Career Gaps on a CV: What’s Acceptable in the Netherlands?

A gap in your CV can feel like a giant flashing sign that says, “Don’t hire me,” but in the Netherlands, transparency and authenticity are valued more than a perfect, uninterrupted career path. Most employers acknowledge that real life doesn’t always follow a strict schedule. The real question is: How do you spin that gap into a story that reflects your value?
 

Why Dutch recruiters appreciate honesty
 

Many hiring managers in the Netherlands prioritise direct communication. Pretending your gap never happened can raise eyebrows when they inevitably notice a gap without explanation. 

By tackling the gap head-on and highlighting what you learned, you replace suspicion with genuine interest. A career break can hint at flexibility, self-awareness, and the ability to adapt, traits that resonate strongly in this job market.

Explaining CV gaps also suggests that you accept control over your own development. Rather than sidestepping delicate enquiries, you reveal that you take responsibility for your journey and can explain the rationale behind it. 
 

Looking for your dream job in the Netherlands?
 

Dutch recruiters frequently admire proactive individuals who craft their growth paths. Highlighting a flexible mindset may impress them more than a seamless employment record. This approach indicates you might infuse fresh ideas into a team, particularly if your break involved unique tasks outside conventional office routines. To find out if your ideal employer can be found in the Netherlands, use our job finder. 
 

Show, don’t hide
 

A great tactic is to mention the gap in the same way you’d reference any other experience. Include dates, give it a clear title like: “Family Care Period” or “Personal Development Break”, and describe one or two relevant outcomes:

• Skills: Maybe you honed your communication prowess while volunteering or boosted organisational savvy when caring for relatives.
• Perspective: Perhaps you explored different cultures and can now navigate diverse workplaces with ease.
• Resilience: Any personal or professional hurdle you overcame during that time can demonstrate your determination.

You’re essentially telling employers, “Yes, there was a gap, but look at how it helped me grow.”
 

Consider a skills-based CV
 

If you’ve had several breaks or a long pause in your work history, a functional (skills-based) CV might highlight your core capabilities more effectively than a strict chronological list. Show off your top competencies—like leadership, project management, or creative thinking—and support each with examples from both formal jobs and non-traditional activities during your gap. This way, the emphasis stays on what you bring to the table right now.
 

Build a skills-based CV: Structure and examples
 

A functional CV lets you emphasise your capabilities instead of your chronology. Here's how to do it effectively in a Dutch context:

Profile Summary

A brief intro (3–4 lines) highlighting your core expertise, current ambitions, and what kind of value you bring to a team.

Key skills & achievements (grouped by theme)

Project Management

Spearheaded a community initiative during a sabbatical, coordinating 10+ volunteers and managing a small budget.

Communication & Training

Led language workshops for newcomers while on parental leave, enhancing intercultural communication skills.

Problem-Solving

Supported a family business through an operational pivot, contributing to creative strategy and process redesign.

Work Experience (Optional, condensed section)

This can still be included, just without the heavy focus. A simple list of titles, companies, and dates can suffice here.

Education & Certifications

Include formal studies and any online courses, retraining efforts, or certificates earned during your break.

Languages / Tools / Volunteering

Especially in the Dutch context, showing that you stayed active—whether by improving your Dutch, volunteering locally, or learning tools like Excel or Canva—shows initiative and adaptability.
 

Why This Works in the Netherlands

Dutch hiring managers are pragmatic. They care less about perfect sequencing and more about what you can do now. With a skills-based CV, you prevent the gaps from defining your presented career path. Instead, you let your capabilities and contributions define your professional identity. This way, you offer a toolkit, not a timeline.

Even better? It aligns beautifully with the Dutch preference for authenticity and self-direction. You’re not hiding your career break, you’re structuring your CV to reflect the truth: that you were still learning, leading, and creating value.
 

Ready for interview questions

Chances are, a Dutch recruiter will ask about any pause in employment during your interview. Don’t worry, this is your moment to impress. Offer a clear, concise explanation:

• Be authentic: Did you take a sabbatical to travel? Mention what you gained from that experience. Were you taking care of your relatives? Briefly explain why.
• Showcase role affinity: Explain how your break made you more resourceful, empathetic, or culturally aware, qualities that can benefit the company.
• Keep it positive: Avoid apologising for a gap. Instead, frame it as an intentional or necessary step that has enriched your professional life.

A career gap isn’t always a deal-breaker in the Netherlands. In fact, if you handle them with confidence and clarity, they can become highlights that prove your adaptability and genuine character. 

Remember, it’s not about hiding what happened. It’s about showing how that time fuelled your development, and how you’re ready to bring those new insights to a forward-thinking Dutch workplace.