2017 and the Job Market Situation

Times of political and economic uncertainty bring nervous thoughts of the future, employment being part of that. Each year, we wait to hear how the labor market is doing for the next year and cross our fingers that all is well. This is especially so for those looking to graduate soon or those looking to make a change in their employment. What will 2017 be bringing to the current job market situation?

Jobseekers in the Netherlands, rejoice! For those recent graduates or others looking for new opportunities out there, the next few words written will hopefully come as a welcome friend. Unemployment in the Netherlands has fallen to below half a million, just 5.6% of the entire labor force of the country, for the first time since 2012. More and more companies are taking residence in the Netherlands, meaning more job opportunities available every day. This comes as great news for future and current expats and residents!

The main industries in the Netherlands are food processing, chemicals, petroleum refining and electrical machinery. Because the country is experiencing a lack of talented employees to fill positions, look to these industries for open positions. However,it is the IT sector, mostly programmers that see the largest shortage of employment. Because of the lack of talented workforce available, companies will be looking to highly skilled migrants from outside the country for hire. For those looking at employment in sectors requiring less highly specific skills, the retail sales staff holds one of the largest unfulfilled vacancies at over 7,000.

As jobseekers, can we be optimistic? I would say, cautiously so. No one will be standing on street corners handing out dream positions, especially to expats. However, things are looking up and with the apparent lack of talented people to fill opening positions, we may be able to stress a little less. Happy hunting. Cheers to a fruitful 2017 and an optimistic 2018 to come.

Ashley Herbert

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