Practical Tips for Professionals
Networking in the Netherlands can feel unfamiliar, especially if you are used to more hierarchical or indirect business cultures. Dutch professionals value clarity, equality, and efficiency, which strongly influences how professional connections are built. Understanding these cultural norms will help you create genuine and lasting relationships and make your networking efforts more effective.
Be Direct and Clear in Your Communication
Dutch culture is known for its straightforward style. When reaching out to new contacts, it is appreciated if you are clear about who you are, what you do, and why you are connecting. Long introductions or vague messages can feel inefficient. Being direct does not mean being rude. A concise and respectful approach shows confidence and professionalism, and it helps others quickly understand the relevance of your conversation. For example, instead of saying:
“I work in marketing, maybe we can connect someday,”
you could say:
“Hi [Name], I work in digital marketing and am exploring new trends in e-commerce. I’d love to hear your perspective on current challenges in the field. Would you be open to a short coffee chat?”
Approach Networking as a Peer-to-Peer Interaction
Hierarchy plays a smaller role in Dutch professional culture than in many other countries. Managers, executives, and junior employees are often addressed in the same way, usually by their first name.
When building professional connections, focus on creating a genuine relationship rather than trying to impress. Honest conversations and mutual interest are valued more than status or titles. Sharing insights, asking questions, and actively listening will often leave a stronger impression than simply presenting your achievements.
Make the Most of Events and Meetups
The Netherlands offers many opportunities to connect with professionals through industry events, meetups, and workshops. These gatherings are often informal and designed to encourage open conversation. Instead of trying to meet as many people as possible, focus on meaningful discussions. Preparing a few thoughtful questions in advance can make your interactions more effective. For example:
“What trends are you seeing in your industry right now?”
“How did you get started in this field?”
“What advice would you give someone entering the Dutch market?”
Even informal settings, like webinars or community events, can help expand your professional circle if you approach them with curiosity and a proactive mindset.
Follow Up in a Professional and Personal Way
Following up after meeting someone is an essential part of building connections in the Netherlands. A short, friendly message referencing your conversation is usually enough. This demonstrates reliability and genuine interest, both of which are highly valued in Dutch professional culture. There is no need for an overly formal or sales-driven follow-up. Even a brief LinkedIn message like:
“Hi [Name], it was great meeting you at [event]! I really enjoyed our discussion about [topic] and would love to stay in touch,”
can go a long way toward strengthening a professional relationship.
Use LinkedIn as a Core Networking Tool
LinkedIn plays a central role in connecting with professionals in the Netherlands. Recruiters and hiring managers actively use the platform to share insights and identify talent, making it an essential tool for building visibility and professional relationships.
Make sure your profile is up to date and clearly reflects your experience and skills in a way that aligns with the Dutch job market. When sending connection requests, including a personal message helps your request stand out and shows that you are genuinely interested in creating a meaningful connection. Because your LinkedIn profile is so important for professional networking, we will explore how to optimise it in more detail in a separate blog post. In that post, we’ll share practical tips to help your profile attract recruiters and employers in the Netherlands, from writing an effective headline to showcasing your international experience.
Be Consistent and Build Trust Over Time
Networking is rarely about quick results. Trust is built gradually through consistency, reliability, and genuine engagement.
Staying in touch, sharing relevant information, and showing interest in others’ work helps strengthen your professional circle over time. Attending regular industry events, engaging on LinkedIn posts, or joining professional communities can help you stay visible and connected. This long-term approach often leads to stronger and more meaningful career opportunities.
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