In our previous blog, we talked about the importance of having a clear and focused CV. But even when the basics are in place, there’s another factor that often gets overlooked: first impressions. Before a recruiter reads through your experience or skills, they can already form an opinion about your profile within seconds. And as an expat, that first impression can carry even more weight.
You are often being compared to candidates who already understand the Dutch job market and know how to present themselves locally. That doesn’t mean you are less qualified – it just means your CV needs to communicate professionalism quickly.
Should you include a photo?
This is probably one of the most common questions from internationals applying in the Netherlands.
Including a photo on your CV is not required in the Dutch market, but it’s also very common, especially in roles involving communication, customer contact, or international environments. If you decide to include one, keep it simple.
A professional-looking headshot with:
– natural lighting,
– a neutral background,
– and a friendly appearance
is more than enough.
The goal is not to stand out visually or look overly corporate. It’s simply about creating a professional and approachable first impression. And honestly, recruiters notice when a photo feels too casual just as quickly as when it feels polished.
Your headline matters more than you think
While the photo catches attention first, your headline is what actually helps people understand your profile. And this is where many expats lose clarity.
Job titles do not always translate well between countries. A position that sounds perfectly normal abroad may feel vague or unfamiliar in the Dutch market. Recruiters should not have to guess what your role involved or where you fit professionally. That’s why your headline is so important.
A strong headline can immediately give context by showing:
– your specialization,
– your level of experience,
– your industry
Sometimes something simple like:
– Junior Sales Professional
or
– Multilingual Customer Support Specialist
is already enough to give recruiters a much clearer picture of your profile.
The goal is not to impress with a fancy title. It is simply to remove doubt quickly. The moment someone immediately understands who you are professionally, they are much more likely to continue reading the rest of your CV.
Next up: the layout of your CV
Now that your first impression is stronger, the next step is making sure your CV is easy to follow visually. In our next blog, we’ll talk about CV layout and how small formatting choices can completely change the way your profile is perceived.
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