Many international companies, non-commercial organisations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and affiliates of the United Nations and the European Union use English as the main working language. Also, certain jobs need languages such as French and German. Learning some Dutch would no doubt increase your opportunities, but there are many jobs for which no Dutch is required.

Dutch employers are not legally obliged to pay you for your internship, though many give some kind of compensation, such as travel expenses. Others may be more generous and pay you a small amount. Be aware that you will have to pay taxes on anything you earn from an internship.

It is important that your CV is clear, comprehensive and written on one page or two pages maximum, as it will give a valuable first impression of you, your skills and the experience that you have to offer. Companies are flooded with CVs and scan through the CVs, so make sure your CV markets you in the best possible light.

In the Netherlands, a cover letter accompanying an application is often known as a motivation letter. Its purpose is to introduce yourself to the company, clarify why you are interested in the role and the organisation, and how your skills and experience would benefit their organisation. A motivation letter usually has the following structure:

• Your reason for applying
• Explanation why you believe that you are the right candidate for the job and what attracts you to the company
• Concluding sentence stating that you look forward to meeting them to explain in detail what you have outlined in the letter

Tailoring your motivation letter as well as the CV to the role you’re applying for will increase your chances of success. Don’t forget, in the Netherlands a catchy application/motivation letter, both content and design wise, is sometimes more important than impressive grades.

Here are some useful tips to prepare for an interview. Some may be obvious, and some may be different from how you would prepare yourself in your own country:

• Know the exact place and time of the interview, the interviewer’s full name and correct pronunciation, and his/her title.
• Research the company, products/services, growth and potential growth in the future.
• Refresh your memory on the facts and figures of your present employer and former employers.
• Prepare the questions you will ask; the interview is about input and feedback from both you and the interviewer.
• Arrive on time – this is very important in the Netherlands.
• While the Dutch may appear to be very informal in their dress and appearance, it is still recommended to dress professionally when attending an interview.
• Don’t forget the importance of a firm handshake and eye contact when meeting your interviewer(s).
• It may help you to prepare yourself by knowing about the person(s) who will be interviewing you, so look them up on LinkedIn.

In the job interview, the emphasis is on your motivation. You may be asked questions such as why you chose that particular company or to name your skills and strengths, but also mention some of your less strong points and skills you do not possess. Give examples that demonstrate your skills and strengths (these are called competency-based questions) and also be prepared to answer questions about personal matters like hobbies and social engagement.

You will usually be interviewed by one or two people. Applicants often have to attend two or even three interviews. At the end of the interview, it is common for you to ask some questions.

A traineeship is a paid job for those who recently graduated, while an internship is part of a study. This distinction is often described when people look at what is the difference between an internship and a traineeship in the Netherlands.

An internship (stage) is usually a mandatory part of the education that focuses on learning and gaining practical work experience. It is a work placement or practical training arrangement that allows the student to gain hands‑on experience in the field of one’s study within a company. An internship is typically shorter‑term work (3 months to a year) for students. Internships are usually not paid, but can be remunerated modestly. Because an internship is a learning goal, this allowance is not regarded as a salary.

A traineeship in the Netherlands is typically a starter’s position for graduates with a normal salary. Essentially, you get paid to learn. A traineeship is a paid entry‑level position in a company or organisation for a graduate who aims to develop professional skills, gain structured work experience, and build towards long‑term career development. It is a job.