Working in the Netherlands - Applications

Like every other country, the Netherlands has its own (unwritten) rules concerning job applications. Below is additional information that may be useful when applying for work in the Netherlands.

Job Application Procedure

The job application procedure differs according to the type of work you are looking for. In the case of agricultural and low-skilled staff, employers usually appreciate a personal visit. Obviously, an employer will understand that if you are still in your own country, you cannot come over simply for one interview. In such cases, a job application letter is sufficient initially. For qualified and highly qualified staff, a typed application letter plus CV is the standard procedure.

Job Application Letter

Job application letters must be in Dutch unless a different language is requested in the advertisement. Application letters should be typed out. Handwritten letters are no longer customary, except in more traditional sectors such as the medical professions, particularly for doctors, but not nurses.

A Dutch job application letter is short, concise and to the point. The letter should be written on one sheet of A4 paper, preferably of good quality. In the first part of the letter, you should explain why you are applying for the job. In the middle section, you should indicate why you believe you are a suitable candidate for the job and why you are motivated to do the job. The closing section of your letter should be used to say that you would be pleased to attend an interview to explain your application in person. Research by the Ministry of Social Affairs shows job motivation to be one of the most important selection criteria for Dutch employers. You should take this into account when writing your application letter.

Dutch employers usually reply fairly quickly to your letter. If you have still heard nothing after 14 days, contact them by phone to ensure your letter has not gone astray.

Curriculum Vitae

A Dutch curriculum vitae (CV) should be concise and to the point. Use a maximum of two pages (A4 format). A Dutch CV contains only dates and information. Your reasons for applying for the job should be set out in the accompanying letter. As Dutch employers prefer CVs as short as possible, you should leave out irrelevant information.

The following points should be dealt with in your CV (in this order):
1. Personal details
2. Education (including important courses; results should not be given)
3. Job experience (including exact dates)
4. Hobbies

As a rule, numbers 2 and 3 are listed in chronological order, starting with your earlier work experience and ending with your most recent job. However, sometimes it is better to reverse this order, especially when your most recent job is equivalent to the job you are applying for. With the job experience, you should mention the name of your employer and the tasks carried out by you in the relevant role.
Dutch recruiters consider hobbies and social activities very important. That is why you should mention them in your CV and why you should try to demonstrate their relevance to the job in question (e.g. if you are involved in team sports, this may suggest you have good team spirit). Adapt your CV to each application.

Résumés are becoming increasingly common, though it should be noted that this applies more to those with considerable job experience. Very often they are used for (unsolicited) applications to head-hunters. A résumé is shorter and more descriptive. It is also more subjective, as some items can be given more or less emphasis. Exact dates are not given, and you should mention only those figures that underline your suitability. The form of a résumé may be historical, analytical, chronological, functional or creative. A résumé often starts with a description of the type of job being applied for.

References and copies of certificates need not be attached. These are only required at a later stage.

Job Application Form

Job application forms are not as common as, say, in Britain. They are mainly used by large-scale employers at all educational levels. Online applications almost invariably involve job application forms.

Job Interview

In a Dutch job interview, the emphasis is on your motivation. Be prepared for questions such as why you chose that particular company. In addition, job applicants are almost always asked to name their skills and strengths. However, you will also be asked to mention some of your less strong points and skills you do not possess. Be prepared for this and try to think of examples that demonstrate your skills and strengths. You will usually be interviewed by one or two people. Applicants often have to attend two or perhaps three interviews. At the end of the interview, you will be given the opportunity to ask questions; think about this beforehand.

Source: European Union
© European Communities, 1995-2006
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