HOW TO FIND A JOB IN THE NETHERLANDS | 10 tips from a non-Dutch speaking expat in Amsterdam

Summary

In this informative video, Australian expat Lisa shares her personal experiences and practical tips for job hunting in the Netherlands. She covers the importance of tailoring resumes to Dutch standards, leveraging LinkedIn for networking, utilizing career coaching services, and preparing for unique interview questions. Lisa also emphasizes the value of virtual networking, maintaining a professional image in remote interviews, and staying organized throughout the job search process. Her insights aim to assist expats and job seekers in navigating the Dutch job market effectively.

Takeaways

• 😀 Lisa, an Australian expat in Amsterdam, shares her personal job hunting experiences and tips in the Netherlands.
• 🌐 The Dutch job market is expat-friendly, especially for English speakers, but certain sectors like finance, tech, and software engineering are in higher demand.
• 📝 Update your CV and LinkedIn profile according to Dutch standards, keeping the CV concise and highlighting local residency and no sponsorship needed.
• 🔍 Utilize various job search engines and websites such as LinkedIn, I am Expat, Glassdoor, and specific sector-related sites for not-for-profit or startup jobs.
• 🤝 Leverage LinkedIn for networking, as it's widely used in the Netherlands for job searching and professional connections.
• 🆓 Take advantage of free career coaching services offered by Empower Amsterdam for eligible unemployed individuals with a valid work visa.
• 🏢 Compile a list of 50+ companies you're interested in working for to better understand your preferences and to prepare for interviews.
• 💬 Learn to network virtually, which is acceptable and common in the Netherlands, and can lead to valuable connections and insights.
• 👔 Make a good virtual impression by dressing formally, looking at the camera during interviews, and ensuring a clean and quiet background.
• 📊 Track your job applications, interviews, and rejections using tools like Notion to stay organized and prepared for follow-ups.
• 🤔 Be ready to answer country-specific interview questions, such as why you chose the Netherlands and your plans for staying.
• 🔄 Always ask for feedback after interviews, even if you're not successful, to improve your future job search efforts.
• 🏠 Be open to remote work opportunities that may allow you to live in one place and work from another, including different time zones.
• 💰 Come prepared with 6 to 12 months' worth of savings if moving to the Netherlands without a job, as the cost of living is high and job searching can take time.
• 🛑 Maintain a healthy work-life balance during your job search by setting boundaries and not overworking yourself.

Q & A

Who is the speaker in the video and what is her background?

The speaker in the video is Lisa, an Australian expat living in Amsterdam. She moved to the Netherlands with her husband in October 2020.

What is the main topic of Lisa's video?

The main topic of Lisa's video is sharing her personal experiences and tips on job hunting in the Netherlands for non-Dutch speakers.

Why did Lisa move to the Netherlands?

Lisa moved to the Netherlands because her husband was offered a work transfer there.

What is Lisa's disclaimer regarding her qualifications to give advice in the video?

Lisa clarifies that she is not an HR professional or a recruiter, and any information she shares is based on her personal experience, not professional advice.

What is Lisa's first tip for job seekers in the Netherlands?

Lisa's first tip is to update one's CV and LinkedIn profile according to Dutch standards, which prefer brevity and directness.

How does Lisa suggest job seekers make their CV stand out to Dutch companies?

Lisa suggests making it clear in the header of the CV that the applicant is already living in the Netherlands and does not require sponsorship to work there.

Which websites does Lisa recommend for job searching in the Netherlands?

Lisa recommends LinkedIn, I am Expat, Glassdoor, One World, Partos, Relief Web, European Movement, UN Jobs, Startup Amsterdam, and various recruitment agencies like Untouchables, Blue Links, Adams Multilingual, NGO Recruit, and Pro Assistance.

What service does Lisa mention for free career coaching in the Netherlands?

Lisa mentions Empower Amsterdam, a service that offers free career coaching to those who are unemployed and have a valid work visa.

How does Lisa suggest using LinkedIn to find potential companies to work for?

Lisa suggests following companies on LinkedIn to receive suggestions for similar companies, many of which are likely to be based in or have offices in the Netherlands.

What is Lisa's advice on networking virtually in the Netherlands?

Lisa advises that it's acceptable and common to reach out to people on LinkedIn to start conversations about their careers, ask for advice, or inquire about their companies.

What are some of the unique questions Lisa was asked during her job interviews in the Netherlands?

Lisa was asked questions such as why she came to the Netherlands, her experience working in a diverse or international setting, her experience working in Europe, and her plans for the duration of her stay in the Netherlands.

How does Lisa recommend preparing for virtual job interviews?

Lisa recommends dressing formally, looking at the camera while speaking, hiding the self-view option, being conscious of the background, and testing the connection and lighting beforehand.

What tool does Lisa use to track her job applications, interviews, and rejections?

Lisa uses Notion, an all-in-one virtual workplace, to track her job applications and related details.

What is Lisa's advice on the number of job applications to submit daily?

Lisa does not recommend applying for 10 to 20 jobs a day, as it can affect the quality of applications, especially when a cover letter is required for each application.

What general job searching tips does Lisa provide at the end of the video?

Lisa suggests checking out Glassdoor for company culture insights, coming to the Netherlands with at least six to 12 months' worth of savings, creating boundaries for job searching, and not applying for too many jobs in a single day.

How does Lisa feel about the importance of asking for feedback after a job interview?

Lisa emphasizes the importance of asking for feedback after a job interview, even if it's not successful, as it can provide valuable insights for future applications.

What is Lisa's perspective on working remotely in the Netherlands?

Lisa is open to the idea of working remotely and mentions that it's common for people to live in one place and work in another, even across different time zones.