The Netherlands Job Search
In the Netherlands job search, if you want your job application to be taken seriously you have to consider all national differences. The Netherlands job search demands more than just the obvious Netherlands CV with Netherlands cover letter writing and translation – it requires careful preparation.
You will face problems that in all probability did not even cross your mind when you become interested in jobs in the Netherlands. Do not take too lightly the influence work in the Netherlands can have on the end result of your adventure! For example, you will experience the unfamiliar immigration rules and practices, strange job application procedures, bizarre job selection trends and weird management culture.
Most visits to the Netherlands are trouble-free but you should be aware of the risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers like restaurants, hotels, clubs and shopping areas. In recent years, the Dutch authorities have carried out a number of investigations and operations against terrorist networks.
Monitor local news broadcasts and consular messages. Ensure that your travel documents and visas are current, valid and secured in a safe place. Carry a photocopy of your travel documents in lieu of the originals. Maintain a low profile, vary times and routes of travel, and exercise caution while driving. Making local contacts quickly and seeking support from other expatriates will greatly increase your comfort and safety.
Do not call the Netherlands “Holland”, since this refers to a region within this country.
Although the Dutch language is not essential, a sound working knowledge of the language is considered necessary to cope with daily office life and life outside work. Many Dutch companies use English as their corporate language. English is accepted in interviews and business meetings.
There are many positions that require professionals who are fluent in English and who can speak Dutch at the business conversation level. Not speaking Dutch will not necessarily hurt you.
Many people believe that having studied the Dutch language at school or college means you are able to speak that language – but do not be mistaken. Having to convince your boss or pass an interview in a language that is not your native tongue could prove a lot more difficult than you might expect.
The Netherlands’ job search has changed dramatically over the past few years. With the high level of Internet usage in the Netherlands, the Internet is now the best place to access employment information. However, it is always best to use as many different job search sources as possible to find open positions.
Most employers, who are subject to heavy fines if they hire illegally, will not offer a job to a foreigner who does not possess a valid Netherlands work permit. In addition, any work “on black” will never qualify you for a work permit. Furthermore, such unofficial employment can quite often lead to exploitative working conditions. If you are caught, you can be hit with hefty fines or even barred from the country.
Use free access to the services of the Netherlands Employment Service, “Centrum voor Werk en Inkomen” (CWI)
Speculative applications are common in the Netherlands. Before sending an application, make a telephone call to the human resources manager.
Run the Netherlands job search using the best job search engine on the Internet to date!
To run the Netherlands job search, simply type keywords into the Wat/What box describing the kind of job you want, and enter a city, a province or postal code in the Waar/Where box. Then click the Zoek/Find button or hit the Enter key on your keyboard.
Careerjet runs the Netherlands job search on all of the major job boards, newspaper sites, niche industry sites and corporate job sites. Those include:
monster.nl, stepstone.nl, JobTrack.nl, Vacaturekrant.nl, NationaleVacaturebank.nl, careerbuilder.nl, nupersoneel.nl, nationalevacaturebank.nl, ictergezocht.nl, werkstudent.nl, academictransfer.com, sapjobboard.nl, intermediair.nl, monster.be, multilingualvacancies.com, medivacature.nl, itjobboard.nl, stepstone.nl, eneco.nl, totaljobs.nl, efinancialcareers.nl, jobs4engineers.be, shine.com, optijob.com, progressiverecruitment.com, medischebanenbank.nl, carejobs.be, hotjobs.com, onlysales.nl, EenBaan.nl and hundreds more.
If you are unhappy with the presented jobs you may use another powerful job search engine covering the different job sources.
You may run a Netherlands job search right now, but when you find a job you must apply at once with your current Netherlands CV and Netherlands cover letter.
Remember that your Netherlands CV must be targeted, scannable and generate hits. If you have difficulty with your CV writing, instead of staring at a blank piece of paper, use CV samples and CV templates.
We recommend that you send your CV together with a cover letter. If you have difficulty with your cover letter writing use a cover letter sample and cover letter template.
In recent years it becomes increasingly popular to join the LinkedIn or Facebook social networking websites for professionals, where you may search for jobs and have your keyword-optimized, rich content profile with a current CV. Hiring managers use them more frequently to consult your profile and supplement or check against the CV you send along. If you do not have an account, create one and include your social media link(s) on your CV.
However, you should manage your online presence. Eliminate any photos and statements that could reflect poorly on you. From an employer’s point of view, someone who emphasizes partying on a social networking site is not focused on jobs and those who post complaints about work or colleagues are less desirable candidates. The online CV should not include sensitive information as it could show a lack of respect for confidentiality and discretion.
Other Netherlands Job Search Info
To be successful in your Netherlands job search and get the job you want, you need to prepare a Netherlands cover letter and Netherlands CV which you must email instantly to the prospective employers selected during a job search in the Netherlands.
When you receive an invitation to the Netherlands job interview, you may apply for a Netherlands visa and Netherlands work permit. Then prepare yourself for a job interview and take a look at the Netherlands dress code because how you dress is one of the most important attributes in being hired.
Check the job interview dos & don’ts and other job search skills pages. Find out why people are not hired for available jobs.
In addition, on the international info, job search, visa, work permit, cover letter, CV & resume, job interview and dress code pages you will find many useful tips for overseas job seekers.
Good luck with your Netherlands job search!
