Arriving in Amsterdam from Argentina in October 2023 filled me with excitement and determination to build a new life, which also meant securing employment in the Netherlands. Fortunately, for myself and other expats undergoing a similar journey, there’s good news: according to World Bank data, the unemployment rate in the Netherlands has been declining since 2014 (from 7.4% to 3.5% in 2023), which is quite exciting.
However, I’d like to encourage you to arm yourself with patience. Job search in the Netherlands can vary depending on the industry and the timing of your arrival. From my own experience and discussions with other expats, it could take from 3 to 6 months, depending on when you start your search. Yes, job hunting also has its seasons! Particularly in the last quarter of the year, companies are focused on closing their fiscal year, meeting budget goals, and preparing for year-end vacations, which can affect hiring.
With the aim of helping you minimize this time frame; I’ve decided to share the tips that aided me in securing employment at a multinational company in Amsterdam – within 4 months.
Before delving into my recommendations, it’s important to understand that there are two types of work you need to undertake during this process: strategic, long-term internal work, and tactical, hands-on tasks. The first four tips I’ll provide are what I consider to be the pillars of your search and may take days or even weeks to address, but I promise, they are priceless.
Goals: Before diving into your job search in the Netherlands, I strongly recommend taking the time to review your goals. Are you looking to continue your career path? Do you aim to break into a specific industry? Are you open to starting fresh and being flexible? What sort of company would you like to work in? I understand it’s not easy, and you may feel like you have fewer options or less negotiating power. Nevertheless, having a clear framework will help you stay focused and avoid wasting your valuable time sending applications to the wrong places or for positions that won’t align with your objectives.
Values: Once you’ve clarified your goals, you may wonder how to recognize opportunities that truly match your aspirations. The answer lies in your values. These serve as your personal filters, guiding you in choosing which opportunities align with your principles. Ask yourself, “What values matter most to me?” I suggest listing a maximum of five values such as autonomy, trust, work-life balance, stability, continuous learning, etc. Keep these in mind for your future interviews to ensure alignment with prospective employers. Personally, this acted as a compass, helping me accept the job I have today and discard recruitment processes I knew wouldn’t benefit me in the long run.
Coaching: For those who are unclear about the previous points or struggling to connect with their goals and values, coaching can be immensely helpful. In the Netherlands, Empower Amsterdam is a great resource, providing free coaching to expatriates in need of employment assistance. Note: Be aware that there may be a lengthy waiting list due to high demand, but there’s plenty of content on YouTube or other social media platforms to help in the meantime.
You can also book an English Job Interview Coaching course at the English Center for a deeper, tailored coaching trajectory.
Journaling: Whether it’s a notebook or an Excel sheet, find a method that works best for you to document your journey. Record insights from interviews, areas for improvement, your goals, salary ranges you expect, etc. The idea is to have a repository of information to refer back to, saving you from scrambling at the last minute.
Now that I’ve shared the long-term tips, let’s dive into actionable steps:
While certain sections of your CV remain fixed, others can be tailored to each position you apply for. Recognize that companies have different priorities, even for similar roles in different organizations. Creating a template on platforms like Canvas for design and ChatGPT for content proved helpful for me.
Treat your job search as your new job to maintain a sense of structure. Being “online” during peak recruiter hours increases your visibility and ensures you’re up to date with new job postings.
Keep your LinkedIn and Indeed profiles active and updated, and learn to optimize their use. Utilize filters to avoid wasting time on outdated job listings. Language filters are especially crucial for English speakers. Explore articles or videos for tips on maximizing these platforms.
Agencies like Iamexpat or Adam Recruitment cater specifically to inmigrants. Set up job alerts to stay informed about new opportunities. Don’t hesitate to reach out directly to recruiters; it can significantly boost your visibility.
Join WhatsApp or Facebook groups related to your field or nationality. Craft a message detailing your skills and job search in the Netherlands goals to share within these communities. Networking with professionals in your desired field can lead to valuable insights and connections.
Write down and rehearse responses to common interview questions, including your previous experiences, successes, motivations, and salary expectations. Don’t forget to prepare questions of your own to distinguish yourself and address any concerns.
Proper job searching in the Netherlands also includes including platforms like Glassdoor to measure whether your salary expectations align with market averages. Be clear about your availability, preferred work hours, and willingness to relocate if necessary.
Consider learning the language as it can significantly enhance your job prospects, even if you’re not fluent. Demonstrating an interest in integrating into Dutch culture and continuing to learn reflects positively on you. Moreover, many companies require Dutch proficiency for higher-level positions, making it a valuable asset for career growth.
I sincerely hope these tips prove beneficial to you and others navigating your job search in the Netherlands. Remember, despite the challenges, this journey is worthwhile. If you have additional advice to share, feel free to do so in the comments, as it can help more people find employment opportunities in the Netherlands!
Guest Blogger: Pilar Tabarez, Amsterdam, 2024. Follow Pilar at LinkedIn.
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