Looking for a job anywhere, let alone in a foreign country, can be a tedious process. Luckily for you, there are many jobs available in the Netherlands right now. A lot of companies really need employees right now, so that means you have a lot of choices. The downside is that the process can be very long since it doesn’t seem like hiring is many companies’ priority despite them making a fuss about the lack of staff. But that is a topic for another day. If you’re looking for a job in the Netherlands, where should you start your search?

Your CV & Cover Letter Matter

As someone who creates CVs and cover letters for people and also occasionally writes vacancies for companies, I have a pretty good understanding of where to look for a job. But first, before applying to any job, make sure you have a tailored CV & cover letter to submit with your application. If you need help with those, don’t hesitate to contact me. I’d love to help you out!

The Obvious Places

Most people know that LinkedIn, Indeed, and Monsterboard are great places to start your search for a job. Many companies post vacancies on those sites. The vacancies will often include the requirements you need to apply for that job, what the job entails, a little about the company, whether the position is full-time or part-time, and more. Just make sure to update your LinkedIn profile along with your CV & cover letter because many companies find your LinkedIn profile important.

The Not-So-Obvious Places

Many people underestimate the importance of reaching out to their own network. Reach out to your friends, family, and former colleagues. Maybe one of them is hiring or knows about a company that is hiring. This could be by texting them, posting on your own social media or expat social media groups, and more. Before I started freelancing, I worked in real estate management for many years. I got my start in that field because someone my sister was friends with had a sister who was hiring. You’d be surprised how many doors can be opened just by reaching out to the people you know.  

You can also always look at a specific company’s website if you know you might want to work there. Another place to look is on the website of the company that you’re currently working for. Maybe you can stay at the same company if you like the company culture and stuff but are just ready for a new challenge. Perhaps they are hiring people for other departments or positions.

The Other Places

Recruitment agencies can be extremely useful when looking for a job. A recruiter will work with you directly and liaison between you and the company. They will advocate for your needs and get your CV and cover letter in front of the company. This can make it much easier to get hired. Some recruitment agencies you can look at include Undutchables, Randstad, Orange Quarter, WeAreXena, Finest People, Corecruitment, and many more. I know that recruitment agencies work because I got a job offer from a company while working with a recruitment agency to find a job.

Don’t Give Up

I know how challenging it can be to find a job. You have probably applied for so many jobs and have only heard back (declined or offered an interview) from maybe a quarter of them. This can be very discouraging. Make sure you are applying for jobs that you’re actually qualified for and are interested in. Don’t just apply for the sake of applying. You can also always pick up the phone and call the company. This will help show them that you’re taking this process seriously and are interested.

Your CV and cover letter should be professional and easy to read. Try your best to ensure the text doesn’t have spelling or grammatical mistakes. We all make mistakes, but we can also try our best to put our best foot forward. Sadly your CV and cover letter are the first impression you make on a company, no matter how qualified you are for the position.

What has been your biggest challenge with trying to find a job in the Netherlands?

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