Finding a job in the Netherlands

Looking for a job in the Netherlands? It's worth doing some research before starting your job search, so you know what to expect when it comes to applications and interviews. Things might work a bit differently here compared to your home country. The pages in this section will help you find leads and craft a job-winning application. 

Finding a job in the Netherlands

As of October 2024, the seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate in the Netherlands was 3,6% - much lower than the long-term average. Struggling to fill vacant position with local workers, many companies are looking abroad to find skilled applicants. Indeed, in August 2024, the foreign-born population of the Netherlands hit 18 million for the first time, with 16% of residents holding a foreign passport. 

Workers in the administrative, research and development, construction, education, finance, healthcare, ICT, sales, marketing and technology sectors are particularly in-demand in the Netherlands. Skilled foreign professionals with experience in these fields will find the Netherlands a fruitful place to look for work. 

To get your job search off to a solid start, however, it's important to put together an application that meets the needs and expectations of hiring managers in the Netherlands. The pages in this section offer some tips and advice to help you get this right. 

Recruitment agencies in the Netherlands

Relocating to a new country comes with a few challenges, especially if you don’t speak the language. Fortunately, there are many recruitment agencies in the Netherlands that focus on expatriates. A recruitment company can put you forward for positions that suit your skills and experience, and even offer advice on successfully applying for jobs in the Netherlands. 

How to write your CV in the Netherlands

When you are applying for a job in the Netherlands, it’s vital that your CV (Curriculum Vitae) is up to date and looking good. After all, it’s more than just your profile; it is a tool to market yourself. It should stand out from others and it should increase your chances of getting hired.

So, how do you do that? How do you write a CV? What are the elements of a good CV? Use our CV guide to create a CV geared towards the Dutch job market.

How to write a cover letter

The cover letter, also called the motivation letter, needs to be able to convince your prospective employer that you are the person for the job. Generally speaking, your cover letter fills in the gaps left by your CV, explaining why you are applying for a particular role and what makes you a good fit for the company. Having trouble writing a good cover letter? Take a look at our tips on the cover letter page.

Job interview guide

Your new CV and cover letter have done the trick. You are invited to a job interview! Congratulations! Now what? Interviews may vary depending on the position you are applying for and the industry you want to be in, but standard patterns do exist. Our interview guide gives you an overview of different questions and techniques used in the Netherlands. Make sure you have read them all. After all, preparation is the key to success.

Dutch job market

While you are hunting for jobs, it's also a good idea to gain a good understanding of working conditions in the Netherlands, so you know what to expect if your application progresses and you need to discuss employment terms with a potential hirer. There are some key things to know about working in the Netherlands, including: 

• What you can expect in terms of salary
• How to read your payslip
• What should be included in your employment contract
• What working hours in the Netherlands are like 
• The rules surrounding taking time off work in the Netherlands
• What to do if you are having problems at work or would like to resign

Career coaches in the Netherlands

If your job hunt isn't making good progress, or you are struggling with working out where to start, you might want to consult with an English-speaking career coach in the Netherlands. They can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, point you towards roles that work for you, and even look over your application documents to provide tips for improvement.