Dutch CV Format: Direct, Clear and Short.
Dutch employers like CVs the way they like conversations: direct and to the point. One or two A4 pages, a short profile, reverse-chronological experience with concrete results and no exaggeration.
- Right format in one click
- Live ATS checks
- Text-based PDF
The Dutch CV at a Glance.
A photo is common and often welcome, but not required. English CVs are widely accepted, especially at international companies, and many applicants include a languages section with levels.
- Length
- One to two A4 pages
- Photo
- Common but optional
- Personal details
- Name, contact details; date of birth and nationality are optional
- Tone
- Direct and factual, no embellishment
- Language
- English is widely accepted; Dutch for local roles
- Interests
- A short interests line is common
Sections, in Order.
- 1
Personal details
Name, phone, email, city, LinkedIn; photo if you like.
- 2
Profile
A few lines on your experience and goals.
- 3
Work experience
Newest first, with measurable results.
- 4
Education
Degrees and courses with dates.
- 5
Skills and languages
Tools, skills and language levels.
- 6
Interests
A short line; optional.
Do This, Not That.
Do
- Be direct and specific about results.
- Keep it short: one or two pages.
- Include languages with levels.
- Mention your right to work or visa (e.g. highly skilled migrant) if relevant.
Avoid
- Overselling or vague superlatives.
- Long paragraphs.
- Pages of old or irrelevant jobs.
- A heavily designed layout.
Pick the Country. We Handle the Rest.
- Pick the European Union (Europass) format: it follows the same rules
- Photo, personal details and headings set the way employers expect
- Live ATS checks while you write
- A clean, text-based PDF ready to send
Dutch CV
Questions.
Still unsure? Our team answers every message, usually within one business day.
Contact SupportShould I put a photo on a Dutch CV?
It's common and often welcome, but not required. If you add one, keep it professional.
Do I need to use the Europass format in the Netherlands?
No. Europass is accepted but not required. A clear one-to-two-page CV is what most employers expect.
Which format should I use in CVHancer?
Pick "European Union (Europass)" for the European conventions (languages with levels, optional photo), or "Universal" for a plain international CV.
Other resume formats
Also useful: our free ATS resume checker, the resume templates and the AI resume builder.
Write Your Dutch CV Today.
Start free, then switch to the European Union (Europass) format with Pro. Your content stays the same while the layout, headings and personal details adapt.