Selecting and Recruitment Agencies in the Netherlands

By: Together Abroad by Kazim Ladimeji 03-01-2013 10:32 AM
Categories: ** HR Trends in Recruitment,
Recruitment Agencies in the Netherlands

We are operating in a global jobs market, where aspiring international workers move from country to country, for a variety of reasons, such as: career development, better pay, to broaden their horizons or simply to find a job. The Netherlands has become a very attractive destination for overseas candidates for two main reasons; the first is that is ranked as one of the top 20 most liveable cities in the world, and the second reason is that it is currently enjoying some of the lowest levels of unemployment in the euro-zone.

So, what is the most effective channel for landing a job in the Netherlands? Well, a recent global survey by ICIMS of over 1,200 companies world-wide revealed that one of the main ways that people get jobs in today's market is via a recruitment agency. Yes, nearly 21% of roles are filled by recruitment agencies and they are second only to jobs boards in terms of their influence. This figure is likely to be higher for international roles as many companies recognize the difficulties of sourcing international applicants and choose to rely on recruitment agencies to help them do this.

The message is clear, therefore; if you are an international candidate looking to get a job in the Netherlands the best way to do this is to enroll with a recruitment agency in the Netherlands. There are three main ways to do this.

Go to an international job board in the Netherlands

The first way is too simply search on any international jobs board relating to the Netherlands and you will find that many of the job postings are being handled by recruitment agencies in the Netherlands on behalf of a Dutch Employer. Applying for these jobs is a great way of making first contact with a recruitment agency in the Netherlands in order to land a job.

Even if you don't find a suitable job in the jobs board, it is very likely that you will come across a number of recruitment agencies that are Netherlands based and who recruit international candidates. This is your target market and you should make a list of these agencies and contact them and provide a copy of your CV and a letter of introduction explaining your international career aims within the Netherlands.

Google search

The third way to find a recruitment agency in the Netherlands is to do a simple google search using the search phrase, 'recruitment agency Netherlands', and you will find a list of pages providing details of Netherlands based agencies, for example: www.togetherabroad.nl  provides a overview and list of recruitment agencies in the Netherlands who specialize in sourcing international applicants.

Selecting your recruitment agency in the Netherlands

Having found your list of recruitment agencies in the Netherlands how do you select the one which is right for you. We will write about how to choose a recruitment agency in the Netherlands in a later article as it is a broad subject which deserves discussion all of its own.

But, for now our recommendation for choosing a recruitment agency in the Netherlands (as an expat), is to choose one which has a clear focus/strategy for hiring international applicants. Usually, they will state quite clearly on their website that they are an international/multilingual recruiter. It is important that as an international applicant that you initially focus your efforts on recruitment agencies in the Netherlands that are geared towards hiring international recruits, that is if you want to maximize your return on your investment.

Good luck with your job search in the Netherlands.
We have a overview from Recruitment Agencies in the Netherlands on our Career Portal www.togetherabroad.nl

Copywrite Together Abroad
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For an expat moving to the Netherlands, getting the right direction is very important. It's important that one knows which steps and direction to take. Linda is an exceptionally talent counselor, her advice has helped me land a job within a week of coming to the Netherlands. I am grateful for her mentoring and look forward to a great working relationship in the future.

Dr. Hrishiraj S | Clinical Research & Affairs Manager

Together Abroad provided expert advice on personal branding including developing a top-notch, market-aware CV, highly tailored job applications, and approach strategies with potential employers in the Netherlands. Furthermore, I found them be highly knowledgeable in key related fields such as recruitment strategy, immigration law, contracts, labor agreements, and (un)employment benefits. I would recommend Together Abroad to anyone who needs professional help with transitioning to a new career.

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Linda is a big mind. She thinks about things that the rest normally overlook. The insight she has about the dutch job market can only be achieved through years of experience and persistence.

Her business savvy is complemented by her mastery of understanding the client's needs and requirements. For my career I could say, she was the “Mary Poppins”, who guided me through thick and thin and helped me to land a career in the Netherlands

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If you are going to enlist the services of a "Career Coach" look no further. The only person you want in your corner is Linda van Orsouw. As an expat, you absolutely want to work with a highly skilled and knowledgeable professional who knows their way around the Dutch career/employment/job market. Linda assisted me in writing and positioning my CV, helped me organize and prioritize my list of opportunities, coached me through mock interviews and was there when I got offered a senior position only 2 months later. When asked I will only refer to Linda and "Togetherabroad".

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