ACCESS NL > Dual careers in the Netherlands > Working in the Netherlands > How to find a job?

How to find a job?

There are several ways to find a job in the Netherlands:

• Via the internet
• Via job agencies that are specialised in jobs for non-Dutch speakers
• Via an open application
• Via networking
• Via Career and Job hunting support

Internet

In the Netherlands most companies and organisations include their vacancies on the internet. You can look at the websites of the companies and organisations where you would like to work and see if they have any vacancies. Job agencies for non-Dutch speakers also use their website to publish vacancies. Newspapers have their own websites, where you can browse through the advertised jobs at your convenience. There are also websites that collect vacancies in one or more branches. Applications should be submitted directly to the employer, such as www.jobsinnetwork.com.
If working from home is an option for you, have a look at www.upwork.com.

Job agencies for non-Dutch speakers

Job agencies are a good way of finding work, as a lot of companies use them to filter potential candidates. They act as the middleman between the employer and the candidates. A good agency will build up strong connections with companies and be their first point of contact whenever the company has a new vacancy. The agency would search their database for suitable candidates and also advertise on their website, to reach a wider audience and increase their chances of securing the vacancy for their client, thereby earning themselves a commission.
You can either forward your CV to the job agency or apply for one of the vacancies. Both can be done via their website. If your CV matches the required criteria, the job agency will contact you to make an appointment, where they will register you and have a chat about the job and what you are looking for. It is a good way for the consultant to put a face to a name, as they receive lots of job applications everyday.
You will need to check the website frequently for any new job vacancies and apply for the same.

Unique Multilingual

Offices throughout the Netherlands

Adams Multilingual Recruitment Agency

Offices located in Amsterdam and Rotterdam

Blue Lynx

Offices, in Amsterdam, The Hague & Rotterdam

Octagon

Based in The Hague

Undutchables

Offices throughout the Netherlands

Job portals:

IamExpat

Together abroad

Based in The Hague – a job board for internationals and career counselling services.

Finding a job by open application

As most of the jobs will be “hidden” – i.e. the job is not advertised externally- it is worthwhile to apply directly to the companies that you would like to work for.
Be direct with what position you are looking for, so that they know where in the company you would like to be placed. Explain why you would like to work for the company, so they know that you have researched them and that you are not churning out your applications to every company.

Networking to find a job

In the Netherlands, establishing a network of contacts is invaluable. You can register with the professional body in the sector that you work for.

There are also a lot of expat organisations that you can join, such as:

Career and job hunting support

If you are actively looking for a job, thinking about the next step in your career, want to go back to work or want to do something different you may need support.

Professionals offering Career Counselling to Expats

Caroline van den Bogaard

She offers personal career coaching and career workshops for international professionals/expatriate partners who:
Have recently arrived in the Netherlands and are looking for a job
Are working in a Dutch environment and would like to improve their performance or cultural understanding
Would like to reflect on their career and/or a potential career switch
Need support to create a portable career (for accompanying partners)
www.cctransitions.com

Janet Rodenburg

Janet is a native Dutch with a professional background in anthropology (PhD) and international humanitarian assistance. She lived and worked abroad for prolonged periods. In her coaching you will investigate your life story and how it has formed you into the person you are today. You will look into your inventory of knowledge, experience and qualities. By dismantling any limiting beliefs about yourself you will (re)discover your drives, talents and interests, and what (type of) job would suit you. Janet coaches in English, Dutch, Danish or Indonesian.
Read more about Janet’s professional background here (www.linkedin.com/in/janetrodenburg) or visit her website : www.CasitaCoaching.nl

Marie Dewulf

Marie is a Life and Career Coach whose focus is on cross-cultural adaptation, communication skills, and career development/transition. She works with you to discover what is holding you back from achieving fulfillment; what your hidden talents are and how these can be identified and released to unlock YOUR potential.
www.coach2moveon.com

O’ona Souissi

She is a certified Executive Coach with a background in Global HR Development and Consulting, and an accredited member of the International Coach Federation.
Want to find your next assignment,
Start in a new field,
Re-enter the workforce, or have your own business.
Get an overview of the key strategies to reinvent your career, as well as a checklist of the mistakes to avoid, by registering for free on www.careeronpurpose.com/transitions.

Teresa Moynihan

She offers job search coaching and workshops, as well as Career Transition coaching. Applicable for:
Professionals who are in a job but want to change or switch to a new career
Professionals due to be made redundant and not sure what to do next
Partners of expats newly arrived in NL
Those returning to work after a career break
New graduates looking for guidance on their career
www.moynihan-consulting.com
Please see Teresa’s Top 10 Partner employment tips here.

In the ACCESS guide “Working & unemployment in the Netherlands”, you will find more information about the Dutch Employment Law (such as work permit, contracts, etc), CV, Cover letter and Interview, Dutch Business culture and useful references and weblinks.