KLM Royal Dutch Airlines operates from Amsterdam Schiphol with a fleet of Boeing 737s (short-haul), Boeing 777/787 (long-haul), and Embraer jets through KLM Cityhopper. The airline is part of the Air France-KLM Group and recently acquired a majority stake in SAS. KLM's pilot selection is a rigorous 6-round process that takes approximately 2 months — and it starts with your CV.
The most distinctive aspect of applying to KLM is the Dutch language requirement — unique among European flag carriers. Your CV must address this upfront. For the full selection breakdown, see the KLM interview guide.
CV Guide Summary
- This guide covers how to format your pilot CV specifically for KLM applications.
- How to write a pilot CV for KLM.
- Structure your CV to highlight the specific qualifications and experience KLM values most.
- Includes formatting templates, common mistakes to avoid, and section-by-section guidance.
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines operates from Amsterdam Schiphol with a fleet of Boeing 737s (short-haul), Boeing 777/787 (long-haul), and Embraer jets through KLM Cityhopper.
Dutch Language Requirements
KLM uses Dutch as the operational cockpit language (all safety-critical communication remains in English per ICAO). This means Dutch proficiency is not optional — the level required depends on your entry route.
Direct entry (experienced pilots, non-Dutch speakers)
Must reach CEFR A2 (basic conversational) within 12 months of joining. KLM provides language training. State your current Dutch level on your CV and your willingness to learn.
Standard seniority-based entry
Requires CEFR B2 (upper intermediate) Dutch before selection. This is the traditional path and is more competitive. If you are a Dutch speaker, state your CEFR level explicitly.
Captain promotion
Requires at least CEFR B1 Dutch. This means your career trajectory at KLM depends on language acquisition — mention any Dutch study or courses on your CV.
On your CV, include a languages section with CEFR levels: "Dutch: A1 (enrolled in course) / English: ICAO Level 5." This demonstrates awareness of the requirement and active preparation — a signal KLM recruiters specifically look for.
Entry Routes & CV Focus
KLM hires for specific fleet positions. Your CV should target the fleet listed in the vacancy — not "KLM in general." Most First Officer hiring is for the Boeing 737 short-haul fleet, but 777/787 and Cityhopper (Embraer) positions open periodically.
Key items to highlight for KLM
- EASA ATPL with Class 1 Medical — state expiry dates
- Boeing 737 type rating or hours (for short-haul positions)
- Dutch language level with CEFR rating — or willingness to learn
- Multi-crew experience with sector count and CRM training
- ICAO English Level 5 or above
- EU/EEA right to work (required)
CV Screening & ATS
KLM uses an online careers portal for applications. The CV screening is Round 1 of the 6-round process — before the Cut-E/AON online assessment. Your CV must pass both automated keyword scanning and human review by the recruitment team.
Use a single-column PDF with standard fonts (Arial or Calibri, 10-12pt). Keep it to 2 pages maximum. Structure with clear headers: Personal Information, Professional Summary, Licenses & Ratings, Flight Experience, Employment History, Education, Languages. Include your Dutch language level in both the Professional Summary and the Languages section for redundancy.
Flight Hours Formatting
Present hours as both a text summary in your Professional Summary (for ATS) and a structured breakdown by aircraft type in the Flight Experience section (for human readers). Include total time, PIC, SIC, multi-engine, instrument, night, and recency (last 90 days and 12 months).
If you have Boeing 737 hours, separate them from your total. KLM's B737 fleet is the primary hiring target — making your B737 experience immediately visible is the single most impactful formatting decision.
Photo Policy
Most European airlines do not require a photo on your CV, and including one can trigger unconscious bias concerns in some HR departments. Do not add a photo unless the airline specifically requests one on their careers page.
Submit as PDF
Always submit your CV as a PDF unless the airline specifically requests Word format. ATS systems (Workday) can strip formatting from .docx files — tables, columns, and custom fonts often render as garbled text. Use a single-column layout with standard section headings.
KLM-Specific Mistakes
No mention of Dutch language — even "A0, willing to learn" is better than silence. Ignoring the requirement signals you have not researched KLM.
Applying for the wrong fleet — KLM hires per fleet type (B737, B777, B787, Embraer). A generic CV not targeting a specific fleet position misses the mark.
Confusing KLM with Air France — despite being in the same group, KLM and Air France have completely separate recruitment processes, language requirements, and operational cultures.
Missing ICAO English level — KLM requires Level 5 minimum. Not stating it forces the screener to check — easier to reject than verify.
Including a photo — KLM follows European convention. No photo, no date of birth, no marital status.