed headings and text leave fewer visual signposts. Try the other treatment.
Keep personal details and language levels factual
A photograph, date of birth and marital status are not required on a Dutch CV; keep your header focused on your name, contact details, location (city/country) and relevant portfolio or profile links. Do not include national identification numbers (BSN) on a CV.
State Dutch, English and other language proficiency accurately (for example using CEFR levels A2, B2, C1), and never let automated rewriting overstate your fluency or work authorization status.
Check your final PDF and portal fields before applying
Open your final A4 PDF and motivation letter side by side to ensure your dates, employer names and role titles match. Give each file a clear, professional filename.
Run your CV through the PDF text check to inspect the extracted text in your browser, then review every field in the employer’s application form before submitting.
Your experience. A fresh canvas.
Try a different look. These are actual Guul template previews, with illustrative sample content.
Let the details do the talking.
A traditional, text-led layout for a detailed career story. Review the smallest text at normal zoom.
Make this layout yours ↗The builder opens with your selected template.Replace all sample details with your own experience.Explore the resume lookbook →