There are a lot of employment possibilities in The Netherlands. There are also plenty of jobs for Expats. You especially need to know how to find a job. It also depends on the sector in which you are looking for a job. Are you looking for an office job or a more physical job? Are you looking for a side job or a permanent job?

Job search in the Randstad

For expats, the biggest opportunities are in the Randstad area. The Randstad is the area in The Netherlands between Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht and The Hague. This area is the heart of The Netherlands. Most expats live in this area and by far the most large companies are located there. If you are looking for a job outside the Randstad, it will be a lot harder for you. 

In the four major cities, there are many opportunities for Expats. Amsterdam has by far the most opportunities, followed by Rotterdam and The Hague. Utrecht is mainly a student city, and good if you are looking for a side job.

Find your job online

The best way to find a job is through the internet. A widely used platform in the Netherlands is Linkedin. Customize your profile on Linkedin for your job search in the Netherlands. There are also a number of websites, including employment agencies, where you, as an expat, have a great chance of finding jobs. Many job agencies are seeking for expats!

Find here all the job websites

English speaking jobs

At more and more offices in the Netherlands, English is spoken. Therefore, it has become easier for expats who do not speak Dutch to find a good job. There is an increasing demand for English speaking expats on websites.

Find here all the job websites

Have a picture on your CV

Each country has different standards for a CV. The CV has changed a lot in The Netherlands in recent years. Employers look for employees in a different way. Employers find the motivation of an employee increasingly important. That is why nowadays in the Netherlands work experience and education are not only leading. It is important to put a picture of yourself on your CV. You should also include a description of yourself and your responsibilities in your last job or other relevant jobs. An employer generally attaches less value to jobs in the distant past. 

Be yourself in a job interview

The time of smart suits is over in The Netherlands. Where you used to have to wear a tie, nowadays you rarely do. Most employees, but also managers and directors do not wear ties. So you don't have to wear a three-piece suit to the job interview either. For men, a neat jacket and a shirt are sufficient. For women, fancy dress is not a requirement either. As long as it is neat and tidy, employers will find it sufficient. At a job interview in The Netherlands, you must above all be yourself. It is not appreciated when you pretend to be better than you really are. Therefore, be yourself and don't be too nervous. Employers are very happy with employees who are themselves and who are happy in their jobs. You have a lot to say as an employee in Dutch. You can speak out about things and you are definitely not a slave.

Looking for a side job?

If you are a student and looking for a part-time job, for example, you have a great chance in Amsterdam. In Amsterdam more English is spoken in the streets than Dutch. So it is easy to get a job in a shop, for example. There are many temporary work agencies that have opportunities.

Find here all the websites with job opportunities!