Visit our working regions page for an overview of the different industries operating in each region. Although many jobs in the Netherlands require good written and spoken Dutch, some jobs only require a good command of English. You should still make an effort to learn the Dutch language though, as it can show potential employers that you are planning to stay in the Netherlands for a longer time.
You may be able to put your ‘foreignness’ to good use by doing work that requires your specific language and cultural skills, and/or your in-depth knowledge of your home country.
Before you start applying for jobs, always check to see whether you need a work permit. Depending on your profession, you may also need to get your qualifications and certificates verified by the Dutch authorities.
We have compiled some tips to help you in your search for a job. If you are thinking of starting your own business, go to our start-ups page.
Job portals and recruitment agencies
- Brainport Eindhoven's job portal is a valuable source of tech and IT opportunities for English-speaking internationals in the Brainport region. The Brainport website also has lots of useful information on the region.
- EURES / UWV - the European Employment Services (EURES) helps jobseekers to find work and employers to find staff in EU/EEA countries and Switzerland. The EURES website also has a wealth of information and guidance on living and working conditions and labour market information across the continent. For those trying to recruit or find jobs in border regions, specialised support is available. The UWV is the coordinating office for EURES in the Netherlands and also has pages in English about working in the Netherlands.
- Recruitment agencies. There are also more than 100 recruitment agencies (uitzendbureaus) in Eindhoven. Check out their websites for vacancies.
Networking
- Build a network in the Netherlands
Reportedly, 80 percent of job placements occur through networking. Use all your contacts and let people know that you are looking for work. One potential network is your fellow countrymen. Contact your country’s embassy to tap into their network of fellow nationals who are currently working in the Netherlands. - Use social networking
Do not discount the benefits of job seeking through popular social media platforms. Many companies use LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and other media interfaces to publicize job vacancies.
Open applications
It is perfectly acceptable to send open applications in the Netherlands, even to a company that has no current vacancies. If the employer is looking for personnel in the future, you might then have an advantage over other job seekers.
Use your cover letter to clearly indicate:
- why you want to work for this company
- your particular talents, skills and work experience
- any language experience or work experience gained in another EU country
- how your talents, skills and work experience could be useful to the employer
Programs and organizations
There are several programs and organizations that can help you secure employment.
Living In Program
Our Living In Program (Eindhoven region) helps to provide career support for accompanying partners, who may have had to give up their career in their home country. The Living In Program works together with Expat Spouses Initiative (ESI), financially supporting their Talent100 and Women for Women programs. Talent100 is a 12-week career re-entry program designed to connect internationals to local professional job opportunities. The Women for Women program is one of the tracks in the Talent100 program, and it introduces highly skilled international women to local influential female ambassadors, helping them to jumpstart their careers.
Expat Spouses Initiative
The Expat Spouses Initiative (ESI) also runs other career programs and networking and recruitment events, all with the aim of connecting internationals - especially partners or spouses of international workers in the region - with local career opportunities.
Huis naar werk
Huis naar werk is a regional guide to work, education, and professional development. Residents and employers of 13 municipalities in Southeast Brabant (see their website for the list of participating municipalities) can contact Huis naar Werk for help with their search for a job or for a training course. Entrepreneurs are also welcome to contact them with any questions they may have about personnel.
Traineeships and internships
Traineeships or internships can offer a way into a company. Internships are part of many courses in the Netherlands, and these sometimes convert to an employment offer afterwards.
Volunteering
Volunteering can sometimes be a steppingstone to paid work. Visit our volunteering page to find out more about voluntary work opportunities in the region.