CV writing for UK professionals moving to the Netherlands
The Netherlands hires many international professionals in English, and Dutch recruiters are known for being direct. Your CV should be too. We cut a UK CV down to the concise, evidence-first version Dutch employers respond to.
Cities: Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht, Eindhoven
Get my free CV diagnosis | Services and prices | Recruiter-made CV rebuild: £80, one-time
UK CV vs Dutch CV
| UK CV | Dutch CV | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is called | CV | CV |
| Length | Two pages | One to two pages; shorter is stronger |
| Tone | Polished | Direct and factual; every claim needs evidence |
| Photo | Left off | Optional |
| Cover letter | Optional | A short motivation letter is usually expected |
| Language | English | English at international employers; Dutch for many local and public sector roles |
4 rules for your Dutch CV
- Be direct. Drop the adjectives. Dutch recruiters want what you did, the result and the proof.
- Send a motivation letter. Most employers expect one. Keep it short and specific to the role and the company.
- Target recognised sponsors. Most non-EU hires, which now includes Brits, come through employers registered as recognised sponsors with the IND. Apply to those first.
- Shorter is stronger. Two pages is the ceiling. One tight page often reads better for mid-level roles.
Sectors hiring in Netherlands
Technology, logistics, engineering, finance and life sciences hire the most international professionals, centred on Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht and Eindhoven.
- Technology
- Logistics
- Engineering
- Finance
- Life sciences
Check your route before you apply
UK citizens now need a residence permit to work in the Netherlands. The most common professional route is the highly skilled migrant scheme, through an employer recognised by the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND).
Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND)
We write CVs, not visa advice. Rules change, so always confirm with the official source.
Who rebuilds your CV
Your CV is rebuilt by UK recruiters with 25+ years of experience across the UK and the Middle East. We are not a recruitment agency in Netherlands and we do not place candidates there. What we do is rebuild your British CV the way employers in Netherlands expect to read it, and tell you plainly what has to change.
CVs for Netherlands: common questions
Do Dutch employers hire in English?
Many do, especially international companies and tech firms. Local and public sector roles often need Dutch.
Is a Dutch CV different from a UK CV?
It is shorter and more direct. Dutch recruiters expect facts and evidence rather than polished language, and usually a short motivation letter alongside it.
How do UK citizens get permission to work in the Netherlands?
Usually through the highly skilled migrant scheme, with a job offer from an employer recognised as a sponsor by the IND.