Applying for a job in the Netherlands

What do Dutch companies consider important when hiring a new employee, and what is the fastest way to find a job? Here are a few tips on how to prepare well for the application process.

1. Finding the right vacancy

Vacancies can mainly be found online. Most companies publish vacancies on their own websites and advertise on job sites, LinkedIn and other social media channels. In addition, companies also use recruitment firms which, in turn, publish the vacancies. One agency that focuses on international job matching is Undutchables.

Also keep an eye on LinkedIn. Many companies in the Netherlands publish their vacancies there, and your profile can also help recruiters find you. Make sure your LinkedIn profile matches your CV and clearly shows your experience, skills and language level.

What is even better is to be on a company’s radar before they publish a vacancy. At most companies, vacancies are first posted internally. The employees themselves can respond to such a vacancy, or tell people they know about it. Finding someone this way saves companies money on recruitment costs.

Never underestimate the power of your personal network. Be sure to let your friends and acquaintances know you are looking for a new job. Who knows, one of their employers could be looking for someone just like you!

2. Responding to a vacancy

Always follow the instructions in the vacancy. Depending on the employer, you may apply through an online application system, LinkedIn, a recruitment agency or by e-mail. If you are asked to apply by e-mail, you usually send two attachments: your curriculum vitae (CV) and a cover letter.

In addition, you can often get more information by contacting the company. If a contact person is listed and you have a genuine question, it can be wise to take advantage of this. Make sure you ask specific questions for which the answer is not in the vacancy or on the website. Calling for the sake of calling is generally not appreciated by the Dutch.

Good questions to ask:

• What exactly do you mean by...? [Wat bedoelt u precies met...?]
• What is the essence of the position? [Wat is de essentie van de functie?]
• What is the department like? [Hoe ziet de afdeling eruit?]

You will often receive valuable information during such a telephone call, which you can then use when sending your letter and CV.

Cover letters in Dutch

Your reason for wanting the position is one of the most important reasons for an employer to hire you. Make sure you answer the following questions in your letter:

Where did you find the vacancy?

• I would like to apply for the position of (position), for which you posted a vacancy in/on (medium) on (date). [Graag solliciteer ik op de functie van (functienaam) waarvoor u een vacature heeft geplaatst in (medium) op (datum).]
• I discovered the vacancy for (position) in/on (medium). I would like to be considered for this role. [Ik kwam de vacature voor (functienaam) tegen in (medium). Ik wil graag in aanmerking komen voor deze functie.]

Why are you applying?

• I am looking for a new job because I would like to develop further in... [Ik ben op zoek naar een nieuwe baan, omdat ik me verder wil ontwikkelen in …]
• I am ready for a new challenge. The position in your company would be the next logical step for me in my career. [Ik ben toe aan een nieuwe uitdaging. De functie in uw bedrijf zou voor mij een logische vervolgstap zijn in mijn loopbaan.]
• I think it would be very interesting to work for your organisation because... [Het lijkt me erg interessant om voor uw organisatie te werken, omdat …]

Why you are the right person for the job?

I am convinced that I have the right experience and skills to make this job a success. For example, I… (give more information about concrete experience and examples that demonstrate your skills).
[Ik ben ervan overtuigd dat ik de juiste ervaring en competenties heb om deze functie tot een succes te maken. Zo heb ik ... ]

And make sure your conclusion is good:

• I would be pleased to further explain my application in a personal interview. [Graag licht ik mijn sollicitatie toe in een mondeling gesprek.]
• I look forward to your reply. [Ik kijk uit naar uw reactie.]

Other important rules for a cover letter:

• If writing in Dutch, choose the form of address that fits the company. Many organisations use the formal ‘you’ in Dutch (‘u’), but some companies use the informal ‘je’ or ‘jij’. When in doubt, ‘u’ is the safest option.
• Keep the letter businesslike with a personal touch.
• Keep it short and specific. A cover letter is not always required, but when it is, it should clearly explain your motivation and relevant experience.

CVs in Dutch

A few rules for your curriculum vitae:

• Limit the length to two pages.
• Keep it factual, concise and easy to scan.
• Tailor your CV to the vacancy and use clear words for your experience and skills.
• Document your work experience and training in reverse chronological order, with the most recent one first.
• You can also state what you do in your spare time, especially if it says something relevant about your personality, skills or motivation. After all, many Dutch people consider work-life balance to be important.

3. Receiving a reply

It is common practice to receive an acknowledgement of receipt of your application. If you have not heard whether the company has received your application within a week, it is acceptable to contact them yourself.

Next you will receive:

• An invitation for an interview: Well done! Read more about being interviewed.
• A rejection: Contact them by phone to find out if they might have any tips for you for future applications.
• Nothing at all: Unfortunately, employers do not always reply. In these instances, it is fine to call or send an email to enquire about the status of your application.
   

4. Being interviewed

For many positions, it is already a quite an accomplishment to be invited for an interview. Go there well-prepared.

Some tips for if you are not completely familiar with the Dutch culture:

• Arrive on time. Dutch people are very punctual. If you have an interview at 10:00 a.m., make sure you report to reception no later than 9:55 a.m.
• Look your interviewer in the eye.
• Dress professionally and in a way that fits the company and the position. For formal sectors, business attire is usually expected. For other organisations, smart professional clothing may be enough.
• Prepare ahead of time for questions about why you want the job, as well as questions about your character, strengths and weaknesses.
• Do not be surprised by Dutch directness.
• If you do not know the answer to a question, say so. Do not try to dodge the question.
• Be honest about any gaps or other irregularities in your CV.
• Make sure you also prepare a number of your own questions. This is seen as being proactive.
• If salary is discussed, prepare yourself by researching what is common for the position and sector in the Netherlands.