This article was written using information from Expertise in Labour Mobility. For more information about living and working in Europe and to order your invaluable ‘Looking for work in…’ guide, visit www.labourmobility.com

The Netherlands

Multinational companies love to place their European headquarters in The Netherlands due to its high standard of living and its international trade and industry.

The Netherlands, also known as Holland – although the Dutch prefer to call it The Netherlands – is only small in geographical terms! In terms of population, however, its 16 million inhabitants make it a medium-size European Union country. The standard of living is high: per capita income averages ¤20,000 a year, placing The Netherlands among the world’s richest nations.

This wealth is based on international services, trade, industry and high-tech agriculture, and The Netherlands is one of the leading net exporters of food in the world. For decades, Rotterdam has been the world’s largest port, and Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport now lies at the heart of Europe’s air travel network. It offers direct connections to 220 destinations in 90 countries on 420,000 commercial flights, while over a million tonnes of freight are handled every year.

In business, the multinational company Philips is Dutch and half of both Shell and Unilever are in Dutch hands. Many Asian and American companies choose to locate their European headquarters in the Netherlands.

If you’re a citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA), you’re free to move and work wherever you want to within those countries (although there are restrictions for those from the ‘new’ countries. See Working in Europe on page 8 for more details. However, you will need to apply for a residence permit to live in the Netherlands. This is valid for five years and should be issued to you within six months of your arrival. Contact the Dutch embassy in your home country for more information.

Get networking

Caroline Scheepmaker, a careers adviser at the Technical University of Delft, says: ‘Although overall prospects for recent graduates look good, getting a job is very hard work at the moment. Expectations are that in the near future there will be a need for experts in the field of high-tech, complicated software for new technologies, to be taken into use in the telecom sector. Chemists and accountants remain in demand, as well as scientists and engineers.'

'However, the average number of months graduates spend on job-searching activities has risen quite dramatically. Technical graduates actually face up to eight months of going through tedious application procedures, whereas in the past they would have offers in hand on graduation. Many now start in jobs below their level of education. Employers can afford to be choosier.'

‘In general it still holds true that the employers we work with look for people that are keen to learn. They would rather have people with flexible and coachable potential than specific experience. My best advice for people looking for work in the Netherlands is to build a network, use the contacts in your home country to get a name, and talk to people. You’d be surprised how quickly you can build yourself a network.’

Why, why, why?

Hans Georg van Liempd, Head of the Career Advisory Centre of the University of Tilburg explains: ‘First of all, it is not so important what you have done during and as well as your studies, but you have to ask yourself why you did or did not do other activities. An employer would like to know what you have learned from having been an active member of a student organisation. What skills did you acquire, what were the results of the activities, and what was your role in the process?

‘Secondly, being enthusiastic about the studies and other activities is of more importance than the grades you received. You have to explain why you have made certain choices during your career as a student. Going on an exchange is interesting, the point is what did you learn from this period, how did you grow as a person.

‘Finally, an employer would like to find out how you will fit into the culture and values of the company. An international company asks for different qualities and skills, but nevertheless, "think global and act local!"‘

Work life

Be aware that Dutch businesses are flexible rather than rigorous in their manner. This is reflected in the horizontal structure of many companies. Dutch companies tend to have a methodical, step-by-step approach to business. Meetings are informal, and the aim is to discuss all options and reach consensus before decisions are made. Consequently, the decision-making process can be time consuming! But reaching agreement is of major importance.

Making applications

• Phone in advance to confirm the interview.

• Take copies of your CV, diplomas and employer testimonials to the interview.

• Expect questions about your motivation, your character, strengths and weaknesses, your education and the company itself.

• Be able to give specific examples to illustrate the skills you have and your achievements.

• At the end of an interview in The Netherlands, it is common to ask some questions yourself.

Writing a CV

• A Dutch CV uses a direct, factual style.

• It’s written in chronological order, and should be a maximum of two pages in length, but usually one page will do for people with little work experience.

• Include personal details, education, work experience and leisure activities in your CV.

Covering letters

• The style of your covering letter should be short, direct and professional.

• Start with the reason why you are applying for the vacancy, followed by an explanation of why you consider yourself to be the right candidate for the job.

• It isn’t necessary to include copies of official documents.

Fast facts

Graduate starting salaries

¤23,000-¤34,700.

Currently there is a decline in starting salaries. For the first time in six years, salaries have not increased.

Age at graduation

22–26 years.

Working week

36–40 hours

Holiday entitlement

20 days’ annual leave (minimum) and seven days’ public holiday.

Population

The Netherlands is the most densely populated country in the world with 16 million people. The largest minority groups are the Moroccan, the Turkish, Indonesian and Suriname people.

Language

Dutch. Some people in the area of Friesland speak Fries.