Open application letter (open sollicitatie)
With an open application you apply to a company in the Netherlands even though no vacancy is open. Your letter then has to make clear why you want to work there and what you'd bring. There's no job ad to match, so the letter needs to be more specific than usual.
How to structure an open application letter
- Greeting: look up the name of a manager or recruiter, for example on the website or LinkedIn.
- Opening: why this company? Mention something concrete that appeals to you.
- What you're looking for: the kind of role or department, so the reader knows where you'd fit.
- What you offer: two or three examples from your experience that fit what the company does.
- Closing: ask for an introductory meeting, even if there's no vacancy right now.
Example (in Dutch, fictional)
Geachte heer De Boer, Al een paar jaar koop ik mijn brood bij uw bakkerij, en wat mij opvalt is hoe persoonlijk uw medewerkers klanten helpen. In dat team zou ik graag werken, als verkoopmedewerker in de winkel. In mijn huidige bijbaan in een supermarkt help ik klanten aan de kassa en vul ik de afdeling vers aan. Ik werk netjes, ben op tijd en sta graag vroeg op... Ook als er nu geen vacature is, maak ik graag kennis. Ik bel u volgende week om te vragen of dat kan. Met vriendelijke groet, Noor Bakker
Tips for an open application
- Send it to a person, not to a general address.
- Show you know the company: mention a product, project or news item.
- Keep it short: one A4 page at most.
- Call or email after a week to check your letter arrived.
Have your open application letter written
Rather not write it yourself? Tell us below which company you want to apply to and what your experience is. Within 24 hours you'll receive a tailored Dutch open application letter plus an improved CV as PDFs, for €4.95 incl. VAT.