While it’s important to “sell” yourself to an employer, your CV should represent you in a neutral way, as Dutch employers value modesty.

A Dutch CV format uses a direct factual style, and is usually written in the third person singular. It is important to adapt your CV for a specific job application, so emphasise the relevant experience that meets the job requirements. Total CV length should not exceed 2 pages.

In addition to your name and full contact details (e-mail, phone number, address), specify your nationality. For a Dutch-style CV, it is uncustomary to include your civil status, however date and place of birth is always included. Mentioning your driving license is optional and usually only given if relevant for the job. A passport sized picture is getting more common.

Not traditional for a Dutch CV, but a good way to draw attention to your profile. This section should be limited to a 1-2 clear statements, in which you specify why you're interested in the job and how your achievements and competences match the job requirements.

Use reverse chronological order to list you previous work experience, including dates, company names, locations, positions that you held and key skills learned from your job responsibilities.
If you have little work experience, it is common to mention your educational background before your work experience.

Use reverse chronological order to list previous educational institutions, including dates of attendance, locations, and degree obtained. Mentioning your thesis and completed courses is optional and only if relevant for a job. For Dutch employers having international experience plays a big role in selecting candidates, as it is a good indication of possessing soft skills and cross-cultural competence. Hence do include extensive (i.e. minimum 3 months) time spend abroad.