After graduation at a university or university of applied sciences in the Netherlands, foreign students are allowed to spend a period of up to twelve months in the Netherlands to find a job as a highly skilled migrant ('kennismigrant').

During this period you have free access to the Dutch labour market. There are many ways to search for a job in the Netherlands.

Personal contacts in finding of jobs

Finding a job through network is quite common. Making contacts can be done in an informal way. It is not considered polite to ask people directly for a job. Instead, just ask them for information and the job opportunities. Do not hesitate to make enquiries or present yourself by phone. You can also open an account on Linkedin.

Work Placement

The work placement branch of the Employee Insurance Agency (UWV WERKbedrijf) and formerly the Centre for Work and Income or CWI) plays an important role in the Dutch labour market. They help people to find a job, give advice and information, and other assistance. Through an extensive network of partner sites and (temporary) employment agencies, most vacancies registered with these partners are also registered in UWV WERKbedrijf's online job database.

Temporary employment agencies

Private sector temporary employment agencies (uitzendbureaus) are widespread. Almost all occupations are covered by temporary employment agencies in the Netherlands. You can find their contact details in Yellow Pages or the Internet.

Jobseekers should primarily consult Dutch newspapers for vacancies. Internet editions and the Saturday editions of the national newspapers NRC Handelsblad, de Volkskrant, de Telegraaf and Algemeen Dagblad all carry job offers.

Regional newspapers are recommended for jobs in specific local areas, and you can also find vacancies in the Metro and Spits, free daily newspapers distributed in public transport networks and commuter zones.

Finding job via Internet

Internet is a common and an excellent tool for job hunting. There are many interesting Dutch sites on the Internet. On several sites you can register your CV in a job database. Employers often check them in search of new recruits. For example, the EURES website specializes in pan-European job vacancies and is available in all major European languages. 

Open applications

Open applications are very common and often successful in the Netherlands. Even if the company currently has no vacancies, they may still keep your application on file.