Are you moving to the Netherlands and not sure how to create a Dutch CV? Don’t worry, we’ll guide you through it. Your CV is one of the most important documents in your job hunt. It shows your experience, skills and education, and gives employers their first impression of you. What are the do’s and don’ts for a Dutch CV? Check it out. Prefer reading in Dutch? Check our Dutch application guide for more tips.
Key differences in a Dutch CV
CVs around the world are all written differently. These differences can be very small yet very meaningful. When applying for work in the Netherlands, it is good to understand the correct Dutch CV format and what the key differences are:
Photo on CV
A common question for expats is: should I include a photo on my resume? On a Dutch resume, it is very common to have a professional photo of you included. However, it is not strictly required.
Date of birth on CV
In the Netherlands, it’s common to include your date of birth on your CV. If you’d rather not share it, that’s totally fine too. Still, adding it can help employers place your profile a bit faster. For example, whether you’re bringing that fresh, young energy or you’ve already built up a lot of solid experience.
Education on CV
If you look at Dutch CV examples, you will see that they frequently include secondary education (high school, such as havo or vwo), even if the candidate has completed a university degree. It gives employers insight into your background. In contrast, in other countries secondary school details are usually removed once you have obtained a higher degree or have significant work experience.
Detail
Another major difference to keep in mind when looking for a Dutch CV template is the amount of detail. The standard Dutch CV format is known for getting straight to the point, using as few words as possible while saying the most about you. Think short bullets, clear job titles, and results you can back up. You don’t have to explain every single task on your CV. That’s what the job interview is for. In the interview, you can add context, share examples, and explain the choices you made.
Tone of voice
This is perhaps the most subtle but impactful difference. The Dutch culture values modesty and "nuchterheid" (being down-to-earth). A Dutch resume should be factual, honest, and not overly boastful. Using words like ‘expert’, ‘world-class’ or ‘amazing’ can be perceived as arrogant.
| Feature | Dutch CV |
|---|---|
| Photo | Common |
| Date of birth | Include |
| Education | Include high school |
| Detail | Concise |
| Tone of voice | Down-to-earth |
Dutch CV example
Ready to see what a Dutch CV actually looks like? Use this CV format, or click through our other cv examples and templates and use one that suits you best.
Key takeaways
- There are a couple of things to watch out for on a Dutch CV about the photo, date of birth, education, level of detail, and tone of voice.
- Use our Dutch CV format to make a professional impression on Dutch employers.
Vacancies
Veelgestelde vragen
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Should I include a photo on my resume for the Netherlands?
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Where can I find more Dutch CV examples?
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How can I enhance my Dutch CV even more?
In the Netherlands, it is not required to add an image of yourself on your CV, but it's common to do so.
In our application tips guide, we have more Dutch CV examples. They are ready for you to use, so choose one that fits the job and your vibe.
You can use AI to improve your Dutch CV. It can help rewrite your work experience, adjust the tone of voice, or tailor your CV to a specific vacancy.