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What to take on a trip to work abroad?

What to take on a trip to work abroad? 1000 1000 ReadySteadyGo

Going abroad for work is a big decision – you will be leaving your home for a few months and will have to cope in a new place. In order to make your life and work as easy as possible, you should prepare well for your departure and take along both essential and simply useful items.

What to take on a trip to work? Checklist of essentials

Whether you are going to an EU country or a non-EU country, you will need to take the necessary documents with you and fulfil a few obligations.

Documents

What you need to bear in mind first and foremost is proof of your identity, i.e. an identity card and a passport. If you are going to the Netherlands or another Schengen country, an identity card will be sufficient, but if you have a passport, take it with you as well. Check the expiry date before you leave – if it is too short, get a new document. You need about 30 days to do this, so don’t leave it to the last minute.

While in the Netherlands, remember not to carry both documents together. If one of them is destroyed, lost or stolen, you will be able to use the other document. If you lose both, you can get help from the embassy of your country. You can contact the office by email, telephone or in person – the necessary telephones and addresses can be found on the website of your country’s embassy.

Although not a necessity, a driving licence is also useful. Having one is an added advantage for an employer and a chance to find a better job. If you have a driving licence, you can work as a driver or delivery driver, plus you gain more flexibility to move around the Netherlands, not just between home and work.

Bank account

When you go to work abroad, you will of course receive your salary. In the Netherlands, this is only paid by transfer to a bank account, so you will need to open one if you do not already have one. The applicable currency is the euro, so it should be a foreign currency account in that currency. Payments are only transferred to an account that belongs to the Employee, so you must have an account that you own. You cannot use the account of your sister, wife, father or co-worker.

If you don’t have your own foreign currency account and don’t want to set one up, you can use your Revolut account. With it, you can not only collect your salary for work, but also pay bills or make other payments conveniently and quickly.

Phone with internet access

Working abroad is different to working in Poland. Here, you know your neighbourhood, you speak the local language and even if you get lost, you can always ask for the directions. In the Netherlands, it is not as easy. A phone with internet access will help you communicate efficiently.

You will use your phone to communicate with the Dutch employment office, you will receive a work plan, as well as a weekly settlement, the so-called salaris, the equivalent of the Polish pay slip. You can also install a navigation application on your phone, which will allow you to easily navigate around the city – to work, to the shop or to the nearby sights.

Cash

Beginnings are always difficult and it remains to be seen whether your suitcase contains everything you need for your first few days at work. To protect yourself, it is a good idea to carry some cash with you – enough to last you the first two weeks, which is the minimum until your first paycheck.

Things useful for a trip to work abroad

What to take on a trip abroad for work is determined by where you are going and what conditions you can expect there. Being well-prepared is essential, so before you go to work in the Netherlands, think about everything that is useful to you in your life in your home country.

All-weather clothing

When going abroad to work, you need to make sure you have the right clothes and footwear. Buying everything when you arrive is not a good idea, as Dutch prices differ from Polish prices and basic items of clothing can be much more expensive.

So, remember to take clothes for all weathers and pack both cold weather and warmer weather items. To make sure you don’t forget anything, make a list. It should include:

  • thermal clothing, e.g. from Decathlon,
  • a raincoat,
  • two hats – warm and a snapback,
  • two pairs of gloves,
  • specialist safety shoes – if you don’t already have these, you can buy them when the contract is signed at the office. You will find the necessary information on this subject in our handbook.

Comfortable underwear, a dozen pairs of socks and comfortable trousers, T-shirts and sweatshirts will certainly come in handy.

Medication

Your baggage should also include medicines, especially those you take permanently or frequently. Take a three-month supply with you. Medicines for basic ailments are also useful, i.e. painkillers and antipyretics, anti-inflammatory ointment to help with muscle pain, and something for food poisoning, i.e. activated charcoal, electrolytes or antimicrobials.

Cosmetics

If you have your favourite cosmetics or hygiene products, supplement your luggage with them. It is best to take a larger quantity of these but adjust it to the space available in your suitcase. You can also buy the items you need when you arrive, and only take your first month’s supply with you.

Cleaning products

The staff accommodation is furnished, but you will not find basic cleaning products. So, for a start, you will need washing powder or capsules, washing-up liquid and a sponge, toilet paper, disposable towels or tissues. Don’t take too much, though – you can buy cleaning products there at a price similar to that in Poland.

Food

When you leave your country, you will certainly miss your favourite foods or products. If it is food that has a long expiration date and does not need to be stored in a refrigerator, you can take it with you. There is access to a fridge at your accommodation, but space is limited for each Employee, so you won’t put too many products in it.

What else to take on a trip abroad for work?

It is said that the forewarned is forearmed and better safe than sorry. These two sayings apply when preparing to go abroad for work.

Spare phone

As you already know, having a working phone is very important as it keeps you in touch with your employer and helps you get around. In order not to be left out of touch, take a spare phone with you. You will use it if your primary equipment breaks down or you lose it and you don’t want to spend the money to buy a new one.

Dutch SIM card

When contacting your employer or the staff at the employment office abroad, you need a Dutch phone number. If you do not get a SIM card from the office, try to buy one yourself. This will allow you to save on calls from a Polish number to a Dutch number. You can get a SIM card before you leave Poland, for example by buying one on the Allegro website, or after you have arrived in the Netherlands.

Phone holder for bicycle

In the Netherlands, your primary means of transport will be your bicycle. In order to ride it safely on Dutch roads and at the same time not get lost, a bicycle-mounted phone holder will come in handy. It will allow you to use navigation comfortably and safely while riding.

Kitchen set

The accommodation provided by READY STEADY GO is fully equipped with the necessary crockery, cutlery and pots for each tenant to use. However, if you prefer to have your own plate or cup, you can bring not only dry food, but also a set of crockery and cutlery to eat comfortably.

Before you go to work, install some apps on your phone

Already during your trip to the Netherlands, you will find that having some apps on your phone can make life much easier. Above all, you will need Google Translate, which will make it much easier for you to communicate in both English and Dutch, for example when shopping for groceries.

Upon arrival, Vivolang, an English learning platform available for free to READY STEADY GO agency Employees, will also be useful. For contacting family and friends, WhatsApp will come in handy. With this app, you can call international numbers free of charge.

Don’t forget about effective navigation, such as Maps.Me, which does not require internet access. The pinning option available there will allow you to plot on a map and save your most frequently used locations, such as work or home.

Going to work is not so scary

When planning a trip to work abroad, it is a good idea to make a list of things that should be in your travel suitcase. If you want to prepare even better for your departure, read the article “Earnings in the Netherlands – why don’t I get offers with a higher hourly rate?“, where you will find some useful information about what Dutch employers value in Employees.

Now you know what to take on a trip abroad for work and how to prepare for it, so making a list will be much easier. So, get to work!

Working abroad – how to find a job in the Netherlands?

Working abroad – how to find a job in the Netherlands? 1000 1000 ReadySteadyGo

A travel to the Netherlands, essentially working abroad, is a chance for stable employment and higher wages. However, it involves searching for a suitable job position and completing many formalities. You can organise such travel yourself or with the help of an employment agency – which option is better?

How to find a stable employment in the Netherlands on your own?

Planning a travel on your own seems challenging, but it is possible; however, it requires very good organisation. At the beginning it is advisable to do some thorough research and find out what formalities you need to fulfil as a job applicant. Most information can be found on Dutch websites, so knowledge of Dutch or English is useful.

You cannot forget about accommodation and collecting money “for the start” – and the starting costs are very high. These include not only the travel, but also the cost of accommodation, a deposit and the cost of a notary. You also have to find accommodation yourself, as well as plan the entire journey. This makes it very difficult – often impossible – to travel alone. It is much easier to organise the whole thing if your friends or family are already living there. They are a safety buffer – they can help you not only to find a job, but also a flat to rent. 

 

A person who wants to work abroad and organises their trip on their own can, however, encounter many obstacles.The first and most serious is the lack of knowledge of the Dutch language. Most job offers and documents are written in this language, so if you do not know it, you will have to use the services of a translator. However, it generates additional costs in the form of remuneration for the translation. You should not sign any document without reading its contents. The labour law in the Netherlands is different from that in Poland, so you should check carefully whether the employment contract contains any provisions that are unprofitable for the Employee.

 

If you want to be completely certain of the employer’s honesty, you should check it yourself, e.g. by reading opinions about the company written by people who work there. A blue-collar worker without experience can rarely count on stable employment conditions from the very beginning. Before an employer offers a contract for a longer period of time, an Employee must prove not only willingness to work, but also sufficiently high performance, and if they lose employment, they will be dependent only on themselves. Going to work in the Netherlands on your own is a huge risk – take it only when you are really prepared for it.

 

Blue-collar worker without language skills can find a job through an agency

An alternative to organising the trip yourself is to use the services of an employment agency abroad. Above all, this option gives security and stability of employment – agencies cooperate with reliable employers and all job offers are thoroughly verified. By choosing an agency that has been in business for many years, the Employee can be sure that they will work in conditions that are described in the offer. It also has the benefit of a large number of job offers, mainly for people who are interested in physical work, such as warehouse workers or people seeking employment in companies related to production. Candidates for these positions are usually not required to have experience, and responsibilities include order picking, quality control, or product packaging.

 

Employment agencies are not only responsible for providing an intermediary service between Dutch employers and job Candidates, but also for organising the Employees’ living conditions. The agency provides free transport to work, accommodation or help in finding an apartment, as well as support of a coordinator who can, for example, arrange medical appointments. The agency also takes care of gathering the documents required for employment and presenting them to the employer. Cooperation with an agency usually means greater security and a sense of stability, as well as a more efficient recruitment process, compared to looking for a job abroad on your own.

 

 

However, when using the agency’s help, you need to be prepared to go through the recruitment process, during which the agency’s employees check the candidate’s skills and experience. Current offers can be found on the agency’s website. If you are interested in an offer, submit a CV that includes information about your experience and skills.Remember that your CV should only contain truthful and precise information, so avoid writing that you speak English or Dutch if you cannot speak it, or do not mention that you have a driver’s license if you are afraid to drive on Dutch roads.

 

The accommodation and Dutch work insurance costs will be deducted from your salary. Accommodation contracts offered by agencies are usually better than those you would find on your own. You should check the integrity of the agency before you start working with them. A move to work in the Netherlands is risky, and there are still agencies on the market that operate on the edge of the law – such agencies are not worth cooperating with. If you are interested in going to the Netherlands and want to use the services of an employment agency, carefully check its credibility, and trust your intuition.

Credible agencies rely on honest and forthright communication with Employees – and that’s the value we believe in at Ready Steady Go.

What can destroy your chances of finding a job?

What can destroy your chances of finding a job? 1000 1000 ReadySteadyGo

Going to work abroad is a great opportunity for positive change and a better, more comfortable life. Unfortunately, this opportunity can be easily missed by discouraging the employment agency arranging the trip at the application review stage.

 

Why is the image so important?

 

A popular saying goes “Fine feathers make fine birds”. There is a lot of truth in this, especially when it comes to people who are looking for a job abroad – in the Netherlands, Germany, or any other country. In order to get a job in a profession that does not require specialised qualifications, you have to take into account that you will not be invited for a personal interview. A potential employer or recruiter from an employment agency will mainly rely on the data provided in your CV and cover letter, as well as the information that can be found about you on the Internet. Therefore, it is worth taking care of all the details that may influence the recruiter’s or employer’s decision, e.g. formal appearance of the CV, providing true and reliable information about yourself, as well as an appropriate image in social media.

 

Unprofessional CV

 

A CV is the first source of information about the candidate. If it contains errors, looks unaesthetically or negligently prepared, it will not reflect well on you. Take care of every detail of this document and think carefully about the information you should include in it. You can find practical tips for writing a CV in the article “How to write a CV to work in the Netherlands?”.

 

Social media image

 

Nowadays, social media profiles are the best source of information about the candidate. Users post photos, share music and post comments that say a lot about themselves and their interests on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Recruiters, not only those from employment agencies, but also those working for private companies, look for information about candidates in the global network. That’s why you should think twice before adding content to a public profile – a recruiter can freely browse the published content and reject a job applicant on its basis.

 

Discouraging features include, but are not limited to, pictures of alcoholic parties or marijuana or other drug use, the use of vulgar language in comments or posts, the publication of songs or videos with uncensored content, and seemingly amusing descriptions of one’s place of work or education, such as “Nobility Doesn’t Work” or “College of Making Noise”. The easiest way to avoid misunderstandings is to limit the visibility of your profile. Then neither the recruiter nor people outside your friends list will have access to the information, photos, or files you have posted.

 

Do not insult your former employer

 

One of the most serious mistakes that can be made during an interview is to speak in a bad way about a former employer. Insulting, name-calling, or using vulgar language while talking about your former job not only looks bad, but also leads to the belief that you will speak about your next employer in a similar manner. Questions about previous work experience or how the job ended should be answered honestly, but politely and without emotion. Negative ones may have a bad impact on the candidate’s image and the recruiter’s opinion of their attitude towards work and the employer.

 

No contact with the recruiter or employer

 

Sending your CV does not end the recruitment process, it just starts it, so you should expect that a recruiter from the agency, or even the employer himself, will contact you by phone. It is therefore very important to answer the phone, especially those from unknown numbers. Such calls cannot be ignored, because the lack of contact with the candidate is a sign for the recruiter that the candidate is not serious about taking the job.

 

It may happen that your phone rings at a time when you cannot talk freely or in peace. A much better solution than ignoring the call is to answer it and ask for contact at another time or write such text message. Remember that a recruiter’s time is valuable – they will make several attempts to contact you, but if they don’t get any feedback from you, they will simply stop calling.

 

Non-compliance with deadlines

 

Your attitude towards work is also demonstrated by meeting the agreed deadlines, both during the recruitment process and after its completion. Remember that the READY STEADY GO agency helps not only in finding a suitable job, but also in preparing the departure to the Netherlands. Postponing interviews or departure dates therefore affects not only your image and the recruiter’s work, but also the employer’s plans and the work of many others.

 

Deadlines are very important, so if you cannot make it to an interview (not just an in-person interview, but also an online video interview), let the recruiter know and the two of you can agree on a new date. However, this should not happen too often. One reschedule is acceptable, but constant rescheduling is not.

 

Much more serious consequences can result from changing the date of arrival in the Netherlands. The employment agency keeps a list of people who do not arrive on time – if you are on the so called “black list”, you will not receive any more offers from the READY STEADY GO agency. Not informing about the postponement of your arrival date blocks the workplace, which could be used by another employee, and also causes problems in the work of coordinators and supervisors who help employees in the Netherlands. There are various accidents in life, so if you are not able to depart on the previously agreed date, contact an employee of the agency, inform him about it and ask for a new date. Remember that another postponement may result in the agency no longer wanting to work with you, so respect not only your time, but also the time of others.

 

Changes are not good for you

 

Going to work in the Netherlands is a serious matter, and organising it requires a lot of work. Contact the employment agency only when you have decided to go, because any change of decision during the recruitment process will be to your disadvantage.

Earnings in the Netherlands – why am I not receiving offers with a higher hourly rate?

Earnings in the Netherlands – why am I not receiving offers with a higher hourly rate? 1000 1000 ReadySteadyGo

Minimum hourly wages in the Netherlands are relatively high, especially when you consider that in some professions the working week is less than 40 hours. Usually, going to work abroad is associated with the desire to earn more than the minimum wage, but the reality is not always so. What to do and what not to do in order to find a job with a higher hourly rate?

 

Working in the Netherlands and requirements for Candidates

When looking for a job in the Netherlands, we do not always consider what a potential employer expects. This is crucial, not only for whether you will be hired at all, but also for the salary you may receive for the job. If you are planning to go abroad, look at the offers provided by temporary employment agencies and check which skills or qualities are desired by employers in the Netherlands. This is important, especially if you want to work in a specific profession and want to get a good salary for it from the beginning.

 

Earnings in the Netherlands cannot fall below a certain level. Minimum wages are verified usually twice a year, usually on January 1 and July 1. There is also the so-called age rate. The Netherlands is a country that promotes education, so young workers who are not yet 21 years old earn less than those over 21. You have to take this into account if you are under 21 and looking for a job in the Netherlands.

 

Skills important for working in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, wages are related to an Employee’s skills. In some occupations, these skills are even necessary in order to obtain a satisfactory wage. For example, the ability to drive a forklift or the ability to drive a car or van without any problems.

 

If you lack additional qualifications, make sure you get them before you leave. A forklift truck course can be completed and passed in a few days. Jobs for forklift drivers can be found almost anywhere – whether in a warehouse, a gardening company or a manufacturing company. Acquiring a driving licence takes a little longer, but more and more schools offer accelerated courses that can be completed in just a few weeks. If you pass your test first time, it won’t take too long to get your driving licence.

 

Just having a driving licence is not enough. If you are afraid of driving in the Netherlands, consider taking a driving course. Invest in enough driving hours with an instructor so that you feel confident behind the wheel and can drive in the Netherlands without any problems.

 

Language skills are also very important. Dutch employers usually speak English well, so a basic level of language skills is sufficient to be able to communicate freely with the employer about the most important issues. It is therefore advisable to attend a language course organised by the READY STEADY GO recruitment agency before or during your stay in the Netherlands. The programme of this course mainly covers communication skills in an employee – employer relationship, so you can acquire practical skills that will be useful while working in the Netherlands.

 

Minimum wage for hesitant workers

If you want to earn more than € 11.31 per hour gross, you have to make compromises, especially regarding the length of your departure. Interesting and well-paid jobs rarely await employees who are only available for two or three months. A higher rate is offered mainly to those who are willing to work for six months or more – work well and conscientiously perform your duties and you will receive not only a higher gross rate per hour, but also better working conditions.

 

Minimum hourly wages and contraindications to work

If you are looking for a job abroad for positions that do not require specialist qualifications, you have to reckon with the fact that the working conditions in some companies can be a bit onerous (you can find out how to prepare for them here). However, the earnings in the Netherlands are adequate to the conditions offered by the employer. If you are hoping for a high salary, up to 2-3 thousand euros gross per month, you have to be prepared to work, for example, in low or high temperatures.

 

It is therefore important how many contraindications to work you list in the recruitment form – the fewer the better, because the READY STEADY GO recruitment agency will be able to offer you more diverse offers. Remember also that a cold store is not the same as a freezer, and that the temperature in a greenhouse is usually the same as room temperature, so don’t fall for stereotypes. If you have doubts about a particular job offer, consult a specialist at the agency rather than limiting your choice of positions.

 

A good option is to try working as a so-called flexible worker. Such an Employee is assigned to different positions in several companies for about two or three weeks. This kind of work in the Netherlands will allow you to get to know your preferences and the employer to find out in which position you are best suited.

 

How does this relate to wages? Earnings in the Netherlands for temporary workers depend on the Employee’s availability, skills and willingness to work. If you impose a lot of restrictions on taking the job at the beginning, you will have to accept working for not very high wages or even minimum wages.

 

If working in the Netherlands is your plan for the nearest future, try to make your stay there as financially and professionally rewarding as possible. Achieving a high income is possible – now you know how to do it!

Why is it worth to look for a job through an agency?

Why is it worth to look for a job through an agency? 1000 1000 ReadySteadyGo

Working abroad is an option that attracts more and more people every year. New job offers for permanent and temporary workers are constantly appearing on the labour market and employment agencies abroad are constantly recruiting. If you are also looking for a job abroad in the near future, check out why it is worth organising it with the help of an agency.

Job offers for people without experience and language skills

Job offers for unskilled Employees and workers with no experience

Job offers abroad, which the READY STEADY GO recruitment agency has, are not only for qualified and experienced workers. Everyone who wants to work and is not afraid of change will find a job for themselves. Thus, you do not need to have any experience – good intentions and a positive attitude are enough.

Period of employment

Moreover, in an employment agency abroad job offers can be found both by those who want to leave for a few months, and those who are only looking for a temporary job, e.g. for a holiday break or Christmas. Planning a longer trip, a more interesting and better paid job offers can be counted on than in the case of employment for just a few weeks, but even in the latter case, the earnings are very high.

What about language skills?

When you decide to go abroad to work, organised by an agency, in many workplaces only the basics of a foreign language will be sufficient. Many people still believe that when going abroad for work, you need to know at least English and preferably also the official language of the country you are going to. In many workplaces, basic knowledge of English is sufficient for everyday communication. Agencies often employ people of different nationalities, so it is very likely that you will also meet people who speak your native language

You already know the basics and want to develop your language skills? As a Ready Steady Go Employee, you receive free access to a platform, where you can learn business English, as well as discounts on classes with a teacher!

Employment agencies abroad will ensure continuity of employment

Let the work find you

Although there is no shortage of job offers for unskilled workers in the Netherlands, it is still often difficult to find work on your own. Employment agencies make the job search process much easier, as they have access to hundreds of current offers and will present you with those that best fit your profile and expectations.

Reliable and verified workplaces abroad

The agency’s Employees verify all jobs and check the conditions carefully, so they know what kind of workers the employers need and can match the Employee well with the job. Even if the first choice is not right, the agency will take care of the search for the next job, so the Employee does not have to worry about being left empty-handed.

Flexible workers

Employment agencies are often approached by people who do not have precise employment expectations or experience in any of the sectors they offer. The job opportunities are then very high. For the first few weeks, it is advisable to work as a flexible worker, who is assigned to different positions in several companies. This will give you the opportunity to find out in which position you are best suited. If you prove yourself, there is a good chance that your employer will appreciate this and will assign you more responsible tasks and will want to invest in your professional development.

Employment agency and finances

Higher wages and risks

Do you choose a job offer abroad on your own because you hope to earn more than if an employment agency organises the same position? Although there is such perception, this is not entirely true. It is true that if you look for a job on your own you may get a higher salary to start with, but you will also have a higher cost of living and the job will be riskier and more stressful. In addition, if something goes wrong and the job turns out to be unsuitable, you will have to take part in the recruitment process again and wait until the next employer decides to work with you.

This takes time and money. It will be expensive to live in the Netherlands, Germany or any other western European country before you start earning euros, so when you go to these countries, you need to have cash ready both to start with and for a ‘rainy day’.

Plan your trip to the Netherlands carefully

If you want to work abroad, you have to reckon with certain costs. They are generated already by the preparations for departure and transport to the place of work. If you buy the ticket on your own, you run the risk of overpaying for the trip and arriving at the place of work at times when the company/agency office is closed, which will incur further costs, e.g. accommodation, taxi.

Meanwhile, recruitment agencies abroad that send workers to the same places all the time cooperate with transport operators and can offer discounts on tickets. You can also be sure that you will arrive at the place during working hours of the company/office and provided with free transport to your accommodation.

Living and travelling to work

When you start working in the Netherlands, you also need to have some cash to start with. How much money you need depends on your form of travel.

Travelling alone

If you make your own travel and work arrangements, you need to secure money not only for the trip itself, but also to pay for accommodation and to live for at least one month, that is, until you get your first paycheck.

Agency work

When you choose agency work, the costs are significantly reduced. You can count not only on cheaper tickets, but also on lower rent and reduced costs of travelling to work – accommodation and transport to the workplace are taken care of by the agency.  In case of Ready Steady Go agency, the transport from/to work is free of charge and the housing costs will be taken from your first weekly payment, i.e. from the money you earn. Even before leaving your country, you will know what costs will be deducted from your salary, so you can plan your own expenses and savings. This is a very convenient solution.

Working abroad and improving your skills

Language skills

Among the job offers you will find both those from employers who do not require knowledge of the language and those in which at least basic communication skills are useful, for instance in English. The higher your knowledge of English, the more opportunities and higher pay you will get. If you don’t speak English, before you leave you can take part in a language course organized by the READY STEADY GO agency. This course is designed for people working abroad in sectors such as gardening, manufacturing, warehousing, focused on learning communication between the Employee and the employer.

An agency can help improve your qualifications

Many jobs abroad, although they do not require special qualifications, help you to gain these qualifications in practice. By working for a few months in one position, you can acquire skills that will be useful in your next job, which can result, for example, in a higher salary at your next employer or a promotion in your current company.

Courses

In the Netherlands, people with additional skills and qualifications are very welcome. Even before your departure, it is worth investing in a few courses or trainings, for example a forklift course or at least a driving licence (if you don’t have one) or further training, which will allow you to feel confident behind the wheel, in case you need to drive a company car while working abroad.

Work abroad through an agency

Therefore, if you want to go abroad to work, you should use the possibility of organizing the trip by the READY STEADY GO agency. We offer not only help in completing the necessary formalities, but also detailed information on employers, verified, reliable and attractive job offers in the Netherlands, as well as several courses and discounts from our business Partners.

On our website you can find a lot of useful information which will make your recruitment process and departure quick and smooth. If you have additional questions and need us to contact you by phone, leave your number or write a message on the site 🙂

Don’t be caught off guard – what to look out for in job offers?

Don’t be caught off guard – what to look out for in job offers? 1000 1000 ReadySteadyGo

Looking for a job in the Netherlands is not an easy task. Particular offers differ from each other in many details, and each of them is described according to different criteria. So, how to look for a job abroad to find a satisfying offer? Here are some practical tips!

CV and covering letter

If you cannot find a job across the country and you are opting to go abroad for work, visit portals and websites with job offers in the Netherlands and start your job search by writing your CV. You can read about how to write a CV on our blog.

What’s the purpose of a CV and covering letter?

A CV and a covering letter are essential documents for recruitment, but there is more to it than that. Writing them allows you to create a coherent and accurate description of yourself, from which you can draw conclusions as to what kind of job you are best suited for. Writing a covering letter is not obligatory, but if you want to get a well-paid job it is worth creating one and submitting it to the recruiter together with your CV.

An interview cheat sheet

You can take your complete CV and covering letter with you to the interview. If you get stressed during the interview and the recruiter has a question about their content, you can easily answer it in detail with the content of the document in front of you.

How to effectively look for a job? Find out what employers require

On the Dutch labour market there is a demand for qualified workers with proper education and experience, as well as unqualified ones, who are usually only required to be available. In agencies there is no shortage of job offers aimed mainly at people from the second group, but to find out whether such a job is for you, read the requirements set by Dutch employers.

Job requirements

Looking through the job offers on the READY STEADY GO website, you can see that finding a job does not have to take a long time. The ads contain the most important information about the requirements of employers.

You don’t have to speak English

Pay special attention to language skills – in many places you do not have to speak either English or Dutch. However, if you are interested in better paid jobs, for instance as a machine operator, you will probably need to be able to communicate in one of these languages.

Specific skills

When looking for a job and browsing the offers, don’t forget to check if employers require you to have specific skills, e.g. operating a forklift, production or agricultural machinery. By meeting such requirements, you can find a job faster and get paid more. Having the ability to drive a car, so having a category B driving license, is one of such skills.

Availability

The more employer’s requirements you meet, the sooner you can stop looking for a job and start working effectively and earning money. In addition to skills, availability is also crucial. Some employers are looking for seasonal workers, others want to commit to an employee on a long-term basis. Job offers usually include information on the required minimum availability for work.

Job search by its description

When you are looking for a job, it is not only what employers require, but also what they offer that counts.

Dutch companies are often looking for unqualified workers in gardening, manufacturing or logistics. This involves working in cold or above room temperature (information on how to prepare for this can be found here). If you are just beginning your career in the Netherlands, it is advisable to be flexible and adapt to the conditions offered by your employer. If you want to test different industries and positions in order to find the most suitable job, you can start by working as a flexible worker (read more about this here).

Working conditions

The job offers you can find on the READY STEADY GO website are full of information about the working conditions. Pay attention mainly to:

  • Shift patterns, so whether you will be working one, two or three shifts;
  • The temperature – some jobs require you to spend several hours in cold or hot temperatures. If you have a blood pressure problem or other health condition and cannot cope with temperature changes, working in a cold environment may not be for you;
  • Job description – when looking at advertisements, check what your main task will be. If the employer is looking for people to pick cucumbers and you can’t bend down because you have a bad back, choose another job.

Job search and finances

Basic hourly rate for Candidates

Looking for a job obviously involves also finances. The approach of “I am looking for a job to earn well but not get tired” is of course valid, but not always possible to fulfil. Job offers are usually accompanied by an hourly rate, given in euro, and information on allowances, such as holiday or shift allowances. With some employers, it is also possible to obtain a bonus.

The best payment without age rate

For those who are not yet 21 years old, the opportunity to work without age-based rate will be valuable. The Netherlands is a country that supports education, so young people starting work before the age of 21 earn less for the same work than employees who are already 21 years old. This is to discourage young people from taking up work and encourage them to continue their education instead. In order to find a job without the age rate, you have to look through many job offers or ask a recruiter whether the companies you choose have age-based rate. The READY STEADY GO Agency is focused on young workers, therefore the age rate is only valid until the age of 20, and at certain times of the year there are also offers without age rates.

Job details

 

Characteristics of work

If you want to find a job that suits you best, pay attention to the job characteristics. If you’re only going to be gone for a few weeks, look for a temporary/seasonal job, and if you’re likely to spend a few months working in the Netherlands, a permanent job is better.

Reviewing jobs in detail and clarifying doubts with the recruiter will ensure that you are well prepared and very few things can surprise you when you arrive.

How to look for a job without wasting your time?

You already know a lot about how to look for a job in the Netherlands. Remember, however, that in some companies, just as in Poland, your attitude to work and willingness to work are more important than your experience and skills.

You’ll get the best opportunities if you read the adverts carefully and talk to the recruiter about the details. Going to work in the Netherlands can be a turning point in your career, even if you initially do simple gardening or warehouse work.

See what employers are offering and choose the position that best suits your expectations.