DutchDutch employers like it short, clear and direct. Here is how a Dutch job application works, from the vacancy to the first day, with the words you will hear on the way.
Short answer: send a short CV (one or two pages) and a short letter that says why you want this job and what you bring. In the interview, be on time, give a firm handshake, look people in the eye and be honest and concrete. Asking about salary and working hours is normal, usually near the end.
1 Your CV and letter
- CV: your work and education, newest first, and your languages with their level (for example: Dutch B1). A photo is common but not required. Leave out things like religion or marital status.
- Letter (sollicitatiebrief or motivatiebrief): half a page. Why this job, why this company, and two or three things you are good at, with an example.
- Many jobs go through an uitzendbureau (employment agency). They help you with your CV and find work for you.
2 The interview
A Dutch interview (sollicitatiegesprek) is usually informal but direct. You will often be asked to tell something about yourself first.
InterviewerVertel eens iets over jezelf.
YouIk ben Tesfay, ik woon twee jaar in Den Haag en ik heb in een magazijn gewerkt. Ik werk graag in een team.
InterviewerWanneer zou je kunnen beginnen?
YouVolgende maand. Mag ik ook iets vragen? Hoeveel uur per week is de baan?
Tip: Dutch people value modesty and honesty more than big words. "I don't know that yet, but I learn fast" is a good answer.
3 Words you will hear
| Dutch | English |
|---|---|
| de vacature | the vacancy |
| solliciteren | to apply |
| het sollicitatiegesprek | the job interview |
| de arbeidsvoorwaarden | the terms of employment (salary, hours, leave) |
| bruto per maand | gross per month (before tax) |
| de proeftijd | the trial period |
| een contract voor bepaalde tijd | a fixed-term contract |
In a Dutch interview, "That was not my best project, and this is what I learned from it" counts as a strength. Modesty is a skill here.
Partner tip Be the interviewer for five minutes over coffee. Ask two or three questions from this article, Waarom wilt u hier werken?, and let the learner answer without interrupting. Afterwards name one thing that went well and offer one better word, no more.
Test yourself
What does "€2.400 bruto per maand" mean?
A salary of €2,400 per month before tax and contributions. What you get in your bank account (netto) is less.
How do you ask in Dutch how many hours a week the job is?
Hoeveel uur per week is de baan?
