How to Adapt your Dutch CV for an International Job
If you’re planning to work abroad, you’ve probably thought about translating your CV. But a Dutch CV doesn’t automatically meet international standards. Every country has its expectations, rules, and hiring culture. To make a strong impression, you need to adapt your CV to local norms and employer preferences.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to tailor your international CV, avoid common mistakes, and make your profile stand out in a global recruitment process.
A Dutch CV vs. an International CV
A CV that works perfectly in Amsterdam might fail to impress in Paris, London, or New York. Employers around the world look for different things.
In the United States, a one-page résumé is standard and should focus strictly on relevant experience.
German recruiters prefer a detailed, formal document that includes a professional photo.
In the UK, adding a photo or personal details, such as date of birth, is discouraged due to privacy and discrimination laws.
How you present your education and experience also depends on the local culture. In France, academic degrees and titles are most valued, while U.S. employers primarily care about measurable achievements.
That’s why a simple translation of your Dutch CV is not enough. To manage multiple versions efficiently, use a professional online CV builder such as Jobseeker. It allows you to create and adapt international CVs quickly without having to start from scratch each time.
How CV Expectations Differ Around the World
The basic structure of a CV is similar everywhere—it’s an overview of your work experience, education, and skills. Yet, the order, tone, and level of detail vary widely. Here’s what to expect in different countries:
Germany: Formal and detailed. A German CV (Lebenslauf) is still considered a formal document. It should be complete, structured, and neatly formatted. Including your place of birth and a professional photo is still common practice.
United Kingdom: Concise and professional. British employers prefer short and focused CVs, usually no longer than two pages. Omit your photo, date of birth, and marital status. Instead, start with a brief personal summary that highlights what you offer and what role you’re targeting.
United States: Results-oriented and confident. American recruiters expect a one-page résumé that emphasizes achievements, numbers, and results. Use active verbs like “achieved,” “developed,” or “led,” and include metrics such as “Increased revenue by 30% in six months.” Avoid personal details entirely, U.S. employers are prohibited from requesting them.
France: Education and qualifications matter. In France, your educational background carries a lot of weight. Include your degrees, specializations, and academic titles in detail. A professional photo is still common, but ensure it looks formal and businesslike.
Many candidates make the same cultural missteps when creating an international CV:
Including unnecessary personal data: Details such as BSN numbers, marital status, or full addresses are often irrelevant or even inappropriate abroad.
Adding a photo where it’s not expected: While normal in the Netherlands, this can lead to biased concerns in other countries.
Using untranslated job titles: Replace local terms like “beleidsmedewerker” with internationally recognized titles such as “policy officer” or “advisor.”
Avoiding these mistakes shows employers that you understand the professional standards of their country.
How to make your international CV stand out
To stand out in global job applications, focus on clarity, results, and adaptability.
Showcase your impact: don';t just describe responsibilities; prove what you achieved with numbers and outcomes.
Highlight international experience: Include study abroad programs, internships, or cross-border projects.
List your language skills: Specify every language you speak and your proficiency level for each language.
Emphasize soft skills: Communication, collaboration, and intercultural awareness are valued worldwide.
Demonstrating that you can operate across cultures instantly strengthens your profile in international job markets.
Turning your global career goals into reality
Building an international CV requires more than translation. It’s about understanding cultural context and adapting your tone, structure, and content to each market.
By tailoring your CV to the country where you’re applying, you’ll show professionalism and cultural intelligence, qualities employers everywhere appreciate.
Take the time to refine your CV for each country, focus on results, and use clear, universal language. This extra effort will pay off: a well-adapted CV opens doors to global opportunities and helps you take the next step in your international career.
