A cover letter in English is a letter you send with your CV when the vacancy is in English, or when the employer works in an international team. In the Netherlands this is common at international companies and at organisations that work across borders. The content is the same as a Dutch letter: you explain why you fit the role. The language, the greeting and the sign-off are different.
On this page you can read when to choose English, how to structure the letter and which mistakes come up most often when a Dutch letter is translated. There is a full sample. The names and situations are invented; replace the text between brackets with your own details.
When do you write in English?
The language of the vacancy decides the language of your letter. If the vacancy is in English, write in English. If the vacancy is in Dutch, write in Dutch, even if your English is excellent. An English letter for a Dutch vacancy raises questions for the reader.
An English letter suits an international company, a team with English-speaking colleagues or a role in which you work with customers or suppliers abroad. Say in the letter why you use English in your work.
- Vacancy in English: write the whole letter in English.
- Vacancy in Dutch at an international company: write in Dutch and mention your English in the letter.
- Vacancy in English, but your CV is in Dutch: translate your CV too, so the two documents match.
Structure of an English cover letter
The structure is the same as a Dutch letter: greeting, opening, body, closing and sign-off. What changes are the sentences and the words you choose.
- Subject line: “Application for [job title]”, with the vacancy number if the advert gives one.
- Greeting: “Dear Ms Peters,” if you know the name, or “Dear Sir or Madam,” if you do not.
- Opening: name the role and one reason for applying, in the first two sentences.
- Body: one or two examples from your work that match the requirements in the vacancy.
- Closing: an invitation to an interview, followed by “Yours sincerely,” or “Yours faithfully,” and your name.
Sample English cover letter
Below is a complete letter for the role of Marketing Coordinator at a software company in Amsterdam. The names and figures are invented. Use the structure, but write your own examples.
[Your name] [Street and house number] [Postcode and city] [Phone number] · [Email address] [Company name] For the attention of Ms L. Peters [Street and house number] [Postcode and city] [City], [date] Application for Marketing Coordinator (vacancy [number]) Dear Ms Peters, I am applying for the position of Marketing Coordinator, as advertised on [job site]. For the past [number] years I have planned and run campaigns for [type of organisation]. I would like to bring that experience to [company name]. Last year I led the launch of [product or service] in three markets. I coordinated a designer, a copywriter and an external agency, and I kept the timeline and the budget on track. The campaign reached [result], which was [number] percent above our target. Your vacancy says the team works closely with sales and product. I enjoy that kind of collaboration. In my current role I meet the sales team every week, so that our campaigns answer the questions customers really ask. My CV is attached. I would welcome the chance to discuss how I can contribute to your team. Yours sincerely, [Your name]
Differences between a Dutch and an English letter
An English letter is more direct than a Dutch one. You do not use the formal “u” or long courtesy formulas, but the tone stays polite and businesslike.
Many Dutch standard phrases do not translate well. “Hierbij solliciteer ik” becomes “I am applying for”. A literal translation sounds stiff: “Hereby I apply”.
- Spelling: choose British or American spelling and keep to it. This sample uses British spelling, such as “organisation” and “programme”.
- Date: “15 October 2026”, with the day first. Write month names with a capital letter.
- Sign-off: “Yours sincerely” with a name, “Yours faithfully” with “Dear Sir or Madam”.
- Word for your CV: use “CV”. In the Netherlands and most of Europe that is the usual term. In the United States people say “resume”.
- Length: an English letter also fits on one A4 page.
Greeting and sign-off in English
If the vacancy names a contact person, use that name: “Dear Mr Jansen,” or “Dear Ms Visser,”. Use “Ms” when you do not know someone’s title. In British spelling you do not put a full stop after “Mr”, “Ms” or “Dr”.
If no name is given, write “Dear Sir or Madam,” and close with “Yours faithfully,”. Avoid “To whom it may concern”. It sounds dated.
Your CV in English
If you send an English letter, your CV should be in English too. Do not translate it word for word. A CV in English follows different habits, such as usually no photo and a short profile at the top.
Want to see the differences part by part? The English guide on CVs in English sets them out.
Common mistakes in an English letter
Most mistakes are translation mistakes. Read the letter aloud. Sentences that sound natural in Dutch are often stiff or wrong in English.
- Literal translations: “Hereby I apply” and “Please find in the attachment”. Write “I am applying for” and “My CV is attached”.
- Wrong sign-off: “Yours faithfully” after a greeting with a name, or “Yours sincerely” after “Dear Sir or Madam”.
- Mixed spelling: “organization” and “programme” in one letter.
- Vague self-description: “I am a team player and very flexible.” Give one example that shows what you mean.
- A Dutch job title without explanation, such as “vakantiekracht”. Translate the role or put the Dutch title in brackets.
- A Dutch subject line above an English letter. Write the subject line in English too.
- No proofreading: ask someone who writes English well to read the letter. A mistake in the greeting or in the name of the organisation stands out most.
Which language level do you state?
Employers sometimes ask for your language level. Use the levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, from A1 to C2. B2 means you work independently in English, including on subject matter. C1 means you use the language fluently and accurately, also in complex situations.
State a level only if you can back it up, for example with a diploma, a language test or work in which you use English. A high level you cannot show only leads to a difficult interview.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to write in English if the vacancy is in Dutch?
No. The language of the vacancy decides the language of your letter. If the vacancy is in Dutch, write in Dutch. Mention your English in the letter if the role requires it.
How long is an English cover letter?
Like a Dutch letter, it fits on one A4 page. Usually that is between 200 and 400 words, spread over four or five paragraphs.
Should I use “Dear Sir or Madam” or “To whom it may concern”?
Use “Dear Sir or Madam”. “To whom it may concern” sounds dated. If the vacancy names a contact person, use that name instead.
What is the difference between “Yours sincerely” and “Yours faithfully”?
Use “Yours sincerely” when you know the recipient’s name. Use “Yours faithfully” when you began with “Dear Sir or Madam”. In the United States “Sincerely” is common, also with a name.
Does my English have to be flawless?
The letter has to be error-free. Ask someone who writes English well to check it. A mistake in the greeting or in the name of the organisation stands out most.
How do I check a letter that a tool or AI wrote for me?
Read the letter critically. The sentences must sound like you, the facts must be correct and the name of the organisation must be right. Change anything you cannot back up.
Make your CV and cover letter
You start without an account. Make your CV first; editing and the preview are free. You pay a one-off €12.95 to unlock your CV. The AI then writes up to five letters for that CV, which you edit yourself and download as a PDF.
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