According to Jobfeed.nl, the top 5 job sites in NL right now are: Randstad, Young Capital, Tempo-Team, Olympia and Start People. These job boards are ranked by the number of unique job offerings that can be accessed via their sites. The jobs found on these sites are unlikely to be found on any other. With over 12,000 vacancies collectively, these sites have become an increasingly great tool for job searchers throughout the Netherlands. However, I have to also include Together Abroad into this list, as it is a remarkable platform for job seeking expats.
The one thing they all have in common is that recruiters determine their prominence, because they always post up-to-date vacancies, which is probably what makes them so popular. Furthermore, each job site has its own special features. For instance, Randstad makes it their mission to ‘ensure that all our employees, including temp, part-time and contract employees, are paid fairly, and have access to resources and information that will enhance their work experience’. Furthermore, they make the effort to maintain their relationship with each jobseeker even if they have just found a job. Young Capital regularly updates their users and assists them when applying for a job by ensuring their CVs are suitable, for example. Above all, what makes the top 5 sites so popular is what they can offer you as a jobseeker.
However, popularity alone should not determine whether or not one should use them. Whilst there is a slight advantage to using popular sites, smaller sites can also be very effective. Smaller sites offer a more personal touch. For example, some like CNV cater for specific jobseekers, which offers assistance to disabled students looking for work. Additionally, smaller sites are suitable for jobs within the niche market. So if you are looking for a completely new career or just want to try your luck, smaller sites might be the way to go. The difficulty with using a smaller job site is the challenge that comes with finding them. Job boards can be set up in a matter of minutes and you never really know which ones are the quality boards.
Having said that, I have to also mention the special qualities of Together Abroad. They aim to always help users gain their desired employment. Users are regularly updated with job search emails; they are offered helpful tips, ideas and knowledge through the supplement of useful articles. This board tends to go above and beyond for each and every user. There is an endless amount of information available for all job seekers and employers to utilise. They also host workshops, seminars and various discussions open to all. This prolongs enthusiasm in their users. Moreover, users also have the chance to grow because of all these opportunities they can take part in. And especially useful is that all vacancies on their site are still available. Together Abroad rarely disappoints.
Whether or not you use a popular job site is up to you. Every job site exists to help make the search for employment an easier process. Though what must be considered is what you are getting out of these job sites. There is no point wasting your time using a job site that does not offer much of what you are looking for. Some of the larger and popular job sites, like those mentioned here have unique job offerings and usually cater to some of the biggest recruiters in the Netherlands.
Lucine Bassa
Sources
http://www.independentliving.org/studyworkabroad/NL/
https://workology.com/31-best-niche-job-boards-recruiters/
http://www.recruitingroundtable.nl/2015/06/05/top-100-grootste-vacaturesites-nederland-2015/
https://www.textkernel.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/infographic-de-nederlandse-online-vacaturemarkt-q1-2017.-bron-jobfeed.pdf
https://www.glassdoor.nl/Arbeidsvoorwaarden/Randstad-Verenigde-Staten-Arbeidsvoorwaarden-EI_IE302306.0,8_IL.9,25_IN1.htm