If you’re working or looking for work in the Netherlands, maybe as an order picker, warehouse worker, machine operator, forklift driver, or in production - you’ve probably noticed something:
- Many companies ask for a CV.
- But no one tells you how to make one.
And if you come from Romania, Poland, Bulgaria, Moldova or any other country in Eastern Europe, you might think:
“I never needed a CV before.”
“I don’t know how to write one.”
“My English is not perfect.”
“I’m not good with computers.”
You’re not alone.
Many people feel exactly the same.
So here is a simple, clear explanation, written in a friendly way, to help you create a CV that Dutch employers can understand and appreciate.
No fancy words. No difficult rules. Just what works.
1. Keep Your CV Clean and Easy to Read
A CV is simply a paper (or PDF) that tells:
Who you are
Where you worked
What you did at those jobs
What skills you have
How someone can contact you
You don’t need decoration, colors, or long stories:
- 1–2 pages is enough.
- Use simple text.
- Use bullet points instead of big paragraphs.
Think of it as “showing your experience in a simple way”.
2. Use Job Titles That Dutch Companies Recognize
This is very important.
In the Netherlands, companies search for specific job titles such as: Order Picker, Warehouse Worker, Production Worker, Machine Operator, Forklift Driver, Logistics Employee, etc.
If you wrote your job titles in Romanian or Polish, change them to the English/Dutch version.
This makes employers understand your experience instantly.
3. Describe Your Tasks Clearly (You Don’t Need Perfect English)
When writing your tasks, keep it simple:
✔ Picking and packing orders
✔ Loading and unloading
✔ Working with scanner
✔ Using EPT / forklift / reachtruck
✔ Operating machines
✔ Quality control
✔ Preparing goods for shipment
No long sentences. No complicated language.
Write it the way you would explain it to a new coworker on your first day.
4. Put Your Certificates in a Visible Place
If you have any of these, they should definitely be on your CV:
Forklift and/or Reachtruck license
EPT experience
VCA
Machine operation training
Safety courses
These certificates make employers more interested in you (sometimes more than your education).
5. Add the Languages You Speak
Many workplaces in the Netherlands are international. They want to know what languages you understand.
Just write:
Romanian – native
English – basic / good
Dutch – basic
Polish – basic
It doesn’t need to be perfect; honesty is more important.
6. Keep Contact Details Simple
Write:
Your name
Your phone number
Your email
City where you live (if you live privately)
TIP: Use a simple email like:
✔ firstname.lastname@gmail.com
Not:
❌ bossman123@
❌ kittylove89@
This matters more than people think.
7. Add a Short Summary (Optional, But Helpful)
A small 2–3 line summary helps employers understand you quickly.
Example:
“Motivated warehouse worker with experience in order picking and packing. Used to physical work and flexible with shifts. Forklift certificate and good teamwork skills.”
This is enough. You don’t need to write your life story.
8. Format Your CV in a Way Computers Can Read
Many companies use ATS systems (computer programs that scan CVs).
To make sure the computer can read your CV:
✔ Use simple fonts (Arial, Calibri)
✔ No tables or columns
✔ Save as PDF
✔ Use job titles and task words from the job descriptions
This helps your CV reach the recruiter.
9. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are the mistakes we see every day:
❌ CV too long
❌ No dates or unclear job periods
❌ No certificates listed
❌ Too much unnecessary personal information
❌ Big paragraphs that no one reads
❌ Job titles that don’t match Dutch standards
❌ Using photos (not needed in NL)
Keep it clean and simple and authentic - that’s what works best.
10. And if You Don’t Know How to Start… It’s Okay.
Many people come to the Netherlands for a better life. Not everyone has experience with computers or CVs.
Some didn’t need one before. Some are nervous about English. Some simply don’t know where to begin.
And that’s completely normal.
At Atlas Work, we help people from all backgrounds:
People with no CV
People who never used a computer
People with strong work ethic, but weak paperwork
People who just want a chance
We create CVs that are clear, simple, and show your true value, even if you don’t know how to write one yourself.
Want Help Creating Your CV?
We offer:
CV Essentials – a clean, professional CV
Application Boost – CV + motivational letter
Interview Ready Package – CV + letter + mock interview
If you need support, we’re here to help.