Finding the perfect job in the Netherlands

Whilst Germany and France were once the holy grail for expats moving to Europe, the Netherlands is now the preferred location for well-educated foreign professionals.

According to relocation specialists, the Netherlands is now overtaking its European neighbours as an attractive and different choice for well-educated professionals looking for a change of pace and focus. The jobs market is already strong and is expected to strengthen still further in response to the country’s steadily improving economy. Skilled workers are welcomed, and the jobs market itself is a refreshing change in many ways from the established norms in the more formal EU member states.

The Dutch jobs scene is encouragingly diverse rather than being concentrated on the capital, Amsterdam, although the city is the place to be for would-be high-flying expat professionals. The country’s second city, Rotterdam, has a good selection of jobs for native English speakers, especially in the medical sector, and lifestyle considerations include more affordable rentals that in the capital. Utrecht is close to being bilingual, with English as its second language, and it’s also a hub for those looking for a top job in medicine.

If you’re looking for a tech job, Eindhoven is the best place to start, as it’s home to a number of major players in the IT sector. There’s plenty of choice for expat professionals due to the Netherlands’ hosting of a good number of international companies’ local headquarters, creating a demand for English speakers as well as those proficient in German or French. Expats who can speak one of the Scandinavian languages are in especially high demand.

It’s not absolutely necessary to be able to communicate in Dutch, but the willingness to learn the language is very much appreciated by employers, as is an understanding of Dutch culture. It’s quite possible to find a job in the Netherlands on your own, but using a recruitment agency may increase your chances of getting a good salary and few perks as well as giving an informed selection of what’s available. Agencies in the Netherlands deal with all employment levels, from entry-level admin to top professional positions with international companies.