Europass

How to Write a CV for the Netherlands: Complete Guide for 2025

The Netherlands has one of the most open job markets in Europe, with a high proportion of English-speaking workplaces. Here is everything you need to know about Dutch CV conventions.

Dutch CV Format at a Glance

ElementDutch standardNotes
Length1–2 pages1 page for junior, 2 for senior.
PhotoOptional (trending no photo)Increasingly omitted due to anti-discrimination policies.
Personal detailsName, phone, email, LinkedInDate of birth optional. LinkedIn expected.
FormatReverse chronological or skills-basedEuropass accepted for international applicants.
LanguageEnglish widely acceptedNetherlands has highest English proficiency in continental Europe.

What Dutch Employers Look For

  • Directness: State achievements clearly with numbers.
  • LinkedIn profile: Include your URL. Netherlands has one of the highest LinkedIn adoption rates in Europe.
  • International experience: Highly valued.
  • Skills over titles: Dutch employers care about what you can do.

Sections Your Dutch CV Should Include

  1. Personal details — name, phone, email, LinkedIn URL, city.
  2. Professional summary — 2–3 sentences.
  3. Work experience — reverse chronological with achievements.
  4. Education — degrees, institutions, dates.
  5. Skills — languages, technical skills, certifications.
  6. Interests — optional but common.

How to Create Your Dutch CV with Europass.ai

  1. Go to europass.ai/nl/create to start in Dutch.
  2. Upload your existing CV or start fresh with AI content generation.
  3. Add your LinkedIn URL in the personal details section.
  4. Download as PDF — clean, professional, and ATS-friendly.

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