CV for a job in the Netherlands

1. Clearly mention your trade and where you have worked

The first thing the recruiter needs to understand is what you know how to do.

It is not enough to write only “welder”, “fitter” or “electrician”. Add a few details about the projects you worked on and the type of activity you carried out.

For example, instead of:

“Welder, 2022–2025”

you can write:

“MIG/MAG welder, work on metal structures and industrial components, 2022–2025.”

The clearer the information, the faster the recruiter can understand whether your experience fits a DB Work project, and your chances of being selected for a project that matches your experience increase. Many DB Work professionals started exactly this way and built a career in the Netherlands over time.

2. You do not need to have experience in the Netherlands

If you have not worked in the Netherlands before, that is not a problem.

You may have experience in Romania, Spain, Croatia, Germany, Belgium or any other country. What matters is to explain what you actually did in your previous jobs.

For many DB Work positions, practical experience in the trade, seriousness and the ability to work in an international team are important.

A good CV for a job in the Netherlands does not necessarily need to include previous experience in the Netherlands, but relevant experience for the job you are applying for.

3. Mention the techniques and equipment you know

For technical jobs, this part is very important.

If you are a welder, mention the welding processes you know. If you are an electrician, write whether you have worked with cable routes, electrical panels or ship installations. If you are a CNC operator, mention the types of machines and CNC controls you have worked with.

It is also good to mention whether you have experience with:

• machines;
• special tools;
• forklifts;
• lifting equipment;
• industrial installations;
• equipment specific to your trade.

These should appear in your CV.

DB Work recruiters need to be able to quickly see what you can do in practice.

4. Add certificates and qualifications

Any relevant certificate or qualification can matter in the recruitment process.

You can mention:

• welding authorizations;
• VCA, if you have it;
• machine certificates;
• specialization courses;
• professional qualifications;
• driving licence, if relevant for the job.

If a certificate has expired, it is better to mention this than to create confusion.

A CV for a job in the Netherlands should provide an honest and clear picture of your professional training.

5. Be honest about your English level

For many DB Work projects, a conversational level of English is enough, so that you can understand work instructions and communicate with colleagues.

You should not write “fluent English” if this is not true.

You can use simple wording, for example:

“English – conversational level, I can understand instructions at work.”

or:

“English – basic level.”

It is better to be honest from the beginning. This way, the recruiter can see whether your level is suitable for the job you are applying for.

For many projects, English is important for communicating with supervisors and colleagues, but it does not have to be perfect.

6. Write your experience in order, starting with the most recent one

Your CV should be easy to read.

Start with your most recent job and continue with the older ones.

For each job, try to include:

• the period;
• the company name;
• the trade/job title;
• the main activities;
• the equipment or techniques used.

There is no need for very long texts. A few clear details are more useful than a full page of general descriptions.

7. Do not overload your CV with information that does not help

A CV for a job in the Netherlands should be simple and clear.

You do not need to add information that is not related to the job you are applying for. Recruiters are mainly interested in your professional experience, qualifications and skills.

Ideally, the CV should be easy to go through and should immediately show what trade you have and what relevant experience you bring.

What jobs can you apply for through DB Work?

DB Work recruits professionals for projects in the Netherlands in several fields, such as:

• shipbuilding;
• industrial;
• construction;
• logistics;
• electrical;
• automotive.

If you have experience in one of these fields, a well-prepared CV helps recruiters identify suitable projects for you faster.

For an official guide on European CV standards, check Europass CV - it is a free format, recognized throughout the EU, but it is not mandatory to send this type of CV to DB Work.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to have experience in the Netherlands to apply to DB Work?

No. Experience in the Netherlands is not mandatory. What matters is your experience in the trade you are applying for, your knowledge of English and the specific requirements of the available job.

Does the CV have to be in English?

Not necessarily. You can apply to DB Work with a CV written in the language you use when speaking with the recruiter, for example Romanian, Spanish or Croatian. However, if you also have an English version, it is useful to send it.

Do I need to include all my jobs?

It is recommended to include the jobs relevant to your trade, especially your experience from recent years. If you had jobs that are not related to the position you are applying for, there is no need to go into too much detail.

If I do not have a CV, can DB Work help me?

You can contact the DB Work recruitment team to find out what information is needed for your application. However, having a CV prepared in advance helps recruiters analyze your experience much faster.

Prepare your CV before applying

You do not need a complicated CV to apply to DB Work. You need one that is honest, clear and focused on what you know how to do.

Describe your experience, mention the techniques and machines you know, add relevant certificates and be honest about your English level.

For more tips, also read our guide on why it is important to have a well-structured CV and how you can apply for DB Work jobs.

If you have experience in the shipbuilding, industrial, logistics, construction, electrical or automotive field, you can send your CV to job@dbwork.com, and the DB Work team will contact you if there is an available position that matches your experience and qualifications.

 

WHAT BENEFITS DOES DB WORK OFFER WHEN YOU START WORKING IN THE NETHERLANDS?

• Accommodation with everything you need for a comfortable living;
• Local transport provided with DB Work company vehicles;
• Work equipment and protective gear;
• Health insurance included;
• Support throughout the entire contract period;
• Access to guides with complete information about living in the Netherlands;
• Access to the Plan4Flex application, where you receive real-time information.