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In May 2020, Expatica published “A Guide to Finding Jobs in the Netherlands” which gives a good overview to different topics related to your job search.
The UK newspaper from the University of Groningen also published an article “Job hunting in Groningen” which is a good introduction to the work force here in the north.
Other ways to find a job:
Many job openings are on the internet. You can look at the websites of the companies and organizations where you would like to work to see if they have vacancies. A keyword to know for many job sites in the Netherlands, even if the site is in English, is vacatures, which means “job vacancies.”
‘Make it in the North‘ is a platform for Northern businesses and institutions to meet talented International people. It includes a job portal with English-language jobs, all of which are located in Groningen, Friesland, and Drenthe.
But Make it in the North is more than just a job portal. You can also use it to see all of the companies that work internationally in the North. Other features include all of the career events in the North (including Make it in the North events), interviews with companies, and links to useful organisations.
Some sites that are or can be specifically for the northern region of the Netherlands:
Some sites for the Netherlands in English:
Some sites for the Netherlands in Dutch:
Many companies use job agencies to filter potential candidates. A good agency will build strong connections with companies and be their first point of contact when the company has a new vacancy. The agency searches their database for suitable candidates and advertises on their website to reach a wider audience and increase the chances of securing the vacancy for their client, thereby earning themselves a commission.
You can either forward your CV to the job agency or apply for one of the vacancies. Both can be done via their website. If your CV matches the required criteria, the job agency will contact you to make an appointment, where they will register you and have a chat about the job and what you are looking for. It is a good way for the consultant to put a face to a name, as they receive many job applications every day. Some job agencies for non-Dutch speakers are:
Many jobs are considered “hidden” – that is, they are jobs that are not advertised openly or publicly. In this case, it would be worthwhile to apply to any company you would like to work for. You can also look at their particular websites to see what services they offer in order to get an overview of the company. When you apply, be specific about what position you seek, so they can find a placement in the company or perhaps see a need for a position. Give them an explanation of why you would like to work for them and what you can offer, so it will be obvious that you have taken the time to research them and are not just sending out applications and CV’s to every company.
The most successful way to find a new job is through networking and contacts. Networking can happen anywhere (e.g. sports clubs, your children’s school, joining clubs and interest groups etc.) Be ready for the question, “What do you do?” Spend time on perfecting your profile and practicing your ‘pitch’ but keep it simple and natural. Some expat groups in Groningen, Friesland, or Drenthe that you may want to consider joining are:
LinkedIn is a well-used recruitment medium. Keep your profile up to date and include the fact that you are in the Netherlands. Make sure your profile and experience are consistent with your CV and use a (professional) photo. Recruiters and hiring managers are constantly looking at profiles or placing job advertisements here. You can join groups, take part in discussions and use LinkedIn for job research. You can also sign-up for job alerts, which will notify you of jobs matching your requirements. For tips on using LinkedIn to help you, see the following sites and blog posts from experienced users:
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