The Career Spark: A guide to finding a job in the Netherlands

Finding a job in the Netherlands is not only about having the right experience and education, nor is it just about speaking the language or having the proper knowledge. You might be the most qualified person for the role, but if you don’t find a way to stand out from all the other applicants, there’s a good chance that you won’t get the job.

Luckily, The Career Spark is here to give you a step-by-step guide to help you get that job in the Netherlands:

Improve your chances of landing a job with The Career Spark

1. Know yourself and know what you want

When looking for the ideal job in the Netherlands, you should make sure that you know yourself. It is important to focus on your personal as well as your career profile. You can do this by asking yourself the following questions:

• What is important to you? What is your purpose in life?
• What are your best qualities?
• What are your greatest achievements?
• What are your interests and what do you get energy from?

2. Search the job market

When looking for a job in the Netherlands, doing online research is a good start. Platforms such as LinkedIn, Indeed, UWV, EURES, and even the Dutch immigration authority (IND) are good places to look for different jobs. Furthermore, different industry-specialised recruitment agencies can provide you with more employment opportunities.

3. Prepare your application documents: CV, cover Letter, LinkedIn profile

Once you have found suitable vacancies to apply for, you need to make sure that you are well-prepared so that you can give yourself the best chance of getting that job.

In the Netherlands, you are generally expected to have a one or two-page CV as well as a cover letter, both of which need to be tailored to the specific job that you are applying for. Additionally, an optimised LinkedIn profile greatly increases your visibility in search results.

The Career Spark offers personalised assistance for clients who need help with writing their CV and cover letters.

4. Networking

Attending career fairs, networking events, and participating in volunteering projects will also help you to find a job in the Netherlands. One tool to make your introduction effective and successful when attending these events is the elevator pitch, which is a brief introduction about yourself and your work experience. CareerSpark also teaches you how to make a powerful elevator pitch that will impress recruiters. 

5. Applying for a job in the Netherlands

Job hunting and sending out applications can be a long and challenging process. Staying motivated during a job hunt can be difficult, especially when you have been searching for a long period of time.

The Career Spark has useful tips on how to stay motivated during this time to help you feel positive again. Maintaining your motivation will actually increase your chances of making a powerful first impression during interviews and networking occasions.

6. Prepare for the interview

Congratulations! Your well-prepared application documents and your networking skills did the job and landed you an interview. The Career Spark believes that good job interview preparation helps you to present yourself to your potential employer in a confident way.

Before your interview, it is a good idea to research the company and find out what their mission is as well as what their values and products / services are. You can also conduct mock interviews with the help of your friends or a career coach to help you feel more prepared.

7. Salary negotiations

Well done! Your journey of finding a job in the Netherlands has almost come to an end. You aced the interview and you received an offer, however, you should not accept it immediately.

Instead, you should inform your employer that you will return with a response to the offer. Take some time to decide in advance what type of salary - as well as other employment conditions - is important for you. Then, you can practise your salary interview and prepare for the negotiation. Always keep the atmosphere good while negotiating and remember to aim high, fair, and realistic.

8. Congratulations: you got the job!

You and your employer have decided on the conditions of your employment! You can now have a break and plan a holiday.

You should be relaxed to prepare for your first working day. In the Netherlands, not only is your hard working attitude important but so are your engagement and collaboration skills. It is not just about what you do, it is very much about how you do it.

The Career Spark: Ready to ignite your career?

The Career Spark is here to help you find a job in the Netherlands. Their qualified career coaches have helped many expats improve their profiles and increase their chances of landing their dream jobs.

Whether you need help writing a persuasive CV, cover letter, or you want to practise your interviewing skills, their team can handle it all!

Are you ready to ignite your career? Call +31 (0) 615 394 669 or email [email protected] to get in touch with a career coach today.