Employment and Job Seeking
Where to begin and what to do if you're looking for work in the Netherlands...
One of the benefits of living in the Netherlands is the fact that there are many opportunities and avenues for international job-seekers. It is the base for various international/multi-national companies and numerous employment agencies specialise in finding work for international job-seekers.
Where to look for jobs
Some useful employment websites include:
- EURES - The EU job mobility portal
- JobinNetherlands.com
- Top Language Jobs - Netherlands
- Monsterboard (in Dutch)
- National Vacature Bank (in Dutch)
Newspapers (in the jobs section) and company websites can also be useful resources for vacancies.
The Centre for Work and Income (Centrum voor Werk en Inkomen - CWI), is a Dutch government department dedicated to employment in the Netherlands including the advertising of vacancies and searching of suitable candidates. Vacancies are also available for non-Dutch speakers.
- For the Centre for Work and Income website: Click here
Networking is also a helpful tool in job hunting. This can be achieved in different ways, such as joining a social club or organization. Many embassies have information regarding social events planned in conjunction with institutions or organizations.
Recruitment agencies
Unlike in some countries, it is common practice in the Netherlands to make use of recruitment agencies. There are recruitment agencies for every industry, including international job-seekers. There are strict regulations regarding the placement of temporary workers; the temporary worker is relatively well-protected by law.
Some job recruitment agency websites for international workers include:
These agencies primarily offer office jobs in fields such as Administration/Secretarial, Sales, Marketing, IT, Logistics, Management, Procurement, and can also offer part-time, temporary, project-based or permanent contracts. They may also direct a job seeker to resources for employment in a more specialised industry.
An agency acts as the middle man between the job seeker and the potential employer. It can be advantageous to register with as many agencies as possible to increase the chances of finding a job. Agencies can also provide information and coaching regarding interview techniques in the Netherlands and may conduct language or computer literacy tests.
With regards to non-recruitment issues, an agency can generally provide advice and links to other sources but they cannot actively assist with things such as relocation, housing and applying for official documents.
Agencies also cannot apply for a work permit on behalf of the job seeker, unless they meet the requirements to be categorised as a Knowledge Migrant and a company has agreed to employ them as such.
Tel: +31 (0)70 711 8300 / Fax: +31 (0)70 427 4078 /e-mail / www.undutchables.nl
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