Dutch for job seekers — the language of finding work in the Netherlands. Job search vocabulary: de vacature (job vacancy), solliciteren (to apply for a job), de sollicitatiebrief (cover letter), het cv (curriculum vitae/resume), het sollicitatiegesprek (job interview), de recruiter (recruiter), het uitzendbureau (temp agency — widely used in the Dutch labor market), de werkgever (employer), de werknemer (employee), het salaris (salary), de arbeidsmarkt (labor market).
Dutch job interview vocabulary and phrases: Vertel eens iets over uzelf. (Tell me something about yourself.), Waarom solliciteert u bij ons bedrijf? (Why are you applying to our company?), Wat zijn uw sterke punten? (What are your strengths?), Wat zijn uw zwakke punten? (What are your weaknesses?), Waar ziet u uzelf over vijf jaar? (Where do you see yourself in five years?), Heeft u nog vragen? (Do you have any questions?), We nemen zo snel mogelijk contact met u op. (We will contact you as soon as possible.).
Dutch CV norms: Dutch CVs are typically 1–2 pages, chronological (most recent first), and include a photo (common in the Netherlands, unlike the USA where it is avoided for discrimination reasons). Include: personal details, work experience, education, skills, languages, and hobbies (hobby’s — Dutch employers genuinely read this section and may ask about it). Be honest — Dutch employers value authenticity and will verify credentials. The Dutch labor market has low unemployment and strong demand for skilled workers, making it relatively accessible for qualified candidates.