Do not search only one vacancy site. Combine public vacancy/search tools, major job boards, recruiters/uitzendbureaus, employers’ own career pages, LinkedIn/networking and sector-specific channels.

A practical search loop

  1. Decide which job titles are used in Dutch and English.
  2. Check whether Dutch is required, preferred or genuinely unnecessary.
  3. Search Werk.nl, employer sites and relevant commercial boards/recruiters.
  4. Tailor the CV and short motivation to the vacancy rather than sending one generic application everywhere.
  5. Track applications, contact person, deadline, response and follow-up.
  6. Before accepting an offer, move to the contract/CAO checklist.

CV and interview

Keep the CV easy to scan and evidence-based. Explain international qualifications in Dutch-equivalent terms where useful. Prepare examples of results, teamwork and problem-solving. If language level matters, state it honestly using a useful level such as CEFR rather than “good Dutch”.

Recruiters and uitzendbureaus

An uitzendbureau can be a useful entry route, especially for temporary or flexible work. Remember that the agency may be your legal employer while you perform the work at another organisation. See our workplace/employment guide for the CAO and agency-work explanation.