A Guide on How to Find Ex-pat Jobs in Amsterdam 2022

Amsterdam is undoubtedly one of the most significant areas to start looking for a job in the Netherlands. There is plenty of English-speaking employment available in the Dutch capital. It has gotten much more straightforward to obtain English-speaking ex-pat jobs in Amsterdam over the past several years as English has become a more prevalent business language in the city. This implies that knowing Dutch is not always a requirement for employment in the Netherlands.

However, having some primary Dutch language at your disposal makes it much simpler for you to move around and can significantly increase your chances of getting a job. The Dutch capital is home to an increasing number of multinational corporations. Many of them are on the lookout for highly qualified and multilingual individuals. Engineering, IT professionals, people working in finance, and those with experience in sales, marketing, and customer service, are some professions that provide ex-pat opportunities in Amsterdam. Several more booming and expanding job sectors exist, including those in agriculture, food, the creative industries, (sustainable) energy, and the life sciences.

Work Permits for Expat Jobs in Amsterdam

Making sure you have the proper documents is one of the first things you must do when looking for ex-pat jobs in Amsterdam. Dutch residency visas and work permits are tightly related, and in some situations, you must find employment in Amsterdam before you can even apply. Nevertheless, there are restrictions based on your nationality; there are as follows:

• Citizens from the European Economic Area (EEA - European Union plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway) and Switzerland are free to live and work in Amsterdam.
• Non-EU nationals typically need to apply for a Dutch residence permit or obtain a Dutch work permit before starting work in the Netherlands.
• Highly-skilled migrants in the Netherlands typically do not need a Dutch work permit but may need to apply for a Dutch visa to enter or live in the Netherlands.
• If you want to move with your family, you must check which rules apply to them. Certain family members moving to join a relative in the Netherlands may not need a Dutch work permit if their relatives can also work freely in the Netherlands.

Dutch Recruitment Agencies

You may look for a job on your own, but it's always wonderful to have some assistance. Therefore, it would be a good idea to seek the aid of a recruitment agency if you're looking for ex-pat jobs in Amsterdam. In the Netherlands, recruitment agencies are widespread. Many of them are general employment agencies where you can locate various jobs. Some of them, however, are concentrated on particular job domains or vocations. It's crucial to locate a hiring company that meets your requirements, is compatible with your standards, and operates in your industry.

Recruitment firms are frequently used by Dutch businesses to post job openings. By joining an agency, you will essentially get access to a vast database of ex-pat jobs in Amsterdam. Start your job search by adding your criteria and your resume.

List of recruitment agencies in the Netherlands

Undutchables

Undutchables is an expat-focused international recruitment agency operating in the Netherlands. They specialize in the international job market, helping highly-qualified non-Dutch speaking professionals get ahead in their careers.

Abroad Experience

Abroad Experience is an international recruitment agency operating in the Netherlands. With over 20 years of industry experience, their expat-friendly service provides various unique career opportunities for multilingual job seekers. If you’re looking for your next career move, do it with Abroad Experience.

Careerjet

Careerjet is an online recruitment board. Their easy-to-use search engine helps connect job-seekers with a range of openings across their extensive database. So, whether you’re looking for a job in sales or software engineering, Careerjet could help you find your dream job.

EURES

EURES is an official job portal of the European Commission. The easy-to-use platform allows job seekers to create an online CV and skills passport, ensuring worldwide access to the best jobs.

Hays Recruiting

Hays Recruiting is a leading recruitment specialist that places qualified candidates in permanent, temporary, or contracting jobs. With more than 2 million followers globally, they also provide assessment, development, outsourced recruitment & more.

Indeed.nl

Indeed.nl is an online jobs board operating in the Netherlands. They have thousands of job opportunities across various industries, from retail to software engineering. Candidates can upload their resumes or search openings depending on what they’re looking for.

Monsterboard

Monsterboard is an online international job search portal. They offer a range of services for job hunters, including job boards and career advice. They also allow jobseekers to post their CV online for prospective employers. Find your next dream job with Monsterboard.

Expat Jobs

Expat Jobs is an online global job portal for foreign workers. They have millions of job opportunities in over a hundred countries and languages worldwide. Expat Jobs specializes in jobs in the Netherlands for English speakers and multilingual vacancies.

Tips for Internationals Working in the Netherlands

Finding a job is the first thing to do if you wish to move to the Netherlands. You must complete the entire application process before signing an employment contract. This includes the interview, in which you can persuade the hiring officials of your qualifications and why they should hire you for the position. Here are a few tips for foreigners working in the Netherlands.

Learn the Dutch language

Knowing the language is in your best favor if you land a job at a Dutch company. When Dutch people are aware that you don't speak their language, they are highly understanding. But be aware that, even in multinational organizations, a group of Dutch individuals will naturally speak Dutch to one another. Enrolling in a Dutch course will be a good option if you want to participate and contribute to the discourse. Working in the Netherlands will become much more inclusive, but it will take some time and work.

Things you need

You must possess a few documents to live and work in the Netherlands. You must always be able to prove your identity, including at work. Additionally, you will obtain your BSN number when you register as a Dutch citizen (Social security number). To work in the Netherlands, you must have this number. Your employer will pay your salary into your bank account. Therefore, having a functional bank account is crucial. You can also request a salary transfer from your home country to your bank account. Please be aware that receiving your payment will take longer in this situation.

Make sure that your CV is up-to-date.

Ensure your current CV contains the most pertinent information possible to increase your chances of getting accepted. Don't forget to update your LinkedIn online CV as necessary.

Carefully read your employment contract.

You've been hired! What's next? Legals. You must also sign your job contract at this point. These are agreements that apply to both the employer and you. There are only two examples of the number of vacation days and hours you will work each week. Before signing the documents, thoroughly read them. The agreements and guidelines in the employment contract must adhere to Dutch legal requirements.

Dress properly

Make sure you appear professional. Select a look that not only flatters your appearance but also fits the corporate culture of the company you are applying to.

Punctuality

Haste leads to stress, and stress leads to tension. Aim to leave the house on time. If you're taking public transportation, plan your route and, if required, board an earlier train. By doing this, you can guarantee that you'll be at the job interview on time. Additionally, make sure you have the phone number for your contact. In this manner, you can alert them right away if you are going to be late.

Know your qualities

You will be questioned about your qualifications and what you can offer during an interview. This is a given, but make sure you know your strengths and how to connect them to the position.