Economy
Preparing to work in the Netherlands will require advance research and planning. The Dutch economy is the fifth-largest in the eurozone and is known for its stable industrial relations, historically moderate unemployment and inflation, sizable trade surplus and important role as a European transportation hub. The World Bank (2011) ranked the Netherlands’ more than US$836 billion Gross Domestic Product (GDP) seventeenth out of 192 countries studied. The Netherlands ranked twentieth out of 142 countries studied on the Legatum Institute Economy Sub-Index (2013).
Industrial activity is predominantly in food processing, chemicals, petroleum refining and electrical machinery. A highly mechanized agricultural sector employs only 2 percent of the labor force, but provides large surpluses for the food-processing industry and for exports. High-tech exports account for a significant 24 percent of total manufactured exports. In 2012, the Netherlands exported US$555 billion goods and services and imported US$501 billion.
The country’s economy came out of recession in the first quarter of 2012 and is expected to grow slowly in 2013, just over 1 percent. The unemployment rate continues to increase and is nearing 8 percent. Inflation is 3 percent.
Finding a Job
If you do not speak Dutch and are not familiar with the country’s labor market, finding work in the Netherlands will be a challenge. You may be able to use your English skills, though. English has become the global language of business and though the Dutch generally speak excellent English, partly because it is well taught in state schools, there may be opportunities to work in the Netherlands with private language schools or companies that require fluency in English, brought about by the high demand for English in the workplace. Even though competition is strong, this may be a way to employment for you. Start by checking out the certification you will need at the Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) Certification website.
One of the best ways to find work in the Netherlands is to go to a recruitment agency. These agencies are an important part of the Dutch labor market because almost all companies use the help of an agency to find employees. Most agencies are a member of an employer’s federation, either ABU or NBBU. They ensure that employees receive adequate benefits. Recruitment agencies are free of charge to job candidates.
Also, be sure to check out local newspapers, online forums and bulletin boards in the area you have chosen. Currently, the most in demand work in the Netherlands are jobs in information technology, real estate, hospitality and mechanical industries.
To get you started, here are a few websites that may help you in your job search:
Indeed
Careers in Holland