LinkedIn

Your LinkedIn profile is often your first impression. Recruiters quickly scan your role, skills and location, so make them easy to spot. Use clear, professional English and focus on what you achieve rather than simply listing responsibilities.

Dutch employers value clarity and concrete examples. Instead of general statements, highlight specific contributions and results from previous roles.

Your headline should go beyond your job title and showcase your expertise, for example:

Mechanical Engineer | Offshore energy | Open to opportunities in South Holland

Don't forget to set your location to the Netherlands or a city where you'd like to work.

South Holland's job market is built around distinct sector clusters. The Hague is known for international organisations, NGOs, policy and cyber security. Rotterdam leads in maritime, logistics and energy transition. Delft is a hub for high-tech innovation and engineering, while Leiden is home to one of Europe's leading life sciences and biotech ecosystems.

Following companies, sector networks and professionals in your field helps you stay informed and expand your network.

Start by following Work in South Holland, where you’ll find jobs, practical information and events. And if you studied in the Netherlands, your university alumni network can also be a strong entry point.

In the Netherlands, many opportunities come through professional networks. LinkedIn is therefore a place to start conversations and build relationships, as well as look for specific jobs.

Search for recruiters and professionals in your field and region, and send short, personal connection requests. A brief introduction and a genuine interest in their work is often enough.

You can also request informal conversations to learn more about a company, role or sector. Focus on learning and building connections rather than directly asking for a job.

Many roles open to international talent are advertised in English. Use keywords such as 'English' or 'international' and filter by location to find relevant opportunities.

Don't limit your search to one city. South Holland is well connected, making it common to live in one place and work in another. Setting up job alerts is a good way to stay on top of new vacancies.

Regular activity on LinkedIn helps you get noticed. Share insights, comment on developments in your field, or reflect on projects and challenges you've worked on. Topics such as digital technology, sustainability, health innovation or engineering can be a good starting point.

You can also increase your visibility by engaging with others. Commenting on posts, joining discussions and sharing your perspective helps people understand your expertise and keeps you visible to potential employers and connections.