Finding work in Amsterdam
Whether you’ve moved for love or labour, finding a job in foreign lands is a challenge. But not impossible. Unemployment in the Netherlands is one of the lowest in the EU. Added to that is Amsterdam’s burgeoning expat community, some 50,000 of which have already set up professional camp in the city. They've all done it and with our help, so can you. Here's a head-start…
Network
For most people new to Amsterdam, places and faces will be unfamiliar. Overcoming this, de-stranger your environment and join a few groups to strike up professional networks (and possibly friends).
It's always easier to find a job through a close contact or by word-of-mouth. Amsterdam's expat community is surprisingly tight-knit, making for many likely encounters and acquaintances.
Recruitment agencies (uitzendbureaus)
Agencies are located all over the city, with names such as Kelly Services and Adecco easily identifiable to most English-speakers. Like anywhere, there are agencies that specialise in temp positions, meaning one can find work quite quickly, and those for permanent roles. Also, there are several agencies who recruit for vacancies that do not require Dutch although learning the local lingo is much preferred. Click here for a comprehensive list of such agencies in Amsterdam.
CWI (Centrum voor Werk & Inkomen)
The CWI is the Dutch equivalent of the job centre. There are branches located throughout the city with specialists on hand to offer advice and information to job seekers. Either drop by in person or search for vacancies online (shown in several languages depending on your keyword search).The CWI portal page is also available in three languages.
Newspapers
A number of Dutch newspapers have English-language advertisements on their vacancy pages, although most are recruiting for senior positions in international companies. The American Book Center stocks a comprehensive range of reading material and the central library or Openbare Bibliotheek Amsterdam offers an equally excellent range free of charge, as do the University of Amsterdam.
Internet
The most common avenue for job seekers, not only for searching and registering your details but also to keep up to date with prospective employers. Most job agencies regularly post vacancies on their sites, and if you are registered with them, they will contact you to alert you of new opportunities. If you prefer the direct route, job search engines such as the Nationale Vacature Bank (in Dutch) Intermediair and Monsterboard are user-friendly, invaluable resources. Alternatively, check out bulletins of the major international organisations that have local headquarters in the Netherlands.
When in Rome
To apply for work at a particular company that currently has no vacancies send an unsolicited application. Employers often appreciate the initiative. First find a contact person at the company of choice (e.g. in the human resources department), so the application is addressed to a particular person. When preparing to meet your new contact, have your CV and cover letter (motivatie) tailored to the local style. An extra pointer: Dutch employers have a certain proclivity for hobbies and additional interests.
Coaching
There are many companies in the Amsterdam area offering coaching and training services for English-speakers looking to improve their skills or re-evaulate their career goals and aspirations. Enlisting the help of a professional coach may be a good way to set your job related priorites and hear tips from an expert.
Expatcenter partners:
Employment
Coaching & Training
Recruitment Agencies
Foreign Recruitment
Further reading
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If you’re interested in becoming an entrepreneur, see Starting a Business.
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If you’ve been affected by the economic crisis, see Employment Rights in a Recession and Unemployment Benefits in a Recession.
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You can also reach us by phone:
+31 (0)20 254 79 99