cover letter for netherlands

• Cover Letter

The Netherlands Cover Letter Writing Guide

Crafting the perfect Netherlands cover letter is pivotal.

But here’s the thing—

Most job seekers stumble, unsure of the right tone, content, or even length for the Dutch market. Is it the pressure to make that first impression count? Or is there a worry about cultural nuances being lost in translation?

To decode the essence of a standout Netherlands cover letter, we delved into insights from hiring managers and seasoned professionals in the Dutch job landscape.

Read on to uncover the golden nuggets we’ve gleaned.

Do Employers Actually Read Cover Letters in the Netherlands?

You’ve worked hard and perfected your CV.

What’s next?

You’re probably wondering if you even need a cover letter?

To answer this question, we consulted an expert.

Expert tips:

Do employers actually read cover letters in the Netherlands? The answer is both yes and no.

As a recruiter, I quickly skim through the cover letter at first. However, if a candidate catches my interest and I consider them for a phone interview, I take the time to read it in detail. The reason? I want to compare the motivation expressed in the letter with what they convey during our conversation.

It’s beneficial if your cover letter is concise, ideally no more than one page. Make sure it’s tailored to the specific job and company – avoid using generic templates. While keeping it personal, it’s essential to strike a balance; being overly humorous or quirky might not always come off well. Aim for a professional tone.

Though I don’t always find cover letters necessary, they can sometimes be invaluable. For instance, if a candidate’s resume doesn’t exactly align with the job requirements, their cover letter can shed light on why they believe they’re a good fit. After all, a resume can’t tell the whole story.

Top 14 Tips for Crafting a Standout Cover Letter in the Netherlands

• Research the Company: Before you start writing, research the company thoroughly. Understand its values, culture, and any recent developments. This knowledge will help you tailor your letter and demonstrate genuine interest.
• Address the Hiring Manager: Begin your cover letter with a personalized greeting. If possible, address the specific hiring manager or recruiter by name, avoiding generic salutations like “To Whom It May Concern.”
• Purpose and Relevance: In the opening paragraph, clearly state your motivation for applying to the specific job. Highlight how your background and skills align with the job requirements. If your background doesn’t perfectly fit the job, explain why you think you could be a match.
• Highlight Relevant Experience: In the body of the letter, focus on experiences and achievements most relevant to the position. Use specific examples to showcase how you’ve added value in previous roles.
• Personalization and Enthusiasm: Mention specific details about the company, such as their products or mission, to show that you’ve done your research and are genuinely interested. Convey your enthusiasm for the job authentically, emphasizing your genuine interest in the position and the company.
• Professional Tone and Language Proficiency: Maintain a professional tone throughout the letter. If you’re not a native Dutch speaker but are applying for a position in the Netherlands, mention your language proficiency levels. Ensure your cover letter is free of grammatical and spelling errors.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Be aware of and respect cultural norms and expectations in the Netherlands. Dutch business culture values directness, so be straightforward in your communication.
• Concluding Remarks: Conclude your letter with a strong closing statement, expressing your eagerness to discuss further in an interview. Provide clear contact information.
• Length and Format: Keep the cover letter concise, ideally to a maximum of one page. Ensure consistency in formatting and avoid overly decorative fonts or graphics.
• Quality Over Quantity: Instead of sending out numerous applications with minimal effort, focus on sending fewer, high-quality applications. A well-crafted cover letter can significantly increase your chances of securing an interview.
• Follow Application Instructions: Adhere to any specific guidelines or instructions provided in the job listing, such as including certain keywords or answering particular questions.
• Avoid Generic Content: Ensure that your cover letter is tailored for each job and company you apply to. Avoid using generic or copy-pasted content.
• Feedback and Proofreading: Consider having someone proofread your cover letter for you. Feedback can help identify areas of improvement and ensure clarity and coherence.
• Consistency with Interview: Ensure that the motivation you mention in the cover letter aligns with what you would convey during an interview. Some recruiters compare the two to check for consistency.

Structure of a Netherlands Cover Letter

• Salutation: Begin with a formal greeting, ideally addressing the hiring manager by name.
• Introduction: Briefly introduce yourself and express the reason for your application.
• Body: Elucidate your qualifications, experiences, and how they align with the job role.
• Conclusion: Reiterate your enthusiasm for the position and suggest a follow-up.
• Formal closing: End with a professional sign-off, followed by your name.

Netherlands Cover Letter Template

Sample netherlands cover letter.

Formatting and Font

• Font Choice: Stick to professional fonts like Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri.
• Font Size: Maintain a font size between 10 to 12 points for readability.
• Margins: Keep margins around one inch on all sides.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using a generic or non-specific salutation.
• Failing to tailor the letter for each job.
• Including irrelevant information.
• Forgetting to proofread for grammar and spelling errors.

Addressing Gaps or Unusual Circumstances

• Be Honest: If there are gaps in your resume, address them directly but briefly.
• Highlight Learning: Emphasize any skills or knowledge you gained during any hiatus.

Netherlands Cultural Nuances and Expectations in Cover Letters

• Directness: The Dutch value directness, so be clear and straightforward.
• Professional Tone: Even if applying for a casual role, maintain a professional tone.
• Local Qualifications: If you have foreign qualifications, equate them to Dutch standards.

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How long should my Netherlands cover letter be?

Aim for a single page.

Should I address the hiring manager by their first name?

If you know the manager’s name, it’s appropriate to use their full name in the salutation.

Do I need to write my cover letter in Dutch or English?

While many companies in the Netherlands are comfortable with English, especially in larger cities and international firms, it’s advisable to write in Dutch if the job advertisement is in Dutch. When in doubt, contact the company’s HR department.

Should I include a photo in my Netherlands cover letter?

Unlike some other countries, including a photo is not a common practice in the Netherlands unless specifically requested. Focus on your skills and qualifications instead.

How should I address gender or titles in my cover letter?

Dutch culture values equality and directness. It’s usually safe to address someone by their first name if you know it. If you’re unsure about gender or titles, a neutral greeting like “Dear Hiring Manager” can be used.

Is it appropriate to follow up after submitting my cover letter and CV?

Yes, if you haven’t received a response within a week or two, it’s acceptable to send a polite follow-up email to inquire about the status of your application.

Do Dutch companies prioritize cover letters over CVs or vice versa?

Both are important. While the CV provides a summary of your qualifications, the cover letter gives you an opportunity to explain how your experience aligns with the company’s needs. Ensure both documents are well-prepared.

Are there any specific cultural taboos I should avoid mentioning in my cover letter?

The Netherlands is known for its open-mindedness and tolerance. However, it’s always a good practice to focus on professional qualifications and avoid mentioning personal details like age, marital status, or religious beliefs unless they’re directly relevant to the job.

With these key insights and tips in hand, you’re poised to draft a Netherlands cover letter that will truly resonate with Dutch employers. Always tailor your content to match the specific job and company, accentuate your pertinent expertise, and be thorough in proofreading for any discrepancies. Here’s to your pursuit of professional endeavors in the Dutch job landscape!

Alison Adams, a Philly native and proud University of Pennsylvania alum, is your go-to Career Expert with a laid-back approach. She’s been in the job seeker’s shoes and knows how to navigate the wild world of work. Alison’s all about sharing practical tips and tricks with a personal touch, making her a favorite for those looking to level up their careers.

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ACCESS NL > Dual careers in the Netherlands > Working in the Netherlands > Finding a job in the Netherlands > What kind of CV and cover letter is customary to support job applications in the Netherlands?

Finding a job in the Netherlands

I will be relocating to the Netherlands or I am new to the Netherlands and have yet to find work. I don’t speak Dutch and would be happy to receive any advice from you with regards to employment possibilities and opportunities in the Netherlands.

Many international companies, non-commercial organisations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and affiliates of the United Nations and the European Union use English as the main working language. Also, certain jobs need languages such as French and German. Learning some Dutch would no doubt increase your opportunities, but there are many jobs for which no Dutch is required.

Where can I find information about international jobs in the Netherlands?

Here are the most useful methods of job hunting:

Via uitzendbureaus (employment or job agencies)

Some agencies employ people and send them temporarily to employers, though you can also get other types of contracts depending on the employer. There are both advantages and disadvantages to using this channel. On one hand, an agency can give you inside information about an employer as well as helping you prepare for an interview. On the other hand, an agency is one step further away from the employer. It’s up to the agency to propose and promote you for the job, which is why it’s important to make a good impression on them as well. Treat them the same as you would a potential employer, including dressing professionally.

Choose agencies representing your area of work and especially those dealing with international organisations if you do not speak Dutch. Some Dutch employment agencies may not consider you as a candidate if your CV is in English. To avoid being turned away with a standard response, look for job opportunities having descriptions which are in English. If Dutch is a requirement for the position and you can manage the language, then you should send the cover letter and CV in Dutch. In both cases, have your cover letter and CV checked for spelling and grammar errors as that is one of the first things a recruiter will look at.

Some agencies specialise in jobs for non-Dutch speakers. You can either forward your CV to the job agency or apply for their advertised vacancies. Both can be done via their websites; however, it is a good idea to give them a call to introduce yourself and stand out as a potential candidate. For a comprehensive list of recruitment agencies, contact the ACCESS Helpdesk here . If you are looking for a recruiter or headhunter for your next career step, then refer to the werving- en selectiebureaus (recruitment agencies). You can find all agencies available in the Netherlands on: allewervingenselectiebureaus.nl.

Many agencies require an MBO (vocational education) or HBO (professional higher education) diploma to apply for vacancies. If you are looking for part-time work as a student, job boards such as Monsterboard.nl may be more helpful.

Via networking

In the Netherlands, establishing a network of contacts is invaluable. This can happen anywhere (e.g. in sports clubs, your children’s school, interest groups and clubs). Be ready for the question: What do you do? Spend time on perfecting your profile and practising your ‘pitch’ but remember to keep it simple and natural.

Attending multilingual job fairs can be helpful. Some of the organisations/employers participating in these fairs may have positions for English-speaking job seekers, and the added networking opportunities may provide valuable information.

Via LinkedIn

LinkedIn is widely-used in the Netherlands so make sure your profile is up to date,  including that you live in the Netherlands. Ensure your profile and experience are consistent with your CV and include a professional photo. Recruiters and hiring managers are constantly reviewing profiles and placing job advertisements there. You can also join groups, take part in discussions, and use LinkedIn for your job research. Sign up for job alerts by filling in key words and areas of work interest, and you will be notified of jobs matching your requirements.

Via the internet and job boards

There are internet platforms with available job opportunities especially for internationals. You can upload your CV and sign-up for job alerts on various job boards such as: Togetherabroad.nl, https://www.iamexpat.nl/career, https://www.dutchnews.nl/jobsinholland / , https://www.expatica.com/nl/working/.

Open application

If you have identified particular organisations which interest you, seek a connection in your network (LinkedIn can be a good start). This can lead you to an introduction to someone working there. Simultaneously, you could also consider an open application, and if possible, deliver it in person. This method is more effective in small- to medium- sized companies.

Career optimisation

ACCESS career coaches and trainers offer courses/workshops about professional skills development, cultural awareness and global mobility. You can email them directly if you would like details about how they can help you.

What is the Europass CV?

The Europass CV is understood in every European country and it pays particular attention to your skills and competences. You can create a Europass CV on europa.eu/europass/en

Will I be paid during my internship?

Dutch employers are not legally obliged to pay you for your internship, though many give some kind of compensation, such as travel expenses. Others may be more generous and pay you a small amount. Be aware that you will have to pay taxes on anything you earn from an internship.

It is important that your CV is clear, comprehensive and written on one page or two pages maximum, as it will give a valuable first impression of you, your skills and the experience that you have to offer. Companies are flooded with CVs and scan through the CVs, so make sure your CV markets you in the best possible light.

In the Netherlands, a cover letter accompanying an application is often known as a motivation letter. Its purpose is to introduce yourself to the company, clarify why you are interested in the role and the organisation, and how your skills and experience would benefit their organisation. A motivation letter usually has the following structure:

• Your reason for applying
• Explanation why you believe that you are the right candidate for the job and what attracts you to the company
• Concluding sentence stating that you look forward to meeting them to explain in detail what you have outlined in the letter

Tailoring your motivation letter as well as the CV to the role you’re applying for will increase your chances of success. Don’t forget, in the Netherlands a catchy application/motivation letter, both content and design wise, is sometimes more important than impressive grades.

What steps should I take to prepare myself for my interview?

Here are some useful tips to prepare for an interview. Some may be obvious, and some may be different from how you would prepare yourself in your own country:

• Know the exact place and time of the interview, the interviewer’s full name and correct pronunciation, and his/her title.
• Research the company, products/services, growth and potential growth in the future.
• Refresh your memory on the facts and figures of your present employer and former employers.
• Prepare the questions you will ask; the interview is about input and feedback from both you and the interviewer.
• Arrive on time – this is very important in the Netherlands.
• While the Dutch may appear to be very informal in their dress and appearance, it is still recommended to dress professionally when attending an interview.
• Don’t forget the importance of a firm handshake and eye contact when meeting your interviewer(s).
• It may help you to prepare yourself by knowing about the person(s) who will be interviewing you, so look them up on LinkedIn.

In the job interview, the emphasis is on your motivation. You may be asked questions such as why you chose that particular company or to name your skills and strengths, but also mention some of your less strong points and skills you do not possess. Give examples that demonstrate your skills and strengths (these are called competency-based questions) and also be prepared to answer questions about personal matters like hobbies and social engagement.

You will usually be interviewed by one or two people. Applicants often have to attend two or even three interviews. At the end of the interview, it is common for you to ask some questions.

Can I get some support and advice in looking for a job in the Netherlands?

If you are actively looking for a job but unsure about how to proceed, thinking about the next step in your career, considering returning to work after a career break, or looking for a change of career, you may find support useful.

There are several professionals and companies offering career counselling or coaching for expats looking for work.  ACCESS has several trainers who can provide you with job hunting support.

Where can I find more answers to questions I may have once I find a job?

Additional information on working in the Netherlands can be found on the government website: https://www.werk.nl/werkzoekenden/eu/ . Here you will find comprehensive information about who may work in the Netherlands, searching and applying for jobs, contracts, qualifications and credential evaluation, and the Europass CV.

Where can I find job openings for students?

If you are a student and looking for a job, the following websites can be useful:

• www.isic.nl/en/student-life/finding-a-student-job-in-the-netherlands/
• www.stepstone.nl/en/
• graduateland.com/s/part-time-jobs/netherlands
• collegelife.nl/jobs/

Your university may have an overview of job openings for students in the area of your studies. If you have done an internship, you can also ask if that organisation has anything for you.

Aside from the websites listed above, the general tips in this section for finding a job can be useful for students too.

If I want to apply for a job, would I need a work permit as a student?

If you are from the EU/EEA or Switzerland, you are free to work without restrictions.

Highly educated persons scheme

‘The orientation year for highly educated persons’applies to all recently graduated students in the Netherlands from non-EU countries. The residence permit orientation year for highly educated persons can be submitted within three years after completing the studies or after obtaining the PhD. The scheme gives those graduated in the Netherlands the opportunity to first return to their country of origin after having completed their studies, and to then come back to the Netherlands. A work permit is not needed, which means that if you hold a residence permit for the orientation year for higher educated persons you are allowed to work in the Netherlands without any restrictions. More information is available on the IND’s website .

Work permit application

Should you need a work permit to work while studying, your employer needs to apply for it at www.uwv.nl/werkgevers .

Exception for internships

If you are studying at a Dutch host institution and you need to do an internship as part of your study programme, you do not need a work permit. Your host institution and your employer do need to sign an internship agreement. Please note that this exception does not apply for exchange students. For more information click here .

How can I find an internship?

If you are looking for an internship many Universities have a database of internship options.

Study In Holland: https://www.studyinholland.nl/dutch-education/doing-an-internship  will point out to you what to pay attention to when contemplating looking for internships in the Netherlands as part of your study programme.

The following links are a selection of websites offering internships in the Netherlands:

• https://www.indeed.nl/Internship-vacatures
• https://graduateland.com/s/internships/netherlands
• https://www.togetherabroad.nl/internships.html
• https://www.iagora.com/work/en/jobs-and-internships/for-english-speakers
• https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/international-intern-jobs-utrecht
• https://stageplaza.nl/ : click on “ik zoek een stageplek” and write “English” in the ‘ zoekfilter’ to the right
• https://stage.nl/ : you can type ” English” in “trefwoord”/ Keyword box.

Please note that if you decide to accept a paid internship and currently have a student health insurance, you must take out a new, ordinary Dutch health insurance.”

What is the difference between an internship and a traineeship?

A traineeship is a paid job for those who recently graduated, while an internship is part of a study.

An internship ( stage ) is usually a mandatory part of the education that focuses on learning. It is a work placement or practical training arrangement that allows the student to gain practical work experience in the field of one’s study in a company. Internship is typically shorter-term work (3 months to a year) experience for students. Internships are usually not paid, but can be remunerated modestly. Because an internship is a learning goal, this allowance is not regarded as a salary. A traineeship in the Netherlands is typically a starter’s position for graduates with a normal salary. Essentially you get paid to learn. A traineeship is a paid (entry level) position in a company/ organisation for a graduate who aims to develop professional skills etc. It is a job.

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How to Write a Dutch Cover Letter Posted by sarah on May 19, 2010 in Dutch Language

In my previous posts I gave you vocabulary for writing a CV , and information on how to write a Dutch CV .  The last step you need to know is how to write a cover letter.  The cover letter is possibly even more important than the CV itself, so take your time and think through what you want to say.  You will generally want to tailor your cover letter to the position you are applying for: this is not a one size fits all situation.

Like I said about the Dutch CV, the cover letter is also rather direct and I try to avoid using a lot of overly-enthusiastic American-style language.  But this does not in any way mean that you shouldn’t express your enthusiasm for the position you are applying for.  What it does mean is that the way you go about doing that will be a little different.  I’ll be the first to admit that my own style does seep in at the corners, with things like “heel enthousiast” but as long as you don’t overdo it, it should be okay.

The format for the cover letter will be very similar to the format for writing a formal letter (in case you missed it, we have a post about formal letter writing ).  Remember that this is a formal letter, so you will be using the formal “u” in addressing your potential future employer if you refer to them directly.

You will want to keep your cover letter short and to the point.  Ideally it should be no longer than one page.  It is not necessary to go into detail about all of your work experience and education in the cover letter: this is what your CV is for!  But you should pick out details that are important for the particular position you are applying for.

In the first paragraph, state what position you are applying for, and where you saw the advertisement.  This is a great place to show that you are enthusiastic about the position.

In the second and/or third paragraph, outline the education, work experience and personal qualities you think highlight you as the best candidate for the position.  If the job candidate description focused on someone who takes responsibility and has leadership qualities, you will want to mention that you have those qualities, preferably with examples.

In the closing paragraph, express your interest in an interview and that you look forward to speaking with “them”.  Don’t be shy, don’t be wishy-washy, just write it as though you assume they will want to have a chat with you.

In the example cover letter below, I am applying for a position as an onderzoeker at the Gemeente Amsterdam.  In the first paragraph, I express my interest in the position and state that my education and work experience make me a good candidate for the position.  In the original job description, they were looking for someone with education in either law, policy or something “relevant” (whatever that means, right?).  This office does a lot of mediation, which I found out with just a few minutes of research into what they do, and I happen to have work experience as a mediator and mediation trainer.  Therefore I chose to highlight my education and mediation experience in the second paragraph, as well as a few other things I thought were relevant to the position.  In the last paragraph, I explain that I have always had an interest in working at the Gemeente Amsterdam, something I did to reach that goal (learn Dutch), why I want the position (I want to better my community) and finally that I am very enthusiastic to begin a career with them.

Keep in mind, this is just one of a million ways of writing a cover letter, and this one has been tailored to fit one particular job.  This example follows the standard conventions of writing a cover letter.  If you work in the arts, entertainment or cultural industries, you will be following an entirely different set of rules, and you will want to be far more creative than this type of form letter will allow.

Sarah Transparent Language My Address Postal Code Amsterdam phone number email address

Gemeentelijke Afdeling Postbus XXXX Postal Code Amsterdam

Amsterdam, 24 mei 2010

Betreft: sollicitatie voor onderzoeker bij de Gemeentelijke Afdeling

Geachte meneer/mevrouw,

Graag solliciteer ik naar de baan van onderzoeker bij de Gemeentelijke Afdeling. Toen ik de advertentie op uw website las, was ik onmiddelijk geinteresseerd. Zowel mi jn opleiding als mijn interesses maken me een goede kandidaat voor deze functie.

Ik heb een veelzijdige opleiding gevolgd in sociale psychologie en filosofie van het recht. Ik heb ervaring als juridische en beleids medewerker bij de juridische dienst van de XYZ Universiteit. In deze positie beoordeelde ik bezwaarschriften over zaken van de gedragscode comm issie van de universiteit en werkte ik als case manager van studenten in dit systeem. Ook deed ik onderzoek naar jurisprudentie en d e wet om de beslissingen hiervan te gebruiken als ondersteuning bij vergelijkbare universitieszaken. Als vertegenwoordiger van deze dienst fungeerde ik als adviseur over de nieuwe richtlijnen voor studenten in het volgende jaar. Tenslotte was ik ook de assistent en adviseur van het hoofd van de afdeling. Vanwege mijn werkervaring als mediator en mediation trainer werk ik goed samen met mensen aan creatieve oplossingen voor problemen.

Sinds ik naar Amsterdam ben verhuisd is het mijn doel om bij de Gemeente Amsterdam te werken. Hiervoor heb ik de cursus Nederlands als tweede taal bij de Universiteit van Amsterdam gevolgd. Ik wil verder werken in een beleidsfunctie waar ik kan bijdragen aan het verbeteren van mijn gemeenschap. Ik ben heel enthousiast om een loopban bij de Gemeentelijke Afdeling te beginnen.

Graag licht ik mijn brief en CV in een persoonlijk gesprek aan u toe.

Met vriendelijke groet,

Sarah Transparent Language

Build vocabulary, practice pronunciation, and more with Transparent Language Online. Available anytime, anywhere, on any device.

Resume Cover Letter Samples:

Hey, what a fantastic article. Thank you for the extra knowledge i got in reading your article today. 🙂 🙂

@Resume Cover Letter Samples Thanks! Hope it helps you write your resume in Dutch.

It’s a nice guide. Shame there are a couple of spelling and grammatical errors in the example letter. Although I doubt the people at ‘Gemeente Amsterdam’ will recognize them, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

This is very useful. Thanx a lot. Its 2012 and such an article is and will remain helpful to a lot of people.

Jammer van de spellingsfouten in de Nederlandse brief..

Sorry, valt eigenlijk wel mee. 🙂 Goede uitleg verder.

Appreciate this post. Will try it out.

Thank you so much! Your explanations are clear and straightforward. Appreciate it!

Amber hina:

It’s a nice guide. Shame there are a couple of spelling and grammatical errors in the example letter. Although I doubt the people at ‘Gemeente Amsterdam’ will recognize them, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

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How to write a motivation letter for the dutch job market.

Tags: CV , motivation letter

Categories: career & jobs

Searching for a job is a full-time, well, job. For expats, our entire lives often depend on our careers, so the uncertainty of unemployment can cause major stress. The most important part of assembling your applications and getting hired quickly is writing a dynamic motivation letter. No matter how far along you are in your career, our tips will upgrade your motivation letter for the Dutch job market .

What is a Motivation Letter?

A motivation letter, also called a cover letter, is a personalized letter that accompanies your CV. If a CV reflects your statistics, your motivation letter is your biography. This is the crucial opportunity for your future employer to get to know you and your voice. A good enough motivation letter can even get you a job at a company that’s not hiring.

Who Needs a Motivation Letter?

No matter how qualified you are or how entry-level the position is, consider motivation letters required. Entry-level jobs receive the most applicants, so you will need something to set yourself apart. Without a motivation letter, even if you are over-qualified, employers could assume you are not serious about the role. Many managers, as a rule, will not read a CV that comes without a motivation letter.

Changing Careers

If you are looking to shift careers, your motivation letter is key. Pitch how your background makes you a uniquely qualified candidate. In this case, don’t focus on your past employment experience. Highlight your transferable technical skills.

What the Dutch Specifically Value in Motivation Letters

The Netherlands has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the EU with the education level of workers steadily rising. Your motivation letter is critical in this competitive job market. The Dutch are direct, so don’t waste time with ambiguity. Instead of writing, “I am proficient in social media,” use action words. For example, “I produced videos for an Instagram series promoting social justice.”

This directness should extend to your language as well. Steer clear of flowery expressions by avoiding terms like “super pumped!” or “overjoyed!” Even though written with sincerity, the Dutch can misinterpret these statements as condescending.

As an expat, though, you do have a secret weapon. Being from somewhere else makes you memorable. Always include where you are from in your opening paragraph. You can also briefly mention how long you have lived in the Netherlands and what brought you here. In a sea of similar applicants, you want to show them who you are. Companies will value your outside perspective to diversify their team.

How to Make Yourself Stand Out

Customizing the layout of your CV impresses employers, so carry whatever format you use onto your motivation letter. For corporations, you could use a sleek design to make your application neat and chic. If the role is more creative, it may be smart to apply unique color schemes and patterns.

Including a quick personal anecdote will also help you stick out in an employer’s mind. For example, “My experience waiting tables at my family’s restaurant growing up is the reason why I am cool under pressure when bartending today.” Finally, be sure to address your genuine interest in the position. Make it clear why their values align with yours.

Common Mistakes

Do not blast the same generic CV to every business with a vacancy. Take your time on a handful of thoughtful applications. Tailoring is essential. Do your homework on every role you apply to. Using particular language or flair with one company might be just the thing that gets you an interview. Whereas with another, it may be frowned upon. For instance, a financial firm is likely to expect that you write pointedly and focus on your qualifications. An easy-going letter could cost you an interview. A family looking for an au pair, on the other, may need to sense your personality through the letter. A degree of casualness could be necessary here, as they might be thrown off by intense formality.

Keep in mind that there is a fine line between upselling and downplaying your abilities. Do not, for instance, say that you have experience with Photoshop when you have never used it. Instead, focus on the qualities that you are confident in.

The tone of your motivation letter should always be polite but do not be overly gracious. Finally, proofread the letter three times and then run it past a friend. Typos are disqualifiers for many employers.

Unfortunately, large companies do not have the infrastructure to read every application they receive. Oftentimes, CVs and motivation letters are screened by systems programmed to identify certain keywords. If you don’t include these magic words, your motivation letter may never make it onto the screen of the hiring manager. A quick google search on the best keywords to use when applying to your industry will yield you the answers you need. Include as many of the keywords as possible not only in your CV but in your motivation letter as well.

How to Format a Motivation Letter

Include your phone number and email on both the CV and the motivation letter. You want to make yourself as accessible as possible.

Be smart about whom you address the letter to. Do your detective work on Linkedin or the company’s website to see who may be reviewing applications. Address the letter directly to them. If that is not possible to discern, avoid stale openers like “to whom it may concern”. This indicates that you may be pasting the same motivation letter into every application.

Make your first sentence strong. This may be the only part that actually gets read before the reader start to skim. Pick one or two requirements on their vacancy to address. Keep in mind that anything longer than one page is too long, though there is no such thing as too short. Four or five sentences can make an impact with the right keywords.

If you want to get really technical, construct your letter with readability in mind. Keep your sentences to 20 words each. Paragraphs should be no longer than six sentences. Scan your letter for passive voice and then make adjustments. This takes time and precision. Services like The Career Spark can work with you to produce the best motivation letters tailored for any job you apply to. This is also a good option for those who are not used to marketing themselves. Below is an example motivation letter from The Career Spark :

Dear Ms. Janssen,

I have a solid 9+ years of project management experience, and I am responding to your recent posting for an Event Manager on LinkedIn.

I have experience in successfully developing, planning, coordinating, and supervising projects from start to finish. My abilities to work within given resources, timeframes, and budgets whilst maintaining high standards will be valuable for your organization. With my excellent communication skills, I am able to engage and involve all stakeholders and get the job done on time.

I would particularly welcome the chance to work for your organization as we share much of the same values: offering innovative and sustainable solutions for the customers.

I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my potential contribution to your team. Please contact me at your earliest convenience.

Yours sincerely, Penny Muscat

Be Yourself

Taking the time to craft individual motivation letters means that you are a thoughtful and dedicated candidate. Remember that when you make your pitch and confidently apply to your new position. You are the only one with your unique background and experience. So, whether you try it on your own or collaborate with a recruitment service, you have everything you need to get the job!

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How to Write a Cover Letter + Tips

A cover letter can help you make a great impression on potential employers. Here you go beyond your resume, let your personality shine through and convince the reader why you’re the perfect fit for the job. How to write a cover letter? You read it here:

How important are cover letters.

First, let’s get an important question out of the way: are cover letters really that important?

Do recruiters really read cover letters? 

As a former recruiter I can tell you they are important . However, they might not always be read 🙂 

Wait..how? 

A lot of job applications I would receive are without cover letter.

This can be through LinkedIn Easy Apply or the careers site or a job board where it’s not required to attach a cover letter. 

Not adding a cover letter to an application shows you did not put a lot of effort into your application.

You most likely didn’t research the company and clicked on the ‘apply’ button with a standard resume . 

To make your application stand out I would always advice to add a personalized cover letter.

Yes, it takes more time, but you only have one chance to make this great first impression! 

Cover Letter Structure

How to write a cover letter? Let’s start with the cover letter layout! 

• First Paragraph 

Here you mention the position and company you’re applying for. Mention how you found the job opening and what motivates you to apply. Why this company? Why this job? 

2. Second Paragraph

Here you mention your most relevant skills and experience. Why are you qualified for this job? Mention a few examples and go beyond your resume. Remember, you want to stand out from other job applicants. Really give this a good thought! 

3. Third Paragraph

Now you relate your experience to the needs of the company. Which problem are you solving? How can your experience bring them closer to their goals? I would say this is the most important paragraph of the cover letter.

4. Fourth Paragraph

You close off by thanking the reader for their time and taking your application into consideration. Mention that you’re looking forward to meeting them in person to further highlight your skills and experience and how you can contribute to the success of the company. 

• Cover letter lenght

Keep your cover letter short and sweet. Don’t exceed 1 page. Someone should be able to read it at a glance.

2. Addressing the cover letter

Find out the name of the recruiter you’re addressing this to. If you can’t find it you can address it to the team you’re applying for: ‘To the data team at Booking.com’ 3. ChatGPT You can definitely use the help of ChatGPT. Paste the job description of the role you’re applying for in ChatGPT and ask it to write a cover letter for you. You can use this as a start, but of course always adjust it to your own wordings after. 

4. Final touch 

Now you’ve finished your cover letter, make sure you reread it at a later time with fresh eyes. Maybe you can even ask your friends to have a look at it. After reading your cover letter do they have the impression you’re the most qualified candidate for this job?

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Finding a Job

Dutch CV and job interview tips

Discover how to write a Dutch CV and cover letter, and find out what to expect when it comes to landing a job interview in the Netherlands.

By Soreh Milchtein

Updated 12-7-2024

Looking for a new job can be a stressful task, but fortunately for job seekers in the Netherlands , there are lots of prospects. This is partly due to the fact that the country is home to a wide range of international and multinational companies that are always on the lookout for new talent.

That said, before you can begin searching for your next role, there are a few things you need to do. For starters, your Dutch CV and cover letter will need to be up-to-date and dazzling enough to land you an interview. Then, of course, you will want to familiarize yourself with Dutch business culture and etiquette to ensure a smooth integration into working life.

To help you get off on the right foot, this article guides you through the following:

Browsing job listings

The application process, dutch cv structure, additional tips for writing a dutch cv, phrases to use in your cover letter, what to expect in a dutch job interview, dress code and appearance for dutch job interviews, questions to expect in a dutch job interview, questions to ask in a dutch job interview, when are salary and benefits discussed during the hiring process, tips for job interviews in the netherlands, online and phone interviews in the netherlands, recruitment tests and tasks in the netherlands, qualifications in the netherlands, after the job interview in the netherlands, help and support for dutch cvs and interviews, useful resources.

If you’re looking for work in the Netherlands, check out &Work. You'll find a range of job vacancies on their site, from developers and designers to lawyers and notaries. See how &Work can help you find your next role in the Netherlands.

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Applying for a job in the Netherlands: what to expect

It is hardly surprising that the majority of expats looking to work in the Netherlands will be applying for English-speaking roles, given the language barrier they face when competing in the local job market . However, the good news is that there are plenty of these roles on offer throughout the country; which is largely thanks to the growing number of international and multinational companies that call it home.

Dutch internationals alone include ING Group, Royal Dutch Shell Group, Unilever, Philips, and Heineken. There are also plenty of recruitment agencies that specialize in placing foreign talent in jobs throughout the Netherlands. You can read more about this in our article on Finding jobs in the Netherlands . Additionally, it’s worth searching on sites such as &Work .

Despite the abundance of English-speaking jobs in the country, however, being proficient in Dutch – or at least having a good grasp of the language – will give you a clear advantage when it comes to broadening your horizons and landing a role. So it might be worth taking a course to make yourself more appealing to potential recruiters.

Until you master your Dutch language skills, you can begin browsing through job listings which will usually contain the following information:

• Company overview : including the history of the company, industry, team, and more
• Location : where the office and job are based
• Duties and responsibilities : a summary of what your daily role will entail
• Job requirements : such as education, experience, and skills
• Company culture : an overview of its values and why it is a good place to work
• Salary and benefits : such as holiday allowance, bonuses, and travel opportunities
• Application process : what to include in your application and who to submit it to

Usually, the job posting will also state which languages you need to know for the job. However, if you are unsure, it is best to contact the company to see what the requirements are. Notably, if the job listing is in English, then your application should also be in English.

Naturally, the job application process in the Netherlands may be a little different from that in your home country. Equally, the CV and cover letter that you may have used back home might not be suitable in the Netherlands. Therefore, you may need to tailor them for the local job market (more on that later).

When applying for a job in the Netherlands , you will typically need to submit your CV and a cover letter. These should both outline your work experience and educational background and demonstrate how you are the ideal candidate for the role.

After you apply for the position, you may receive an email confirming that the company has received it. However, don’t worry if you don’t hear back from the company right away, as it may take them a while to go through all the applications. Notably, if you haven’t heard anything after two weeks, it is generally acceptable to check that they have received your application.

Getting through to the next round

If your application was successful and the company wishes to invite you for an interview, they will let you know by email or phone. However, if they reject your application, then you may or may not hear back from them at all. It is good to keep in mind that while some companies are good at contacting applicants, others aren’t. Therefore, there is no sure answer.

Finding jobs in the Netherlands

After you attend your first interview with the company, you will have to wait to see if they want to invite you back for a second one. Sometimes, there may even be a third interview; depending on the role and the hiring process within the company. They may also just want to make sure that you will fit well with the team and the company before they offer you the job.

If all goes well and you are the chosen candidate, you will usually receive a job offer via email, on the phone, or in person. Then, depending on the offer and your wants and needs, you can choose whether you want to negotiate, accept, or decline it. If you decide to accept, you can then begin to familiarise yourself with Dutch business culture and etiquette to ensure a smooth transition into your new role.

Writing a CV in the Netherlands

As mentioned, the CV that you send to companies in the Netherlands may be quite different from the one that you would have sent back in your home country. After all, preferences and guidelines vary depending on where you are in the world. Below are some helpful guidelines on how to structure and format your CV for the Dutch job market.

When writing your Dutch CV, it is important to keep it short and to the point. Therefore, use bullet points to show your experience, rather than long sentences and paragraphs. The CV should typically cover one A4 page for entry-level jobs and no more than two A4 pages for more senior positions. It is best to use Times New Roman or Arial and font size 11 or 12 so that it is comfortable to read.

Of course, you will need to adapt your CV to meet the requirements of the job you are applying for. This includes incorporating specific keywords from the job posting to show the hiring manager that you fit the criteria they are looking for. And because Dutch employers value work-life balance, it is a good idea to dedicate space to extracurricular activities and hobbies to show what you do outside of work.

What to include in your Dutch CV

The structure of your Dutch CV should be as follows:

• A Dutch CV starts with your personal details: including your full name, where you live, your phone number, and your email address. Typically, these appear on the top or side of the CV. Notably, you don’t need to include your date of birth and more personal details such as your marital status.
• Then list your work experience: including part-time/voluntary work, in reverse chronological order (ie. the most recent first). Under each employer’s name, include the location and your job title, and list your tasks and responsibilities, as well as any other skills or qualities you brought to the job.
• Then list your education and qualifications: in reverse chronological order, with the most recent first
• Give details of any extracurricular activities and hobbies: Dutch employers are very interested in activities that show commitment and initiative, but at the same time, try to keep it relevant to your Dutch CV. Examples might include showing you are a board member, volunteer, or sports coach.
• You can include references: some employers will want to speak with professional contacts who can vouch for your character, work performance, and skills, so make sure to add their contact details

Notably, Dutch employers don’t usually require you to include a photo of yourself on your CV. Therefore, only add one if they specifically ask you to.

Here are some other things to keep in mind when writing your Dutch CV:

• Always tell the truth, and don’t exaggerate; remember, the Dutch value honesty and humbleness
• If you don’t have a long work history, don’t try to embellish, but rather focus on academic projects, extra courses, volunteer work, or other part-time or seasonal work where you can demonstrate relevant skills
• If you want to check the quality of your CV, you can use a CV checker such as TopCV , resume.io , CV.nl , or CVster , which will identify what you need to do to make it better

Cover letters in the Netherlands

It is standard practice to send a cover letter along with your CV when applying for a job in the Netherlands . However, unlike a CV, which consists mostly of bullet points and basic information, a cover letter allows you to dive a deeper into who you are and demonstrate how your skills and experience make you the ideal candidate for the job. Of course, it also gives you the opportunity to show your motivation for applying for the role, which is very important to Dutch employers.

How to tailor your CV for different countries

Your cover letter should follow the format of a formal business letter and be no longer than one A4 page. Again, the font should be easy to read, such as Times New Roman or Arial, in size 11 or 12. Similar to your Dutch CV, you should keep it simple and concise. Therefore, try to avoid using extravagant or over-expressive explanations but still appear enthusiastic about the position.

It should include the following information:

• A brief background about who you are and why you are applying for the job
• Why you are the right person for the job; how your qualifications, skills, and experience reflect this
• Your aspirations and the goals you want to achieve
• How to contact you; it’s also good to express your interest in meeting with them for an interview

Notably, you don’t need to enclose copies of your qualifications or employer references unless requested.

You should typically first list your name, address and postal code, phone number, and email on the left-hand side of the page. This is then followed by the name and address of your recipient. You can then list the date, subject, and address the recipient. This example of a Dutch cover letter offers more guidance.

Begin your cover letter with: Dear Mr/Mrs or Geachte meneer/mevrouw (in Dutch). And to end your letter, make sure to put the following: Sincerely, Best Regards, or Met vriendelijke groet (in Dutch). You can also add ‘I look forward to hearing from you!’

You can also refer to this list of vocabulary to use in your cover letter and a more detailed explanation of how to structure it here .

Job interviews in the Netherlands

Fortunately for expats, the Netherlands ranks first for having the best English-language skills in a country where English is not the native language. In fact, it has held this position in the EF English Proficiency Index  every year since 2019. Needless to say, even if you are applying for a role in a different language, your interviewers may just speak to you in English.

One thing to be aware of is that Dutch interviews tend to be a bit on the longer side, but don’t worry. Interviewers just want to have a good conversation and learn more about you – it isn’t an interrogation!

• The people conducting your interview will normally share what the job entails and if there is anything particularly different in this role that strays from the norm
• Most of the time, the people present at the interview are an HR representative and the manager of the department that you will be working in. Sometimes they may even have someone working in the department join them.
• Since interviews are usually conversations and not just a Q and A, they can last anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes
• Second and even third interviews are quite common, so make sure to ask what the next step in the process is

Although the Dutch are generally quite laid-back, it is still wise to dress smartly for a job interview in the Netherlands. Of course, when dressing for the job interview, you should consider the role. But generally speaking, it is perfectly acceptable to wear a nice pair of trousers with a button-up shirt.

Understanding the Dutch work culture

Your overall appearance should be toned down and professional. Therefore, it is best to avoid wearing heavy makeup or fancy clothes with big designer logos, as the Dutch aren’t fans of showing off. That said, make sure your clothing is not wrinkled or damaged, as this can appear unprofessional. Most importantly, you should dress in a way that will make you feel confident.

If you need some affordable clothing for a job interview, then recycle shops (or Kringloopwinkels in Dutch) are always a great option. There are around 2,000 of these dotted throughout the Netherlands, and they sell everything from furniture to clothing.

You will be asked lots of questions during an interview in the Netherlands, and it’s important to avoid answering just ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to them. Instead, try to relate your experience to the position you are applying for, and, of course, don’t criticize your present or former employer.

It is also wise to prepare yourself for any questions that you might find challenging to answer. And remember, you want to make a good impression, so it pays to do your research and show a good understanding of what the company does.

Here are some examples of questions you may face:

• What brought you to the Netherlands?
• Why did you apply for this role and what can you offer the company?
• What didn’t you like about your previous job?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• What do you expect from a manager? Describe your work style
• Do you prefer working in a team or by yourself?
• How do you deal with conflict?
• How far do you live from this office?
• Can you share a mistake and what you learned from it?
• What’s something challenging that you faced, and how did you overcome it?
• What are your long-term goals and plans?

In most job interviews, there will be a section towards the end where you have a chance to ask the interviewers. For instance, you may want to know:

• What are the working hours?
• Is working overtime or on the weekends expected?
• Do you normally work in teams or individually?
• What does a normal day look like?
• What sort of employee are you looking for?
• What is the next step after this interview?

Some job postings already include the salary range and benefits offered, while others don’t. You shouldn’t discuss salary in the first job interview as this will usually be brought up in the second or third round. However, if you really want to know what the average salary is, you can always look up similar roles at other companies or refer to a salary comparison website .

When it is time to bring up the salary, the employer will either ask you what you expect or tell you what they can offer for the role. While it is possible to negotiate the salary, it’s good to be aware that certain job salaries are set by labor agreements and cannot be changed.

• Do not be late: the Dutch value punctuality, so it’s better to arrive early than late
• Dress formally: even though in everyday life the Dutch tend to dress casually
• Find out the full name and title of the person who will be interviewing you and make sure you can pronounce it correctly
• Take copies of your CV, educational certificates, and employer references with you to the interview
• Don’t sit until you are invited to
• Look your interviewer in the eye: direct eye contact is common in the Netherlands, although not to the point of staring each other out
• Ask for clarification if you don’t understand the question: it is better to be informed than pretend you understand
• Don’t be offended by the Dutch direct way of speaking: some questions may appear direct or open, but remember, the Dutch respect honesty and frankness, and you are invited to do the same
• The Dutch aren’t the type of people who brag about their accomplishments or how much money they make. So even when you’re talking about your achievements, try to speak humbly.
• It’s ok to show a sense of humor too: after all, being sociable and easy to work with is valued

Phone and online interviews are becoming increasingly common throughout the world, especially in this post-lockdown era. So don’t be surprised if the company you are applying to work for initially asks to meet you over the phone or on a video call.

If this is the case, here are a few ways to prepare yourself for a virtual interview:

• Make sure your phone or internet connection is strong so you don’t get cut off during the interview
• Even if your interview is by phone and they don’t see you, it may be wise to dress as though you are attending an interview to help you feel the part. And if the interview is online, make sure all visible parts of you are dressed and groomed for it.
• Find a quiet place to take the call and make sure that the background is business-like and appropriate for an interview; i.e. not your bedroom

When you apply for a job in the Netherlands , you may be asked to do a test or a few tasks related to your job. The company may request you to do this in the job application itself, during the interview, or after they have offered you a job. Going into the workplace for a day or two to see how you fit into the team might also be something the company asks you to do. If you are using a recruitment agency , they may also require you to take a test or assessment before they take you on.

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Browse our job listings in the Netherlands

Usually, you will know whether you will have to complete an assessment or test tasks when applying for the job as it may be included in the job posting. If you have questions about the tasks or are unsure if you have to do them in the first place, you can always reach out to the company that posted the job vacancy.

Most job postings will clearly state what qualifications you need to have in order to apply for the job. Depending on the role, the company may just require you to have equivalent experience instead of a degree. Notably, whether your degrees or certifications transfer to the Netherlands depends on the country and area of study.

If you have questions about whether your certifications or degrees transfer, you can always reach out to the company before applying for a position. And it’s good to bear in mind that you don’t need to offer proof of your qualifications unless the company specifically asks you to.

As previously mentioned, should you complete an interview successfully, you may be asked to come in for a second or third interview. You will usually hear back within a week or two about whether you are going to proceed to the next step. But if not, you can always ask the person interviewing you when they will contact you.

If you are not the right fit for the role, for whatever reason, they will typically let you know that you have not been chosen. And if they don’t provide any feedback as to why you can always ask. After all, knowing why you were rejected may help you in the future.

You may have to wait a month or two to begin your job after accepting the offer. This is because the company will need to draw up a contract, give you time to review it, and set up your workstation. Moreover, you will likely have to work your notice period at your current company. The statutory notice period for an employee in the Netherlands is one month. However, you may have agreed on a longer or shorter one with your employer, so check your contract.

Once you start your new job, the first few months or more will be a probationary period. The exact length of the period and terms will be in your contract. You can read more about that in our article on Dutch labor laws and contracts .

If you need help with your Dutch CV or preparing for an interview, there are a few places to look, including:

• Young Capital – offers a great explanation of what to include in your CV and provides a template
• The Hague International – another great resource for helping to write a CV in the Netherlands
• Dutch Language Blog – offers more tips on how to write a Dutch CV
• Amsterdam School of International Business (AMSIB) – a video about what to expect in a Dutch interview
• TopCV – allows you to check how strong your CV is and get free advice from a CV expert
• Business.gov.nl – provides more information about employment contracts in the Netherlands
• Werk.nl – a great resource for finding jobs in the Netherlands and learning about job requirements
• Netherlands Worldwide – allows you to learn more about evaluating your degrees or certifications for the Dutch labor market

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Cover letter example | stand out from the crowd, download sollicitatiebrief.

Cover letter example

In this article, we provide you with some practical tips to write an excellent cover letter. 

• What is the importance of a cover letter?  
• How to write a job application letter? 
• General guidelines 

Cover letter example 

The importance of writing a cover letter .

Not all candidates will make the effort to write a tailored and personalised cover letter. So, if you do, it’s more likely that you will catch the attention of the reader.  A cover letter, combined with a resume, is often the first thing an employer sees. To leave the best possible impression, it’s important that your motivation letter is tailored and well build. 

Here you can download a cover letter example  

While a resume mainly shows your skills and work experiences, in a cover letter you have the chance to show yourself as a person. This increases your chance of reaching your goal: being invited to a job interview. 

Employers use your letter to gain insight into: 

Your personality and ambitions 

Your communication skills , your creativity .

Use your cover letter to describe experiences and qualities that you don’t explicitly mention on your resume. Indicate who you are as a person and what you think is important. By clearly describing your personality traits, you create an image of why you’d be a good fit for the organisation. 

Think about personal experiences, like that trip around the world or perhaps you took care of family when you were little. These experiences have shaped you into the person you are today. Although these experiences don’t fall under training, education or work experience, they might certainly be of added value. They have contributed to your personal development and could very well be relevant to the role you’re applying for. 

Employers today also often look for employees with ambition. Perhaps you do not have the right diplomas, but comes your interest from your private sphere, or you’d love to grow into the position. Your cover is perfect stage to exhibit this passion. 

Many positions require strong communication skills, both written and oral. Demonstrate these skills with a structured letter, void of any language and spelling errors. This way, you make a professional impression and you show that you have the required communication skills. 

In addition, the cover letter is a excellent opportunity to stand out. Let your creativity run wild here; this is your chance to shine a light on what makes you unique and why an employer should choose you. An inspiring cover letter attracts the attention of employers and shows that you are motivated - a quality frequently sought-after by employers. 

Some organisations can ask to share your motation in an innovative way, for example by means of video or audio recording. Before writing a traditional letter, do some research about the best way to present your motivation. 

How to write a motivation letter? 

A cover letter comes in many shapes, and there is therefor no single perfect cover letter example. Increase the chance of being invited by making your letter easy to read, with a consistent and clear structure. Consider the following order in your motivation letter: 

The vacancy you’re applying for 

Which part of the position appeals to you , which part of the organisation appeals to you .

• Why you are the perfect candidate for the position 

Indicate that you’d like to meet for an interview 

• What exactly does the organisation do? 
• In which market does the organisation operate? 
• What are the organisation’s challenges in the market? 

Why are you the perfect candidate for the position 

• What makes me unique? 
• What do I add to the organisation? 
• Why should the employer choose me? 

General job application letter guidelines 

• Use no more than one A4 for your letter 
• Choose a clear and professional font 

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Download an example motivation letter.

•  By downloading this template you indicate that you are aware of   our privacy policy,  which explains what we do with your personal data.

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Europass helps you to develop a structured, consistent and professional cover letter guiding you through each step. You can create new cover letters or edit existing ones using the Europass tool to create and edit cover letters.

How does Europass help?

Europass will guide you step by step through the process to help you create a good cover letter with all the essential information. You can create, store and share cover letters in 31 languages , choose from different templates to customise your application and share them easily from your Europass Library . 

Create your Europass

How to write a good cover letter

A cover letter should highlight your motivation to apply for a specific job or opportunity, and demonstrate why you consider yourself to be the best candidate. Your cover letter should refer to particular examples in your CV and describe why these are relevant for the job vacancy you are applying for.

Read carefully

Read the vacancy notice carefully and highlight the skills that relate to the requirements of the position in your cover letter.

Use keywords

Use the keywords when you list your soft skills as mentioned on the vacancy notice (punctual, organised, team-player and so on).

Have short and clear paragraphs that show different aspects clearly.

Get to know the employer

Take time to research the employer to gain valuable insights into the culture of their organisation and make references in your cover letter to one or two key points.

Keep it short

You cover letter should not be longer than one page.

• First paragraph - why you are motivated to apply for the position,
• Second paragraph - how you are the most suitable candidate for the position, and
• Third Paragraph - why the company is a good match for you.

Use formal tone

Use a formal, polite tone and make sure there are no spelling mistakes.

Use simple fonts

Use simple non-decorative font styles, normal font-sizes (11-12) and optimal spacing (1 or 1.5).

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How to write a convincing and catchy cover letter to an agency:

The purpose of a cover letter is to give a recruitment agency an overview of who you are. Present your personal information in plain language. Your objective is to convince the agency that your skills, knowledge and background are useful. Here are some tips to help you draft a convincing cover letter.

Keep to one page. Most cover letters contain the following information:

• A brief introduction including your career objective.
• A short round up of your skills, education, and relevant background information.
• Briefly explain why you want the job and why you think you would be the best candidate.
• In closing, state your contact information and don’t forget to include your e-mail address.
• Feel free to add your salary indication and notice period. This information is not obligatory.

Details of your nationality and date of birth would be appreciated but are not obligatory.

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Netherlands Resume Formats, Templates, and Writing Tips

Applying for a job in the Netherlands? This Netherlands resume guide has the templates, tips, examples, & format requirements needed to write the perfect resume.

If you want to land a job in the Netherlands, you need to learn how to write a Netherlands resume. It’s important to make sure your resume has all the right personal details, the right structure, and the right sections.

Whether you are already living in the Netherlands, or you plan to find employment there in the future, you need to write a resume that will land you an interview. This article will address:

• Netherlands resume formats and how to select the right one for you
• Netherlands resume requirements
• How to write a Netherlands resume
• Netherlands resume tips
• Netherlands resume FAQs

Before getting started, you may want to try out VisualCV’s resume-building platform: the best way to build a Netherlands resume.

Netherlands Resume Requirements

While writing a clear and compelling resume is important, first you need to include all the right basic information that Dutch employers expect.

When writing your Netherlands resume, be sure to include your:

• Phone number
• Email address
• Home address

It is also recommended to include:

• Date of birth

Optionally, you may include:

• Nationality
• Marital status
• Military obligations

In the body of the resume, your resume should include these sections:

• Work experience
• Extracurriculars

Netherlands Resume Tips and FAQs

Writing a Netherlands resume can be tough, especially if you’re writing one for the first time. For this reason, we have collected this list of Netherlands resume tips and FAQs to help you get started. These questions will help you write a great resume that lands you a career in the Netherlands.

What is the right format for a Netherlands resume?

There are three potential formats you can use when writing a Netherlands resume: Reverse-chronological, Functional, and Combination.

Reverse Chronological Netherlands Resume Format Example

The reverse-chronological resume lists past jobs in reverse-chronological order, beginning with your most recent position at the top of the resume and working backwards. In a reverse-chronological resume, your Work Experience section is the largest and most detailed part of the resume. Your skills and education are secondary.

This is the most common Netherlands resume format, and the one most job-seekers should use. This format provides the best timeline of your career, and gives employers the information they want in the order they expect it.

Functional Netherlands Resume Format Example

A functional resume focuses on skills instead of work experience. In a functional resume, you include a large Skills section, with descriptions and examples for each skill area, above the Work Experience section. The Work Experience section is shorter and less detailed, and jobs are ordered by relevance rather than chronology.

Functional resumes are rare. If you want to write a resume that highlights skills instead of work experience, we recommend a combination resume.

Combination Netherlands Resume Format Example

A combination resume format combines aspects of the reverse-chronological and functional resume formats. In a combination resume, skills are emphasized over work history, but previous roles in the Work Experience section are still listed in reverse-chronological order. This allows you to draw attention to your skill set, but maintains a clear career timeline so employers can easily understand which jobs were most recent.

Choosing a resume format

The resume format you choose for your Netherlands resume will depend on your career and the job you are applying to.

If you have had a typical career, with the bulk of your previous jobs belonging to the same industry, each one leading logically to the next, a reverse-chronological resume is the best choice. This is the most common resume format, and the one most employers expect.

If you have had an untraditional career, with lots of career changes or gaps, you may want to try a combination resume format. This way, you can make sure all of your skills are on display right at the top of your resume, and hiring managers won’t have to wade through your past jobs to see what your abilities are.

When in doubt, however, the reverse-chronological resume is the way to go.

What is the right Netherlands resume length?

Your Netherlands resume should be one or two pages long, using A4 paper.

If you can fit all of your qualifications on one page, then one page is the best option. If you have too many qualifications to fit on one page, two pages is acceptable, but one page is the ideal length for a Netherlands resume.

Do not write a resume longer than two pages.

What personal information should you include in your Netherlands resume?

At or near the top of your Netherlands resume, you must include your full name, full home address, email address, and phone number.

Optionally, you can also include your photo, nationality, and marital status.

Should you add a photo to your Netherlands resume?

Yes, photos are common on Netherlands resumes. They are not mandatory, but some employers expect them. The job posting may specify whether a picture is required.

Should you list marital status on a Netherlands resume?

Including your marital status on your Netherlands resume is optional. You can include it if you feel it will help your application, but it is not required information.

Should you list your nationality on your Netherlands resume?

Listing your nationality on your Netherlands resume is optional. You can list your nationality if you feel it is relevant, or if you feel it will help your application, but it is not mandatory.

Should you say “resume” or “CV” in the Netherlands?

In the Netherlands, it is more common to use the phrase “CV”, or curriculum vitae, to refer to a resume. However, the CV follows a typical resume format.

What fonts should you use in a Netherlands resume?

For a Netherlands resume, it is best to stick to a plain, readable font. Simple fonts might include Open Sans, PT Serif, or Assistant.

Can you lie on your Netherlands resume?

No. You must not lie on your Netherlands resume. Lies and exaggerations can easily be found out. Even something as simple as giving the wrong date on a previous job can be confirmed with a phone call. It is never worth it to lie on your resume.

How do you write a good Netherlands resume?

While there are always ways to improve, these steps will help you write a great Netherlands resume:

• Select the right resume format based on your experience and skills.
• Pick a resume template that supports all the right resume sections.
• Add your full name and contact information, and link out to Linkedin or relevant portfolio.
• Write a short summary of two to four lines.
• List previous jobs in a Work Experience section.
• Customize your skills to suit the job description.
• Display your education.

How to write a Netherlands Resume

With those tips in mind, you can begin writing an effective Netherlands resume. Use these sections when writing your resume:

Netherlands Resume Summary

Your Summary section is an opportunity for you to provide reasons to keep reading your application, right at the top of the page.

Your summary is your elevator pitch to Dutch employers. It is where you can list some key skills, qualifications, and achievements that demonstrate your value as an employee. These might include career successes, examples of relevant skills, or any awards or achievements.

Your summary should be no longer than a few sentences or bullet points. This is just the hook that grabs readers and ensures they want to read more.

Netherlands Resume Summary Format

"[Job title] with [number of years] experience [top 2-3 competencies] across [industries]. Achieved [top achievement]. Expert at [skill/tool], [skill/tool], and [skill/tool]."

Netherlands Resume Work Experience

The Work Experience section is the most important part of a Netherlands resume. It is the largest section, where you can outline skills, tasks, and achievements from previous positions.

List past positions in reverse-chronological order, beginning with your current or most recent position. For each past job, use a bulleted list to write a job description showcasing your responsibilities and achievements. Dutch employers value concise communication, so try to keep each bullet to one line.

The key to writing great work experience is focusing on achievements rather than responsibilities. It’s important not to boast, as the Dutch prefer straightforward communication and honesty, but that doesn’t mean your Netherlands resume has to be boring. Listing some key accomplishments alongside your duties is a great way to demonstrate your success in previous roles.

Another way to show success is to provide quantifiable achievements. Experience that can be measured shows that you keep track of your performance and use data to build your skill set. Quantifiable details of your past roles can include sales numbers, customer support scores, budgets managed, and more. Hard numbers are concrete examples of your abilities that look great on a resume.

Lastly, make sure to use active language when writing your Netherlands resume. Again, don’t embellish, but be creative with word choice when writing descriptions for past roles. Words like “spearheaded”, “demonstrated”, and “mentored” all sound more impressive than “was responsible for”.

Work Experience Format for a Netherlands Resume

[Job title] [Company name, City, Province] [Date started] - [Date ended]

[Bullet 1] [Quick summary of role and responsibilities] [Bullet 2] [Key skill, experience, or achievement] [Bullet 3] [Key skill, experience, or achievement] [Bullet 4] [Key skill, experience, or achievement]

Netherlands Resume Education

Your Education section is less important than your work experience, but it is still important. This section is where you can list your most important degrees or certificates.

List degrees in reverse-chronological order, with your most recent at the top. For each item, be sure to include the:

• Degree name
• School name
• Graduation month

In most cases, a larger description of each degree is not needed. However, if you are a student or recent graduate, you may need to add details of your education in order to fill out your resume. If this is the case, you can include information about your GPA, relevant classwork, relevant projects, or even relevant extracurriculars.

Netherlands Resume Skills

A Skills section is a great opportunity to efficiently display your most impressive and most relevant skills. It is a distinct section where you can provide a curated selection of the competencies that will make you a great choice for the job. The Skills section isn’t mandatory, but a great Skills section can be what lands you the interview.

If you are writing a reverse-chronological resume, your Skills section can be relatively short. Simply list skills in a bulleted list. Make sure the most relevant skills are at the top of the list where they can be seen.

If you are writing a combination or skills-based resume, you can make each skill a heading and provide examples or explanations of each skill in a bulleted list underneath. This will make your skills section much longer, and allow you to go into more detail. If you are writing a skills-based resume, you may want to position your Skills section above your Work Experience section.

At VisualCV, you can even add a strength rating to each skill for some visual flair.

Netherland Resume Extracurriculars

If you belong to any groups or clubs outside of work, you may want to include them in an Extracurriculars of Interests section. Dutch employers appreciate workers who are involved in their community and have interests outside of work.

However, it’s important to make sure anything you include in this section is appropriate and impressive. Try to keep it to activities that demonstrate initiative and leadership, such as belonging to a sports team, volunteering at a local organization, or holding a leadership role in a professional club.

Other sections

While the sections above are enough for most people to write a great Netherlands resume, there may be other sections that will assist your job search. Additional resume sections might include:

• Publications : If you have published any research papers or articles, a Publications section may be useful.
• Portfolio : Either linking out to a Portfolio or listing titles and descriptions of key projects can be an asset in certain industries.
• Memberships : If you belong to any professional organizations or impressive clubs, you may want to include this in your resume.
• Volunteering Experience : Volunteering experience can show not only that you have professional experience, you are willing to donate your time to a cause you believe in.
• Certifications : If a particular license or certificate does not quite fit into your Education section, like a forklift license or a management certificate, you may want to include a separate section for your certifications.

Netherlands Resume Template

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Cover letter

Leiden university career zone.

Carefully read the text of the job advertisement before starting to write your cover letter. Which qualities are the company looking for in a new employee? What areas of interest are crucial for the position? What tasks will I have to perform? Once you have a clear overview of the facts, you can get to work on your cover letter.

Check out the video below to learn more about cover letters.

• Make sure your letter fits on one sheet of A4
• Format your letter well 
• Structure your text in paragraphs
• Be clear and direct
• Start original by mentioning f.i. something relevant from your cv or somthing about the organisation
• Use a business-like tone
• Don’t be modest. Sell yourself
• Mention only your positive qualities
• Make sure there are no errors of spelling or grammar
• Ask someone to check the letter for you

Structure letter

Name of organisation Department Street + house number  Postcode + town

Place, date

Subject: Application for the position of….

Dear Mr / Ms [surname of contact person]

Introduction

Start original and also mention what position you are applying for. If you have previously phoned the company for additional information about the vacancy, refer to this phone call (if you spoke to someone other than the addressee, mention the name of that person).  

Why are you applying for the job? 

Describe your enthusiasm for the position. Why do you think you would enjoy doing this job?

Suitability for the position

Clearly state who you are, what you have to offer and why the company should employ you. What qualities and experience do you have that make you suitable for this position? 

Briefly explain and substantiate each point. For example : 

• “Whilst working at the front desk I had to deal with a wide range of customers with very diverse requests. This taught me to work quickly and independently. Whilst doing this job I came to realise that I have excellent communication skills”. 
• You have done similar work in the past, you achieved something through this work, you are good at it, it corresponds with your personal interests etc. 
• You have followed additional courses in this area, your thesis addressed this area, you have done training in this field, you did this kind of work during an internship, your study programme has taught you to draw up reports quickly and efficiently, etc. 
• You recognise yourself in the personal qualities mentioned in the vacancy (leadership, teamwork…), because you were such an enthusiastic leader of your youth football team. 
• You can use your personal qualities to good effect in this position: you have demonstrated this in the past, when you managed to bring a difficult and complicated project to a successful conclusion, thanks to your determination etc. 

Your interest in the organisation 

Describe your interest in the organisation. Why do you want to work for this organisation in particular?  You are aware of the goals and developments within the organisation and they correspond well with your way of working, etc.  

Drawing the letter to a close

Here you make it clear that you would like to be invited for interview. 

State this in an enthusiastic and active way: ‘I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my application with you during an interview’, rather than ‘I hope you will invite me for a personal interview’. Hope is too cautious. 

Open application

A open application is different in nature to a targeted application. There is no job vacancy text, so you have to use different ways to find out what the company is looking for in a new employee. Mention what position, or in what department, you would like to work. Make it clear why you would like to work in that position or department. With a well-substantiated letter you have a greater chance of being invited for an interview.  

• Search for a job vacancy for a similar position or department
• Study the website of the company in question
• Call the company for additional information
• Ask for information within your network of contacts
• Read the company’s annual report

If you don’t receive a reply within two weeks of sending your letter, call the company. 

Examples cover letter

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How to Write a CV: Full guide

Check out our 6 golden rules to follow when writing a CV along with a step-by-step guide on how to write your CV in the Netherlands

Welcome to our CV writing guide!

This article provides you with essential tips and best practices to write a winning CV: one that lands you interviews.

While in the first part of this guide, we present 6 golden rules you should follow when writing your CV, the second section provides you with a step-by-step guide to writing your CV, section by section.

After you finish writing or improving your CV, we encourage you to book a free CV critique session with our service partner Boost - CV & Cover Letter Writers .

Let’s dive in!

6 GOLDEN RULES WHEN WRITING YOUR CV

1. Tailor your CV to each job application

The first golden rule: tailor your CV to each job application! Sending identical CVs to various employers will help you save time yes, but may not have the best success rate. Indeed, even if jobs or companies seem similar, they may require distinct skill sets and professional styles. 

Therefore, we recommend you match your CV with the job descriptions you're applying for and customize it for each position. Take time to examine the job advertisement and incorporate your relevant professional experience, academic achievements, and skills.

2. Keep it short and sweet

To maximize your chances of being noticed by recruiters, limit your CV to one page if you have less than five years of experience. It's essential to keep in mind that recruiters spend an average of 7 seconds reviewing a CV. Yup, 7 seconds!

Therefore, be concise and straightforward (especially if you’re applying in the Netherlands!). Only include pertinent skills and accomplishments to make your CV as brief as possible. Additionally, it's best to write your CV in reverse chronological order to showcase your most recent and relevant experiences first.

3. Keep it as simple as possible

As previously explained, recruiters typically spend only a few seconds scanning your CV. Therefore, if you work in a profession that doesn't emphasize creativity, like graphic design, a straightforward and formal-looking CV may be the best choice. 

Indeed, using flashy colours, an unorthodox layout or unusual phrasing could backfire and cause your CV to be rejected by the Applicant Tracking System (for those of you who are not familiar with ATS: this is a robot that scans your CV when you apply via online portals).

To make it past this first selection round, our advice is to:

• Stick to a common font (e.g. Calibri) and a regular font size of 11-12 points
• Use keywords from the job description
• Limit yourself to a maximum of two colours in your CV
• Have a clear CV outline: summary, work experience, academic background, skills and languages

Sometimes, the simplest way to attract attention is by keeping things simple.

Then again, find out more about the company you’re applying to, get familiar with their tone, their style and adapt your CV to it. Originality may work in your favour too. It’s about finding the right balance and playing it safe when in doubt!

4. Use bullet points

Bullet points can be incredibly helpful for your CV as they enhance clarity, concision, and ease of scanning by both recruiters and ATS. By using bullet points, you avoid using lengthy paragraphs to describe your employment history and gain valuable space.

For optimal results, aim for 3-4 bullet points depending on your level of experience. To make them more impactful, begin each bullet point with a power verb (e.g.: “Led”, “Optimized”, “Designed”, “Streamlined”, “Completed”). This technique enables you to communicate your skills and accomplishments in a more dynamic and memorable way.

5. Adopt an achievement-oriented writing style

Crafting an effective CV involves more than just outlining previous work experience and education. To stand out, it's crucial to showcase noteworthy accomplishments, projects, and concrete results that you've contributed to.

When detailing your relevant work experience, be sure to provide concrete examples, such as numbers, client names, and project outcomes. These details provide context for your achievements and demonstrate your ability to make a tangible impact in your previous roles.

6. Avoid typos and grammatical errors

However beautifully crafted and content-rich your CV is, spelling or grammatical errors will impact your credibility. 

It is therefore essential to ensure your CV is free of these. We highly recommend using spellcheck tools such as Grammarly, especially if you are not a native Dutch or English speaker. By using Grammarly, you can focus on the content of your CV without worrying about spelling mistakes.

HOW TO WRITE A CV STEP-BY-STEP

Welcome to the second part of this guide! Keep the above tips in mind and get to typing! Below, we describe how you should write each CV section, from top to bottom.

Your CV header is the first (and easiest) CV section to write. This is where you should include information such as:

• First name and last name
• Job title: tailor this to the job you are applying for, e.g. “Communication Specialist”
• Contact details: a professional email address, LinkedIn profile link, and phone number (include the country code at all times!)
• Location: your full address is not necessary, just stick to city and country (e.g.: Groningen, Netherlands)
• Photograph: including a picture on your CV is common in the Netherlands, as long as you keep it professional!

2. Profile summary

Even though presented right below your header, we recommend you write your profile summary last. This section summarizes your expertise, professional experience/academic background and skills in 2 to 3 impactful sentences. 

Writing it after having completed your professional experience/academic background and skills sections will make your life easier as you’ll essentially be summarising what’s on your CV.

In a nutshell, it should contain your: 

• Current job title/expertise or academic level
• Level of experience (in years)
• Key achievements
• Key relevant skills (2 to 3 skills)
• How you can contribute to the company/department/team objectives

Make sure you put a lot of effort into this section: this may be the first paragraph the recruiters will read, let’s keep them captivated!

3. Professional experience

The first important rule about this section: it should be tailored to the job description. This means you should only include professional experience that is relevant to the position you are applying for. 

For instance, if you are applying for a marketing position, including your dog-walking experience in your CV is unlikely to be of help. 

As mentioned at the beginning of this guide, we strongly recommend you use bullet points when presenting your professional experience. Start each bullet point with a power verb in the past tense.

Here is what you should include for each experience:

• Company name
• 3-4 bullet points highlighting your achievements
• Dates during which you held the position

4. Academic background

The same principle applies to your academic background. It's important to only include relevant information, along with concrete examples and achievements.

If you have limited work experience, consider including notable achievements from your academic background, such as theses or group projects, and align them with the job description. These projects may have helped you develop transferable skills that could be beneficial for the role you're applying for.

Alternatively, if you have substantial work experience, you can just stick to listing your school or university name, program name, and dates of attendance.

To summarize, be sure to include the following in your academic background:

• School or university name
• Program name
• Achievements

5. Languages

Whether you speak 1 or 5 languages, we recommend you always include a language section in your CV.

In the Netherlands, fluent English and/or Dutch is the minimum requirement. If you’re an English speaker learning Dutch, make sure to include that too. You want to show that you’re proactively trying to adapt and willing to learn the language of your host country!

When presenting your languages, it's important to state both your level of proficiency in words and an internationally-recognized language score or certificate.

Here's an example of how you can present your language skills in your CV:

• English: Native
• German: Conversational (B2)
• Dutch: Basic (currently enrolled in an A2-level course)

Be sure to include both your level of proficiency and the associated language score, as the former may seem abstract and the latter may not be known by employers.

Finally, we highly recommend you include a skills section in your CV. Try to find a balance between the hard and soft skills the employer is seeking. The best way to include relevant skills in your CV is to highlight those that the employer included in the job description and incorporate them into your CV. Of course, make sure you actually possess the skills!

In sum, here is how you can incorporate skills into your CV:

• Creating a dedicated skills section
• Incorporating them into your career or work experience accomplishments

We hope this practical guide helps you write or improve your CV, one that lands interviews.

In a nutshell, keep in mind that a winning CV should be tailored to the job advert, highlight your achievements, include relevant skills, be well-structured and eye-catching, and be compatible with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

Writing a solid CV takes time and effort, granted. But you’ll soon see that it’s worth it: that time and effort will make you stand out from other candidates!

Done writing slash improving your CV? Book a free CV critique session with our service partner Boost - CV & Cover Letter Writers.

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University College Utrecht

Cv and motivation letter, writing a cv.

A professional and well-written CV is often the first and therefore essential part of the application procedure. Your CV is the first piece of information that the University you’re applying to is receiving, so you need to make sure that you leave a good first impression. Keep in mind that an application officer will pay attention to a wide range of aspects and that he will be most capable about drawing conclusions himself whether you are fit for the program you’re applying for.

Your CV can stand out amongst all other applications not only through your past experiences and education, but also through a clear structure and apprehensive layout. Your CV should reflect your positive qualities as much as possible and your accomplishments listed on your CV should speak for themselves; you do not need to draw conclusions about what they say about you.

• Divide your CV into sections, such as education and qualifications, work experience, extra-curricular activities and interests, additional information, skills and referees.
• In each section, put the most recent information first, and work backwards.
• Start with the most relevant section first. In the case of a Masters application, this will be your education. Briefly list the relevant courses you have taken and their grades (if they’re good!). Also list relevant projects, extended essays, or dissertations.
• Describe what you have done, not what you think it says about you. Provide the necessary information for the reader to draw his/her own conclusions.
• Be concise: limit your CV to 2 pages, preferably 1 page.
• Make sure the layout is very clear and easy to skim over. Make use of headings, bullet points and spacing.

Universities have varying demands with regards to the content of your CV. Where American universities often find your extracurricular activities very important, British universities tend to focus on a sufficiently high GPA. Try to find information on the website of the University to which you’re applying to; see whether they have indications about what they would like to see on your CV. If you have made a CV, you can always have the Student Life Officer or Career Development Officer look over it for you.

Motivation letter/cover letter

Your CV is always accompanied by a motivation or cover letter. This letter should quite simply be the guide to your motivation and a description of the development of your interests and competences that have encouraged you to choose this specific Master’s. It should also include an overview of what you intend to learn and what how this program fits into your broader future plans. A motivation letter is perhaps the most important part of the application; it provides you with an opportunity to stand out between all other applications. Do not be afraid to ask friends, teachers or tutors to proofread your motivation letter before you send it in.

• Your statement of purpose should be a coherent essay, with a clear structure and beginning, middle and end.
• You should make it as short as possible while still hitting the important points. Remember, the committee has to read a lot of these: short and sweet is important!
• Change a vague and floppy sounding formulation like "I am not completely sure what I want to do after obtaining my graduate degree. However, I am very interested in doing research" to something like "After obtaining my graduate degree, I am interested in working in a research environment."
• Address the specific content of your academic interests. Adding meaningful discussion of content earlier would make a big difference in the impact of your statement.
• Your essay should be in formal academic English, even though it is a personal statement. Your writing ability will be judged on the quality of the essay. Be sure to use informal, colloquial language sparingly.
• Specify what you are applying for and say how you learned of the opportunity and why you are doing this one specifically.
• At the end suggest having an interview, these usually increase your chances since personal contact is just better.
• Avoid making the same point several time; comes across as shallow, boring.
• Avoid expressions like 'I think', and 'in my opinion', 'I am convinced'. These are wordy and make you sound less confident. Avoid intensifiers like "very" and vague words such as "interesting". The most deadly combination of all is 'very interesting'. Show the depth of your academic interests by explaining them.

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How to Write a Great Cover Letter for Your Job Application

It’s common for Dutch employers to ask for a cover letter as part of the job application process. When that’s the case, it’s important to make it as good as your CV . But, even if it’s not a job application requirement, you might want to include a cover letter anyway. It never hurts to show your motivation to a potential employer.

Are you stressing out about how to write a good cover letter? Not sure what to include or how to format it? No need to worry. The Blue Lynx team of international recruiters knows what a good cover letter looks like. After reading this article, you will do too.

So, let’s dive in! Learn about cover letter structure, good and bad practices and how to write yours well.  Oh, and there is a cover letter example towards the end so keep reading.  

Short on time? Skip to the most important bits of this article:

• Standard Structure of a Cover Letter (+ a free downloadable cover letter template)
• 3 Golden Rules for Cover Letters 
• Good and Bad Cover Letter Writing Practices
• A Cover Letter Example and Analysis

We could give you the usual tips and tricks here, but we’ll let you in on a little secret instead. You don’t have to be an immaculate writer to craft a great cover letter. You just need to know to structure your thoughts and present your skills and achievements in the best light possible.

Now, we didn’t say it was easy but we believe anyone could do it. Writing a cover letter could take up a few days so we recommend you bookmark this article for future reference.

What Is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter is a one-page document that you send to a prospective employer when applying for a job. The purpose of a cover letter is to relate your unique experience and achievements to the job you are applying for while showcasing your motivation to work for the company. Of course, in the digital world that we live in, you don’t have to actually mail a physical letter. It usually goes hand-in-hand with your CV as part of an online job application.

Letter of Motivation vs Cover Letter: What Is the Difference

After spending some time in the job searching process, you might start seeing it with different names.

A letter of motivation, covering letter, motivation letter. So many titles. But is it the same thing?

The Dutch word for it ‘motivatiebrief’ [pronounced mo-tee-va’-tee-eh brief] can mean any of those. You can encounter them in the context of both a job and university application. Here we will focus on the motivatiebrief for job vacancies .

The Standard Structure of the Cover Letter

Let’s start with the nitty-gritty of cover letter writing. First things first – the layout. It’s a good practice to have the same design for both your CV and cover letter. This includes fonts, colours and formatting.

In terms of structure, a standard cover letter should include:

• Personal information and contact details
• A formal salutation (Dear Hiring Manager or the person’s name)
• Introduction paragraph (clearly stating the job you are applying for and the company)
• Main body with 2-3 paragraphs 
• Closing paragraph
• Formal letter signature 

Cover Letter Writing: The Before, During & After

If you like having a plan before sitting down to write the cover letter, we suggest you use the steps outlined below.

1) Before You Start Writing

Study the job description – you need to know exactly what the company is looking for. Look for information about the day-to-day tasks in this role and the profile of the successful candidate. 

Make a list – You have done your research. You know exactly who and what the company needs. Now take a minute to look at all the requirements or skills the job mentions and list down the ones you match. Once you have all those down, write your cover letter f ollow the formula: Skill -> Example -> Achievement

Every time you mention you have a certain skill or experience, give an example of it and tie it up with a personal achievement in that area. Your cover letter will end up sounding way more convincing.

Research the company – go on their website and find out what exactly they do, who they are serving, what their values are. Use your finding in the cover letter. It will leave a great impression.

2) While Writing the Cover Letter

Make an outline of what you will include – follow the layout we gave you above. Each paragraph should be about 3-4 sentences long.

Choose an easy-to-read professional font – looks matter. Keep your cover letter in the same colour grade and design as your CV if possible. Use consistent fonts that are easy on the eye of the reader.

Keep sentences short – have you heard of the writing technique “KISS”? It stands for Keep It Simple, Stupid. Most people try to sound smart in their writing and get lost in long, tedious sentences. You don’t want to do that. 

3) When You Finish Writing

Check for grammar, spelling and punctuation – use a tool that will automatically check those for you like Grammarly.

Read it out loud – this really helps you spot inconsistencies and a lack of good flow. 

Ask a friend to proofread it – it’s always good to have an unbiased person look at your cover letter and give you some feedback.

If you need some serious inspiration or don’t how to write your cover letter, we have a quick and easy-to-use solution: a free cover letter template. Click the link below to download it.

Download Our Free Cover Letter Template

Now that we have the basic structure down, let’s move to the content. Whether you use our cover letter template or come up with your own, it’s what you say in it that matters. Cover letters are brief and concise. One page is the go-to length here.

3 Golden Rules for Writing a Good Cover Letter:

• Make it personal – ditch the usual phrases 
• Your cover letter should be a natural extension of your CV, not a re-write
• Showcase your knowledge of the company

If you manage to follow these 3 rules, your cover letter will undoubtedly make a good impression. Now let’s look at some more practices.

Writing the Cover Letter: The Good Practices & Things You Should Avoid 

In addition to the 3 golden rules from above, you will also want to do the following:

Focus on key skills

Work experience is important. But what’s more important is that you can extract the hard and soft skills you have gained through it. This should be the focus of the cover letter’s main body. Think about the type of skills this job requires. Find examples in your work experience that support your statement.

Show real motivation

If the employer requests that you write a letter of motivation, then you need to demonstrate your passion. Show that you know the company’s values and that you are truly motivated by its mission. This is not just a way to stroke your potential employer’s ego. It shows you know what the company stands for. 

Share relocation details

If you don’t reside in the Netherlands or in the city where the job is based, it’s good to mention your relocation plans. 

These are the don’ts of writing a cover letter that job seekers should keep in mind. These are pitfalls one can easily miss.

Cover letter sounding way too vague 

Some people struggle with writing, in general. For them especially, it’s easy to start using cliché and vague expressions. Think sentences like “I admire your company’s great reputation in the industry.” This could be copied and pasted across all your cover letters. Be more specific and use actual examples of what’s so great about the company.

Re-writing your CV

One thing a cover letter is not is your CV. It may seem obvious but many people don’t get that. Instead of listing all your work experience, write about what it has taught you. Then, relate all that to the position you are applying for.

Typos and bad formatting

Just like with your CV, the devil is in the details. Typos and grammar error leave a bad impression. You want to demonstrate a good eye for details. Ask a a friend or a family member to proofread your cover letter before sending it out.

There are some bigger fails when it comes to writing a cover letter. Do your best to avoid those:

Putting the wrong company name  

We’ve seen those and we cringe every time. Such mistakes usually happen when you are using the same cover letter template for every job application. To avoid this, tailor the text to each employer individually.

The cover letter is too long

Needless to say, hiring managers’ time is limited. They won’t spend ages on your cover letter so everything you put inside must be well-thought and engaging. You don’t want to bore the people reading about your experience. You want to say just enough so that they want to invite you to an interview and get to know you further.

No matter what you do, don’t lie on your cover (in your CV, as well). You won’t be doing yourself any favour, even if you get hired. 

Here’s a Cover Letter Example That We Can Learn From

Source: Reddit . Click the photo to open it larger in a new tab.

Here’s also a transcription:

“To Whom It May Concern:

I am a driven and keen individual looking to work within the field of ____. However, the world is currently giving me a gigantic middle finger in terms of employment prospects; so I’m hoping to offer my services to the place I’ve probably spent one third of my time in since moving to _____. Despite having attended university, I assure you I’m possessed of a wide range of useful skills;

• I have worked as a nursery hand at ___ am an avid gardener, along with a scientific understanding of soil and plant ecology, and a familiarity with a wide range of plant species.
• I have my own vehicle, and am available at any time for any length.
• Between myself and my father, I have an almost encyclopaedic understanding of the store layout.
• Being raised by an Engineer and industrial arts teacher, I have a moderate understanding of common building materials and basic requirements, including the difference between gyprock and wood screws, and the joy of PVA. I’ve completed numerous DIY projects of varying scales, from garden construction to household fixes and shelving, and can offer basic advice.
• I’m a creative thinker, and am good at visualising solutions to unique problems, which could be useful both in-store and to customers.
• I have a natural space bubble of around 2 metres, so will not struggle with maintaining social distance.
• I have undergone military training and over a decade in retail, and as such respond appropriately and calmly to hostile treatment. I can even bayonet them if need be, and my grouping isn’t had either.
• I maintain a combat-ready level of fitness, and am more than capable of strenuous physical activity that pallet-jacking and shelf-stocking may involve.
• I have developed excellent interpersonal skills during my various stabs at careers, and understand the need for tailored and sensible approach in successful professional interactions. As an avid baker, I’m also great for team morale.
• I’m 30, friendless and childless, so am statistically unlikely to call in sick due to hangovers.

While I will jump ship the moment I receive an offer applicable to my chosen career path, you shouldn’t worry about that being too soon, as I’ve job-hunting since October, and that was before this ship floated sideways. I will work hard and be an asset.”

In this cover letter example, we can clearly see some of the dos and don’ts we discussed above. So, let’s analyse it! Just for the record, we are not going to focus on punctuation, spelling and grammar. You can easily check those with writing software like Grammarly . Instead, let’s talk about what this person did right and what they could have done better. We’ve summed it up in the table below.

Your Turn to Write a Fantastic Cover Letter

Follow all these tips and you should have the perfect cover letter in your hand (or in a computer folder). Now what? As good as they might be, a CV and a cover letter can’t get you the job . You still have the interview process. If you are feeling a bit nervous, check out our job interview tips for some inspiration.

Other articles you might find useful: Make a winning CV How to tell is your CV good enough Interview Tips

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The Curriculum Vitae (CV) is the first and probably the most important step in finding a job in the Netherlands .

How to write a Curriculum Vitae (CV)

A CV is more than just your profile; it is a marketing tool. You should not think of it as a typicality that is required by prospective employers but as a "sales brochure." Besides, if the recruiter offers you the opportunity of an interview , a well-built CV will trigger conversation around your profile and increase the probability of getting hired.

In a nutshell, a CV is a representation of past accomplishments and skills. However, the same applies to all other candidates and thus, the following tips should come in handy:

• Listing all projects, courses, training etc. may not be practical or even useful; mention the most relevant information only.
• A Curriculum Vitae is written in reverse factual chronological order.
• Between professional and educational experience, you should place the one that describes your most recent status first. For instance, if you have just graduated, it is advisable to mention your studies and then your work experience (if any).
• Recruiters scan numerous CVs for the same position, so an appealing CV must not exceed two pages. In fact, a single-page CV should do the trick.

Get help from a CV pro

If you need some extra help creating the perfect CV or need a second opinion, you can always get the help of a CV pro. There are various companies who offer CV advice and help such as:

Elements of a good CV

• Personal information: name, nationality, place and date of birth, contact details and military obligations (if any).
• Educational background: universities, majors, classes, thesis, grades, academic projects and references.
• Prior work experience: companies, positions, employment periods, main tasks and references.
• Skills & Experience: language and computer skills, distinctions, training, military service (if applicable and not mentioned before), sports, seminars and interests / hobbies.
• Write an appealing CV. Pay extra attention when choosing letter fonts and avoid dense writing.
• Use bullet points instead of long paragraphs.
• Dutch recruiters highly value extracurricular and leisure activities. Nevertheless, include only those that are relevant to the job you are applying for (e.g. being good in team sports reveals team spirit).
• In the Netherlands, it is not necessary to include copies of diplomas, employer references or other official documents in your CV. You will be asked to submit them at a later stage.
• If you have little or no full-time work experience, then you need to emphasise on academic projects you participated in and relevant courses you took. Part-time occupation, summer jobs and voluntarism is a good way to demonstrate your capabilities and accomplishments.
• In general, it is advisable to adjust your CV for different job applications. Try to make its content as relevant to the job description as possible.
• Most online recruitment agencies ask for a word file of your curriculum vitae, but a pdf version is always more appealing.
• A CV only mirrors facts and figures. Your motivation for the role, aspirations, suitability for the job and qualifications should be reflected in your cover letter.
• If applicable, mention your military service and describe your main duties as well as your ranking. Military experience can trigger discussions about your personality and pressure handling.
• Last but not least, beware of any linguistic errors!

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Writing a cover letter

The cover letter is a major part of any job application. It is a common tool used to select candidates for a position, as well as an opportunity to introduce yourself to the employer(s). A cover letter is intended to supplement the content of your CV, not repeat it.

It demonstrates your motivation and suitability for a given position. Above all, you want to make the reader eager to talk with you in person. To that end, keep things short and sweet and make sure you bridge the gap between what you want and what the employer is looking for.

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Important components, putting your motivation into words, style and register, areas for attention.

Attending a workshop

The ‘Writing a cover letter’ workshop will teach you what constitutes a good cover letter and how to convince a potential employer of your qualities. For this and our other sessions, please look at the Events page .

You can also have a careers adviser review your cover letter. To do this, schedule an appointment with the Student Careers Centre.

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Application tips

Eight tips for successful applications.

Applying for a job or internship can be nerve-wracking. After all, nobody applies for positions they don't want! The following practical tips will help you maximise your chances of a career at PwC. The chances are that at least one will be useful.

Use your CV to clearly distinguish yourself from other students

Naturally, as a student, your CV will predominantly consist of information about your education rather than an extensive list of employers. We therefore especially want to hear what you do outside your studies, what part-time jobs and volunteer work you have done and whether you are active in any associations. And don't forget to mention your hobbies! This information helps to paint a more complete picture of who you are and what you can do before we meet you in the flesh.

Carefully check the spelling and grammar of your e-mail and CV

First impressions are extremely important. We're sure you'd never do something like this, but we sometimes receive applications that are full of spelling mistakes and bad grammar. If you've been known to misspell things now and again, then be sure to pay extra attention to this aspect or ask someone else to read through your application first.

The recruiters are here to help!

PwC's recruiters are always available if you have any questions about the procedure, what the job entails or general tips. Call or e-mail them if you are unclear about anything.

Do your homework on PwC

Make sure you have a definitive answer to the question Why do you want to work for PwC? , as this question plays a major role in the interviews. These interviews are a way for both sides to make acquaintance, so mutual interest in each other ensures a good start. If you'd like to know more about us, then you can attend one of the recruitment activities or contact us for other possibilities.

Contact a PwC professional in your network

Explore your own network to see if you know anybody who works for PwC: the chances are greater than you might think. Ask your family, friends, neighbours and acquaintances if they know anybody. If they do, then it's a great way to learn more about a particular position and what it's like to work for PwC.

Make a clear choice

Apply for a position that you are truly interested in. That's a much better strategy than simultaneously applying to five different jobs. And be sure to clarify in your cover letter why you think this vacancy/internship is right for you.

Dress smartly

Wear something that would give you confidence in a professional environment. We do not expect you to buy a new suit for your interview: you'll have plenty of time to expand your wardrobe once the application process is complete!

Ask questions

Consider in advance what you would like to know about us. After all, we'll be asking a lot about you! Make sure you ask for all the information you wish to know, e.g. by writing down all of the questions and learning them in advance.

Do you have questions about our application process? Just contact the recruiter who is mentioned in the specific vacancy.

Contact recruiters

Check our job opportunities

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In this article

Cover Letter for Schengen Visa Application

Maximized Schengen visa success with effective cover letter, free sample and expert tips.

If you are in the process of applying for a Schengen Visa , you may have noticed that are asked to submit a Cover Letter.

The Cover Letter for Schengen Visa applications is an important requirement, and knowing how to properly write one could affect the outcome of the visa application.

What is a Cover Letter for Schengen Visa Application?

The Cover Letter for a Schengen Visa is a necessary part of your visa application because it is a way to introduce yourself, the reason why you want to travel to that specific country, as well as to communicate with the visa officers who are handling your application.

Please note that the Cover Letter should be addressed to the Embassy or Consulate of the country you will visit, even if you are applying through a visa application center, such as VFS Global.

In the Cover Letter for a Schengen Visa, you have to convince the Consular staff that you are suitable to receive a visa for the country you intend to visit.

What Information to Include in a Cover Letter for Schengen Visa Application?

When you write a Cover Letter for your Schengen Visa application, you have to include details of your entire trip including:

• The reason why you want to visit a Schengen country .
• The dates when you intend to enter and depart.
• A planned itinerary of your activities in the Schengen Area.
• Where you will stay once you enter the Schengen area.
• All the countries you intend to visit.
• The status of your employment.
• If you were unable to submit any of the required documents, give an explanation of why that is.

Sample Cover Letters for Schengen Visa

Below, you will find a sample Cover Letter for a Schengen Tourist or Visit Visa, a Schengen Business Visa ,  as well as for a Schengen Medical Treatment Visa which will give you an idea of what to include on your own Visa Cover Letter.

Sample Cover Letter for Tourist Schengen Visa

Netherlands Embassy in New Delhi

6/50 F, Shantipath

Chanakyapuri

New Delhi – 110021

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing this letter to apply for a Schengen visa to visit the Netherlands from the dates May 20 to June 10, 2019. I am traveling alone and the main reason why I want to visit the Netherlands is tourism.

I would like to visit the popular tourist attractions in the Netherlands, such as the Van Gogh Museum, the house of Anne Frank, as well as the Keukenhof gardens to see the Netherlands’ most popular flower – the tulip.

During my stay, I also want to visit Germany from May 29 to June 5 to visit my sister who lives in Dusseldorf, where I will stay at her house. Then, I will return to the Netherlands, where I will explore the Hague before I leave the country.

I am employed at the [name of company/organization] where I have the position of [job position]. I have worked here for X years, and I have an annual salary of XX. My employer has given me a No Objection Certificate for my trip, which you will find enclosed.

I intend to finance my own trip, and I have also enclosed proof I have the necessary financial means to cover my stay.

Below you can see a planned itinerary of my activities :

Supporting visa application documents I have enclosed with this letter:

• The completed Schengen Visa Application Form
• My passport
• My flight and train ticket reservations
• Schengen Visa Travel Health Insurance
• Hotel reservation receipts (Amsterdam and Hague)
• Letter of Invitation from my sister in Dusseldorf
• No Objection Certificate from my employer
• My Bank Statements from the last six months

I hope you find that the details I have provided in this letter are adequate for a favorable reply to my application. Thank you for your time, and do not hesitate to contact me should you need further information.

Best regards,

Alan Shilmani

[Full address in India]

Sample Cover Letter for Business Schengen Visa

If you are applying for a Schengen Business Visa, it is your employer who has to write the Cover Letter on your behalf. It must be written on the company’s letterhead.

March 20, 2019

New Delhi, India

I am writing this letter to request a Schengen Business Visa on behalf of [applicant’s full name] with the passport number XXXX.

Through this letter, I would like to confirm that [applicant’s full name] is employed at our company [company’s name] where he works as [job title or position]. [The applicant] has been working in our company for [X number of years], and needs to travel to the Netherlands to visit our partner company [partner company’s name] during the dates April 20 to April 30, 2019.

During his visit at [partner company’s name] in the Netherlands, [the applicant] will be engaged in the following duties:

• Attending meetings
• Negotiating a deal between the companies regarding [XYZ]
• Giving a presentation
• (Any other tasks that you will have to do during your trip)

[The applicant] will stay at the [hotel name/other accommodation], and the expenses will be covered by our company (if applicable).

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any additional questions.

Thank you for your time,

[Name of employer/supervisor along with siganture]

[Position or job title of employer/supervisor]

[Email address of employer/supervisor]

[Phone number of employer/supervisor]

Sample Cover Letter for Medical Treatment Visa

If you are traveling to a Schengen country to receive medical treatment, your doctor has to write the Cover Letter on your behalf. The Cover Letter for a Schengen Medical Treatment Visa has to include the following information:

• Your detailed diagnosis
• Your medical history
• The nature and duration of the proposed treatment you will receive in the Schengen country

I am writing this letter to request a Schengen Medical Treatment Visa on behalf of my patient [applicant’s full name] with the passport number XXXX.

[Applicant’s name] is diagnosed with [XYZ] and needs to receive [XYZ] treatment at the [medical facility name] in the Netherlands.

[Detailed diagnosis]

[Medical history]

[The nature and duration of the proposed treatment you will receive in the Schengen country]

I hope you consider the information I have enclosed in this letter to be satisfactory for my patient’s Schengen Visa application.

Should you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thank you for your time.

[Name of the doctor along with siganture]

Where should I submit the Cover Letter for Schengen Visa?

Depending on what country you are applying from, you can submit the Schengen Visa application at:

• An Embassy or Consulate of the Schengen country you are visiting.
• The Embassy/Consulate of another Schengen country, in case the country you want to visit has no diplomatic representation in your place of residence.
• A visa application agency, to which the Embassy or Consulate of the Schengen country you are visiting has outsourced visa applications to.

Keep in mind that if you’re going to visit multiple countries, submit the application at the Embassy/Consulate of the country you will visit first.

What other documents should I submit along with the Cover Letter for Schengen Visa?

When you submit your application for a Schengen Visa, along with the Cover Letter, you have to submit several other supporting documents , such as:

• Your passport, which must be valid for at least another six months
• Passport-size pictures, in line with Schengen visa photo requirements
• Your flight itinerary or reservations
• Proof of accommodation in a Schengen country
• No Objection Certificate from your employer/school
• Letter of Invitation from a relative or company in the Schengen country you are visiting, depending on the purpose of travel
• Proof of paid Schengen Visa Fees
• Your Bank Statements from the last six months

Read more: How to write a cover letter for Germany Student Visa Application?

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Visual Investigations

Speculation Swirls About What Hit Trump. An Analysis Suggests It was a Bullet

An absence of medical records or official accounts has stirred confusion, but a Times video and trajectory analysis indicates a bullet, not debris, wounded the former president.

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By Malachy Browne Devon Lum and Alexander Cardia

Nearly two weeks after the assassination attempt on former President Donald J. Trump, there’s still no official report from the Trump campaign or from state or federal governments about what caused the wound on his right ear.

This lack of clarity has left the issue unsettled and fueled speculation online about whether he was hit by a bullet or shrapnel — or perhaps something else.

But a detailed analysis of bullet trajectories, footage, photos and audio by The New York Times strongly suggests Mr. Trump was grazed by the first of eight bullets fired by the gunman, Thomas Crooks. Subsequent bullets wounded two rally goers and killed a third .

What has helped stoke confusion is that Mr. Trump himself has said he was hit by a bullet, but his campaign has not released any official medical reports, nor has Mr. Trump’s current physician weighed in.

Instead, the campaign has posted a memo from Mr. Trump’s former White House physician, Ronny L. Jackson, now a Texas congressman and outspoken ally of the former president, that says he was struck by a bullet on his right ear.

The Secret Service, which was responsible for the security at the event, has declined to comment.

The F.B.I. said it was examining numerous metal fragments found near the stage to determine whether a bullet — or pieces of it — had grazed Mr. Trump’s head, bloodying his ear.

One Bullet’s Path Toward Trump

Gunman fires first shot

Bullet appeared

to graze Trump

Bleachers hit

Bullet appeared to graze Trump

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