Find your next job

Finding a job in a new country can be complicated. Here are some tips on how to get started with your job search in The Hague, Rotterdam, Delft or Leiden in the Netherlands.

Do's and don'ts for your job search

A few honest tips to keep in mind before you start applying.

Do

Build your network. A large share of jobs in the Netherlands are filled through referrals. Talk to people, join events, ask for introductions.
Use our job boards. Find English-speaking jobs and internships or sign up for automatic job alerts.
Contact recruitment agents. A good agent knows the market and can put you forward for roles you might not find yourself.
Keep your CV to two pages. Dutch employers expect it short and to the point.
Write a new cover letter for every job. Show that you understand the company and the role.
Keep your LinkedIn profile active and current. Recruiters use it to find candidates.
Prepare for a direct, informal interview style. Dutch employers value honesty and a business casual look.
Give it time. A job search in the Netherlands often takes a few months. Plan for it.

Don't

Don't underestimate the time and effort. A serious job search takes real commitment, not a few applications on a quiet afternoon.
Don't rely on job boards alone. Combine them with networking and recruitment agencies.
Dont't assume you do not need Dutch skills. Many employers prefer candidates who have learned some Dutch as it helps you settle in and connect at work.
Don't send the same letter to every employer. A generic application is far less likely to get a response.
Don't take Dutch directness personally. Straight feedback is normal here, not a sign of unfriendliness.
Don't show up unprepared. Research the company, the role and culture.
Don't give up easily. Your next opportunity might be closer than you think.

Job boards

Find your next job by using the Work in South Holland job board, or one of the connected sectoral or national job boards for internationals.

Work in South Holland

Work in South Holland operates two job boards to help you connect with hiring companies and find your next employer. You can find and apply for jobs that match your wishes. You can sign up for alerts and join the talent network to receive automatic updates once relevant jobs are posted.

International job board

For international job seekers looking for their next career step.
Jobs are filtered to only include English-language vacancies of nearly 1,500 employers.
Jobs and internships at international organisations, NGOs, universities, big companies and start-ups.

Start-up job board

For job seekers who want to join fast-growing and innovative companies.
Jobs and internships in Dutch and English at nearly 500 local start-up and scale-ups.
Powered by Founded in South Holland and start-up networks like Up!Rotterdam, YES!Delft and ImpactCity.

Welcome to NL

Welcome to NL is the international talent job platform for the Netherlands. Welcome to NL is run by the Dutch Enterprise Agency (RVO) in partnership with Work in South Holland and other regional international talent programmes in Eindhoven, Amsterdam, Utrecht, Maastricht and Groningen.

Leiden Bio Science Park

Join over 240 Life sciences and health companies and 26,000 professionals and work for the Future of Health at Leiden Bio Science Park. Whether you're looking for an internship, your first job or your next big step, this is where it starts. Science needs all kinds of talent, including yours. Connect with top employers an innovators in Europe's leading life sciences hub and discover opportunities at world-class knowledge institutes, startups, scale-ups and global companies.

AcademicTransfer

AcademicTransfer is the platform for a career in research and academia in the Netherlands. For every researcher - from starter to senior - and in every sector. AcademicTransfer is a not-for-profit cooperative of 14 research universities, six university medical centres and the knowledge institutes KNAW and NWO.

The Hague Humanity Hub

The Hague Humanity Hub runs the Talent for Good job board. From graduate jobs to internships, to volunteering opportunities, you can check out all the latest vacancies within The Hague’s peace and justice community.

The Hague Humanity Hub is not-for-profit foundation based in The Hague, the international city of peace and justice and home to hundreds of organisations working towards a better word. The Humanity Hub offers a vibrant platform for changemakers to collaborate towards a peaceful and just world. Building bridges across sectors, themes and disciplines, the hub connects people from hundreds of organisations to share insights, form alliances, and innovate for greater impact. Their community collaboration space in The Hague embodies their vision of an open, peaceful society, serving as a physical hub for meaningful collaboration.

IamExpat Jobs

IamExpat is a leading English-language media platform for internationals in the Netherlands, Germany and Switzerland. IamExpat provide information, important news, job listings, housing services and events. IamExpat has a job board and runs the expat fairs in The Hague, Amsterdam and Eindhoven.

Security Talent

The Hague is the largest security cluster in Europe, home to national and international organisations working on cyber security, national and urban security, critical infrastructure and forensics. Security Talent is the job board of The Hague Security Delta (HSD), the network behind this cluster. It lists vacancies and internships, alongside training, events and career advice for anyone looking to start or grow a career in the security sector.

Recruitment agencies for internationals

Find your next job by working with an international-friendly recruitment agency in the Netherlands. These agencies recruit and select international candidates for vacancies and can offer payroll services handling your salary, taxes, social security, benefits and sometimes immigration.

Undutchables

Undutchables Recruitment Agency is the international business recruitment pioneer in the Netherlands, has a proven track record in international job matching and placement. Undutchables knows the challenges you face when living and working in the Netherlands.

Just like you, Undutchables Recruitment Consultants are internationals. We know what it's like to be new and we know our way around the Netherlands. We are happy to assist and advise you on how to continue your career in the Netherlands. Are you fluent in languages other than Dutch? Are you seeking exciting career opportunities? Undutchables is your first stop for international jobs. We are happy to assist and advise you on how to continue your career in the Netherlands.

Adams Recruitment

Adams Multilingual Recruitment helps job seekers connect with Netherlands-based companies. Let Adams guide you on your journey to employment. Their team of experienced recruiters successfully navigated the Dutch job market, and are now dedicated to helping you do the same.

Adams uses their expertise to find roles for multilingual candidates in a wide range of areas, including sales, marketing and PR, customer service, logistics and supply chain, secretarial and financial, IT, admin, and HR. For entry positions, through to director level jobs, Adams works across multiple industries, including fashion, software, luxury goods, medical devices, consumer goods, and NGOs.

Octagon

Octagon Professionals is a one-stop shop for all HR solutions & services in the Netherlands, Italy, France, Germany, Cyprus and the UK. Octagon delivers people-first solutions, deep market insight, and comprehensive recruitment and workforce support.

For more than 38 years, Octagon has delivered HR expertise where innovation leads. Octagon partners with forward-thinking innovators and visionary leaders, shaping the technology-driven future. Octagon serves industries, such as international organizations & public institutions, technology & telecommunications, logistics & supply chain, space, Innovations & research hubs.

Blue Lynx

Turn your job search into a career path. For 36+ years, Blue Lynx matches multilingual talents to international career opportunities. Blue Lynx introduces experienced professionals to hiring managers in reputable companies across the Netherlands and Europe. Find your next job in one of the following disciplines: IT, Engineering, Sales, Marketing, Customer Service, Personal & Office Assistance, Secretarial, Logistics & Supply Chain, HR & Recruitment, Finance & Accountancy or Creatives.

Brunel

Are you ready for the next step in your career? Join Brunel’s powerful global network, where passionate, results-driven specialists come together with industry-leading clients. By connecting specialists to pioneering projects, we drive change in many industries, enabling growth and delivering great outcomes. Brunel helps you reach your full potential and empowers you to make an impact within a purpose-driven global company.

Since 1975, Brunel has provided a wide range of services to companies in energy, offshore and renewables in the Netherlands as well as,Life Sciences, Future Mobility, Industrials & Technology. Our close collaboration with these companies gives us unique understanding of local sector needs and company expectations. This enables us to provide customized secondment, contracting and project management services.

Prepare for your job search

Create your CV

Your CV is your first introduction to a potential employer. A good CV significantly improves your chances of securing an interview and thus of getting a job.

Build your CV

Write your cover letter

Where your CV lists what you have done, your cover letter explains who you are. Keep it clear, keep it relevant, and use the tips below to get started.

Write your letter

Prepare for your interview

A job interview is your opportunity to bring your CV and letter to life. Show not just what you have done, but who you are and how you work.

Get interview ready

Build your network

A strong professional network opens doors that applications alone cannot. The people you know often play a bigger role in your career than you might expect.

Grow your network

Present yourself on LinkedIn

LinkedIn is the go-to platform for professional networking and job searching in the Netherlands. A strong and up-to-date profile makes you visible to recruiters and employers.

Optimise your profile

Personal branding

Personal branding is about being clear and consistent in how you present yourself professionally. It is the story that runs through your CV, your LinkedIn profile, your cover letter, and the way you introduce yourself in person.

Shape your brand