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

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.