The Netherlands Cover Letter Writing Guide
Working abroad sounds like an adventure to many people. However, a job search in the Netherlands requires more than just the obvious Netherlands cover letter with Netherlands CV writing and translation – it requires thorough preparation. You will be forced to solve issues that probably did not even cross your mind when you decided to go for jobs in the Netherlands.
Do not take too lightly the huge impact the Netherlands cover letter can have on the outcome of your adventure! For instance, you will experience unusual immigration rules and practices, strange job application procedures, different selection trends and novel management culture.
Your Netherlands cover letter is the very first thing an employer will see. A personalized, targeted, well-written cover letter is your chance to set yourself apart, pique the employer’s interest, and draw them in for a closer look at your CV. Under most circumstances, a cover letter is used as an introduction and should accompany your CV, whether e-mailed, posted on a job site, mailed or hand-delivered to an employer.
The Netherlands cover letter is an integral part of your job applications process. Often the Netherlands cover letter is more important or convincing to employers than the accompanying CV, which refers mainly to the past time with exception of your present job. In your letter concentrate on your present and future plans, showing your prospective employers what you want to do now and what you will do for them in the future, rather than on your past achievements because recruiters and employers are interested mainly in the future of companies and organizations they represent.
Although the Dutch are good at languages, you have to send your application in Dutch unless otherwise requested. You need to accept that not knowing the Dutch language will put you at a real disadvantage from the local job seekers.
Take the time to research every employer’s organization and customize your Netherlands cover letter to fit the position. Personalize each letter with a real person’s name. Such personalization would increase the retention of your application.
A one-page Netherlands cover letter should be short, direct and professional. A4 format paper folded into an envelope will do. List your name, nationality and contact information including your address, phone/fax and e-mail. Often cover letters and CVs are kept on file for long periods, so any contact details you give have to remain accurate in the long term. A daytime phone number with an international access code and e-mail address are most important.
The Netherlands cover letter should be written in a short and professional style using power words and action verbs. Usually, it contains three or four paragraphs. Be concise and get to the point as quickly as possible. Break any paragraph, which is longer than seven lines, into a short easily understandable one.
- Start with your motivation and reason for applying.
- Follow with an explanation of why you consider yourself the right candidate for the job.
- Close your Netherlands cover letter, by expressing your willingness to explain your application in more detail during a personal interview.
It is not necessary to include with your application photocopies of diplomas, letters of reference and photos.
Your CV should be attached to the cover letter.
Check the spelling and grammar of your Netherlands cover letter. Use the word processor’s spell and grammar checker. If you are not confident of your ability to detect grammatical, punctuation and language usage errors in Dutch or other languages or if you need help in organizing your cover letter, send it to a professional for assistance.
Remember that your Netherlands cover letter must be targeted, scannable and generate hits. We recommend that you send your Netherlands CV together with a cover letter.
If you have difficulty with your cover letter writing use a cover letter sample and cover letter template.
In recent years it becomes increasingly popular to join the LinkedIn or Facebook social networking websites for professionals, where you may search for jobs and have your keyword-optimized, rich content profile with a current CV. Hiring managers use them more frequently to consult your profile and supplement or check against the CV you send along. If you do not have an account, create one and include your social media link(s) on your CV.
However, you should manage your online presence. Eliminate any photos and statements that could reflect poorly on you. From an employer’s point of view, someone who emphasizes partying on a social networking site is not focused on jobs and those who post complaints about work or colleagues are less desirable candidates. The online CV should not include sensitive information as it could show a lack of respect for confidentiality and discretion.
Other Netherlands Cover Letter Info
To be successful in your Netherlands job search and get the job you want, you need to prepare a cover letter and Netherlands CV which you must email instantly to the prospective employers selected during a job search in the Netherlands.
When you receive an invitation to the Netherlands job interview, you may apply for a Netherlands visa and Netherlands work permit. Then prepare yourself for a job interview and take a look at the Netherlands dress code because how you dress is one of the most important attributes in being hired.
Check the job interview dos & don’ts and other job search skills pages. Find out why people are not hired for available jobs.
In addition, on the international info, job search, cover letter, visa & work permit, job interview and dress code pages you will find many useful tips for overseas job seekers.
Good luck with your Netherlands cover letter!
