How recruiters in the Netherlands scan your CV
For first-time applicants in NL, recruiters prioritize clarity, relevance, and evidence. They want to see role fit quickly, not long personal storytelling.
Your first half page should already show target role, strongest achievements, and relevant skills.
If your CV is too generic, callback rates usually drop even when your experience is solid.
Recommended CV layout and section order
Use this order: contact details, summary, work experience, education, skills, and optional certifications/languages.
One page is ideal for early-career candidates; two pages are acceptable for strong, role-relevant experience.
- Use 3-5 short paragraphs: opening fit, relevant evidence, motivation for this role, and clear close.
- Keep the letter focused on this vacancy; generic motivation letters are easy to reject.
- Mirror the same role language used in your CV summary and top achievements.
Write stronger summary and achievement bullets
Avoid generic claims like "hard-working team player." Replace them with action and outcome statements.
For experienced candidates, focus on business outcomes, process improvements, and ownership scope.
- Lead with role fit and strongest evidence in the first paragraph.
- Use one concrete example of impact instead of multiple generic claims.
- Close with a confident, practical call to interview.
Example bullet structure
- Action: what you changed or built.
- Scope: team, process, customers, or budget affected.
- Outcome: measurable result or visible quality improvement.
Keyword and ATS strategy
Mirror the vacancy language in your summary, experience, and skills. This improves ATS pass-through and human scan relevance.
Do not keyword-stuff. Use each keyword where it naturally describes your actual experience.
- Useful keyword examples: role fit, measurable outcomes, ATS-friendly format, clear summary, vacancy alignment.
- Use exact job-title wording when it matches your role.
- Export as PDF and avoid complex design elements in core text sections.
Final pre-apply quality check
Your letter should add context to your CV, not repeat it line-by-line. Think of it as focused interpretation, not duplication.
When writing in English for Dutch roles, maintain concise style and avoid overly formal, long paragraphs.
- Role fit is obvious in first two lines.
- Each recent role includes outcome-focused bullets.
- Language, terminology, and file naming are fully professional.
Quick checklist
- ✓Letter is tailored to one vacancy and one company.
- ✓Opening paragraph states role fit directly.
- ✓Body includes one or two evidence-based achievements.
- ✓Tone matches Dutch preference: concise, concrete, professional.
- ✓Language and keywords align with CV and job post.
- ✓Length stays short and recruiter-friendly.
- ✓Final close invites interview without generic filler.
FAQ
Is a cover letter still important in the Netherlands?+
Yes for many roles. A strong, tailored letter can differentiate candidates with similar CV profiles.
How long should it be?+
Typically 180-320 words, structured in short paragraphs with clear role relevance.
Should I repeat my CV in the letter?+
No. Add context and motivation around your strongest CV evidence instead of duplicating sections.
Can I use AI-generated letters?+
Yes, but always edit for role specificity, factual accuracy, and natural tone before sending.
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