Finding a job in the Netherlands can be challenging, especially for international professionals. Your CV is often the first impression recruiters have of you — but many candidates make simple mistakes that reduce their chances. Here are 5 common pitfalls:
1. Too much personal information
You don’t need to include age, marital status, or a photo (unless specifically asked).
2. Generic CV
Sending the same CV to every role won’t work. Tailor your CV to each job description.
3. Lack of measurable results
Instead of writing “Responsible for projects”, say “Led a team of 5 engineers, delivering a €2M project on time.”
4. Poor formatting
Dutch recruiters prefer clean, professional layouts (max 2 pages, clear sections, easy to scan).
5. Skipping LinkedIn alignment
Recruiters always check LinkedIn. Make sure your CV and LinkedIn tell the same story.