Starting or growing your career in a new country comes with its own challenges. You’re not just adapting to a different job market, you’re also navigating a new work culture, communication style, and set of expectations.
One thing that often surprises expats in the Netherlands is this: it’s not just about what you know. It’s about how you work, how you communicate, and how you fit into a team. That’s where the balance between hard skills and soft skills becomes essential.
Hard Skills: Your Professional Foundation
Hard skills are your technical abilities, the things you’ve learned through education, previous roles, or training. They’re often the reason your CV gets noticed in the first place.
If you’re applying for jobs in the Netherlands, these might include:
– Your degree or certifications – Experience with specific tools or systems – Language skills (especially English and sometimes Dutch) – Industry-specific knowledge
As an expat, your hard skills are what help employers quickly understand your background, especially if your experience comes from another country. But here’s the reality: hard skills alone are rarely enough.
The Dutch job market evolves quickly, and employers expect candidates to keep learning. Whether it’s new technologies, digital tools, or industry trends, staying up to date is part of the deal.
Soft Skills: Your Advantage As An Expat
Soft skills are often underestimated, but in an international environment, they can make all the difference. These are the skills that shape how you work with others, how you handle change, and how you navigate unfamiliar situations, something every expat experiences.
In the Netherlands, workplace culture is known for being:
– Direct (feedback is honest and to the point) – Flat (hierarchies are minimal) – Collaborative (team input is valued)
To thrive in this environment, employers look for people who can:
– Communicate clearly and confidently – Adapt quickly to new ways of working – Take initiative and work independently – Build relationships across cultures
For many expats, this is actually where you stand out. Moving abroad already shows resilience, flexibility, and courage – all highly valued soft skills.
Why Employers Expect Both
Think of it this way:
– Hard skills get you in the door – Soft skills help you stay, grow, and succeed
You might be technically qualified for a role, but employers also want to know:
– Can you collaborate with a multicultural team? – Can you handle feedback (especially the Dutch kind, direct and honest)? – Can you adapt when things don’t go as planned?
The candidates who succeed long-term are the ones who combine expertise with the ability to navigate people, change, and challenges.
How to Show Both on Your CV (and in Interviews)
One common mistake expats make is focusing only on technical experience. While that’s important, your CV should also reflect how you work — not just what you’ve done.
Show your hard skills by being specific:
– Mention tools, systems, and results – Align them with the job description – Highlight measurable impact
Show your soft skills through examples:
– Working in international teams – Adapting to new environments – Solving problems or improving processes
Instead of simply writing “team player”, try: “Collaborated with a multicultural team across 3 countries to deliver projects within tight deadlines.”
That tells a much stronger story, especially for employers used to international workplaces. Building a career abroad isn’t just about qualifications. The experience itself shapes you into a more adaptable, resourceful, and globally minded professional. And that’s exactly what many employers in the Netherlands are looking for.
So don’t just list your skills, own your story.
We’re currently working on a full guide to help you create a strong, expat-proof CV, so keep an eye out for the next blogs!
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Moving to the Netherlands is a big step, new city, new routines, new opportunities. But once the excitement settles, many expats face the same question: How do I actually grow my career here?
Between adapting to a different work culture and navigating a competitive job market, it’s easy to feel like you’re one step behind. The good news? You don’t have to figure it all out at once. One of the simplest ways to move forward, from anywhere, at your own pace, is through online learning.
Stay Where You Are
As an expat, your journey won’t look the same as someone who grew up or studied in the Netherlands and that’s completely okay. Maybe you’re:
– Still job hunting – Working in a role that doesn’t fully match your experience – Trying to switch industries – Or figuring out how the Dutch workplace really works
Online training gives you a way to take action, no matter your situation. You don’t need perfect conditions, just a starting point.
Why Upskilling Matters (Especially Abroad)
When employers look at international candidates, they often look for more than just experience. They want to see adaptability, curiosity, and initiative. By investing in your skills, you show exactly that.
Upskilling can help you:
– Build confidence in a new professional environment – Strengthen your CV with relevant, local-friendly skills – Show employers that you’re proactive and motivated – Close gaps between your past experience and your future goals
In a fast-changing job market, learning isn’t something you do once, it’s something you keep doing.
Flexible Learning that Fits Your Life
One of the biggest challenges as an expat is balancing everything at once, settling in, building a network, maybe learning the language, and finding your place professionally. That’s why online learning works so well.
You can:
– Study in between job applications – Learn in the evenings or weekends – Take short courses without long-term commitments – Focus only on skills that are relevant to you
Platforms like Coursera or LinkedIn Learning make it easy to follow structured online courses, while tools like Duolingo or Preply can help you build language confidence alongside your professional skills.
What Skills Are Actually Worth Your Time?
If you want to see real results, it’s important to focus on skills that match the Dutch job market. Some of the most valuable areas for expats include:
Digital & practical skills Think beyond theory, tools like Excel, CRM systems, basic data analysis, or digital marketing can immediately boost your profile.
Language & communication Even basic Dutch can open doors, especially in roles with local interaction. At the same time, strong business English remains essential.
Project management Understanding how teams work (Agile, Scrum) is highly valued across industries in the Netherlands
Industry-specific knowledge Certifications in your field – whether it’s finance, compliance, tech, or logistics – can help you stand out quickly.
Soft skills Working in international teams requires adaptability, clear communication, and cultural awareness, all things employers actively look for.
Don’t Just Learn – Show it
One of the most common mistakes? Taking online trainings… and never talking about them.
If you’re putting in the effort, make it visible:
– Add new skills and certificates to your CV – Update your LinkedIn profile – Mention your learning journey in interviews – Share examples of how you’ve applied your knowledge
This is especially important as an expat, it shows that you’re actively building your place in the local job market.
Keep Yourself Moving Forward
There can be moments when things feel slow, waiting for responses, adjusting to a new environment, or figuring out your next step. Learning helps you stay in control during those periods. It gives you structure, progress, and a sense of direction, even when everything else feels uncertain.
Your Career, Your Pace
Building a career abroad isn’t about rushing, it’s about making consistent, intentional steps. Online learning is one of the easiest ways to do that. It helps you grow, adapt, and stay ready for the right opportunity when it comes. So instead of waiting for the “perfect” moment, start small.
One course. One skill. One step forward. Which skill are you learning next?
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Boost Your LinkedIn Profile as an Expat in the Netherlands
If you’re building your career in the Netherlands as an expat, your LinkedIn profile is one of your most important tools. In many cases, recruiters will find you before you find them. And when they do, your profile needs to quickly answer three questions: who you are, what you do, and whether you’re a good fit.
The good news? You don’t need to reinvent everything. A few smart adjustments can make a big difference.
1. Make it easy to understand what you do
Recruiters don’t spend minutes analysing profiles, they scan. That’s why your headline matters so much. Instead of only listing your job title, use that space to give a bit more context. What’s your expertise? What kind of roles are you aiming for?
For expats especially, clarity is key. If your previous roles or job titles aren’t typical in the Dutch market, simplify them so they’re easy to understand internationally.
2. Use your summary to connect the dots
Your summary is where your story comes together. If you’ve recently moved (or are planning to), this is the place to explain your situation. Mention your current location, your background, and what you’re looking for next.
Keep it natural, write it the way you would introduce yourself in a conversation. A few short paragraphs work better than one long block of text.
3. Show what you’ve actually achieved
A common mistake is turning the experience section into a list of responsibilities. Instead, focus on results. What did you improve, build, or contribute to? This is especially important if you’re coming from abroad. Employers may not know your previous companies, so your impact matters more than the name on your CV.
Even simple, concrete examples can help bring your experience to life.
4. Align your skills with the jobs you want
Think of the skills section as your visibility tool.
Recruiters often search using keywords, so make sure your skills reflect the roles you’re targeting, not just everything you’ve ever done. If you’re transitioning into a new role or industry in the Netherlands, this section becomes even more important. It helps position you for where you’re going, not just where you’ve been.
5. Be present, not perfect
You don’t need to become a full-time content creator to benefit from LinkedIn. But staying a little active helps. Liking posts, commenting, or occasionally sharing something relevant keeps your profile visible and shows engagement. It also makes networking easier. When you reach out to people, you’re no longer just a name, they’ve already seen you around.
Want more tips, guides, and insights to help you grow professionally and make the most of your international career? Check out our other blogs or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to stay inspired and up to date!
Networking in the Netherlands: how to build real connections as an expat
Arriving in a new country comes with a long list of adjustments and networking is often one of the trickiest. If you’re used to more formal or hierarchical business cultures, the Dutch way of connecting with people might feel surprisingly direct at first.
But here’s the good news: once you understand the local style, networking in the Netherlands can actually feel more natural, open, and genuine than you might expect.
Say what you mean (and don’t overthink it)
One of the first things you’ll notice is how direct Dutch communication is. People tend to say what they mean, without much small talk or formality and they expect the same from you. That also applies to networking. When you reach out to someone, it’s perfectly fine (and appreciated) to be clear about your intention. Who are you? What do you do? Why are you contacting them. It might feel a bit bold at first, but in the Netherlands, it shows confidence and respect for someone’s time. Instead of keeping things vague, try something like:
“Hi [Name], I recently moved to the Netherlands and work in finance. I’m currently exploring opportunities in the Dutch market and would love to hear about your experience, would you be open to a short chat?”
Clear, honest, and straight to the point.
Leave hierarchy at the door
In many countries, networking can feel like a careful balancing act, especially when speaking to someone more senior. In the Netherlands, that dynamic is much more relaxed. It’s completely normal to speak to managers, founders, or senior leaders in the same way you would speak to a colleague. First names are the standard, and conversations are usually informal.
For expats, this can feel unusual at first. But it’s also what makes networking easier. You’re not expected to impress, you’re expected to connect. So instead of focusing on titles or status, focus on the conversation. Be curious, ask questions, and share your own experiences. That’s what people respond to.
It’s not about collecting contacts
There’s no shortage of networking opportunities in the Netherlands, from industry events to casual meetups and expat communities. But networking here isn’t about handing out as many business cards as possible (in fact, you’ll rarely see those). It’s about having meaningful, one-on-one conversations. You’ll get much more out of one good conversation than ten quick introductions.
A simple way to make this easier? Come prepared with a few genuine questions:
“What do you enjoy most about working here?” “What surprised you about the Dutch work culture?” “What would you recommend to someone just entering this field?”
These kinds of questions create real dialogue and that’s what people remember.
Don’t skip the follow-up
If there’s one small step that many people overlook, it’s this one.
After meeting someone, sending a short message, usually on LinkedIn, goes a long way. It doesn’t need to be formal or complicated. Just a quick note to say you enjoyed the conversation is enough. Something like:
“Hi [Name], great meeting you at [event]! I really enjoyed our chat about [topic]. Would be nice to stay in touch.”
That small gesture helps turn a one-time meeting into an actual connection.
LinkedIn is your best Friend here
In the Dutch job market, LinkedIn plays a central role, especially for expats. Recruiters use it actively, professionals share insights, and many opportunities are discovered through connections rather than applications.
Make sure your profile clearly shows who you are, what you do, and what you’re looking for. If you’ve recently moved, it can also help to mention that you’re based in the Netherlands. We’ve also written a blog post with 5 tips to improve your LinkedIn profile!
And don’t be afraid to engage, comment on posts, share your thoughts, and join conversations. It’s one of the easiest ways to stay visible without feeling pushy.
Give it Time
One of the biggest mindset shifts is understanding that networking in the Netherlands is rarely transactional. People are not immediately thinking: “What can this person do for me?” Instead, they’re building connections based on trust and consistency.
That means results don’t always come instantly, and that’s completely normal. Stay in touch, show genuine interest, and keep showing up, whether that’s online or at events. Over time, those connections often lead to unexpected opportunities.
Networking as an expat can feel uncomfortable in the beginning, especially when everything is new. But in the Netherlands, you don’t need to be overly formal or strategic. Just be clear, be yourself, and focus on real conversations.
That’s what makes the difference here.
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Finding a Job in the Netherlands as an Expat with Abroad Experience
If you’ve recently moved to the Netherlands, or you’re planning to, finding a job is probably at the top of your list.
And while the Dutch job market is full of opportunities, figuring out where to start can feel overwhelming. You might be adjusting your CV to a new format, trying to understand what employers expect, or sending out applications and hearing… nothing. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. This is exactly where a recruitment agency can make things a lot easier.
Why Many Expats Choose to Work With a Recruitment Agency
When you’re new to a country, you’re not just job hunting, you’re also learning how things work. A recruitment agency acts as your shortcut into the local job market. Instead of applying blindly, you get guidance from people who understand both Dutch employers and international candidates.
With Abroad Experience, the process is simple and personal. It usually starts with a conversation about your background, your strengths, and what kind of role you’re actually looking for. From there, we match you with opportunities that fit, not just on paper, but in terms of work culture and expectations too.
And importantly, we help you navigate the process step by step, so you’re never left guessing what’s happening next.
It’s about the right job
One of the biggest frustrations for expats is applying to dozens of roles without really knowing if they’re a good fit. A recruitment agency changes that!
Instead of sending your CV into the void, you’re being introduced to companies that are actively looking for someone with your profile. Abroad Experience, for example, focuses on multilingual professionals and international environments, where English is often the main working language. That means you don’t always need Dutch to get started, something that makes a huge difference when you’ve just arrived.
Support that makes a Difference
Let’s be honest, interviews in a new country can feel intimidating.
What kind of questions will they ask? How direct should you be? What does a “good answer” even look like in a Dutch work environment?
This is where having someone in your corner really helps. Before your interview, you’ll typically get a preparation call with practical insights about the company, the team, and what they’re looking for. You’ll also get tips on how to present yourself in a way that fits local expectations, without losing your own personality.
It’s the kind of support that can turn a stressful experience into a confident one.
The Real Benefits (from an Expat Perspective)
Working with a recruitment agency like Abroad Experience isn’t just convenient, it can genuinely improve your chances. Here’s what makes the difference:
– You understand what employers are actually looking for – Your CV is aligned with Dutch standards – You’re guided through each step of the process – You get access to roles that aren’t always publicly advertised – You’re matched based on both skills and personality
In short: less guesswork, more direction.
Why Abroad Experience?
There are many recruitment agencies out there, but not all of them truly understand the expat journey.
Abroad Experience focuses specifically on international professionals. We know what it’s like to start fresh in a new country, and what kind of support makes that transition easier. Our approach is personal, practical, and focused on long-term success. It’s not just about getting you hired quickly, but about helping you find a place where you can actually settle in and grow your career.
If you’re looking to grow your career in the Netherlands and want a recruitment agency that truly understands international job seekers, Abroad Experience is here for you. Take a look at our job listings and resources and start your journey today: Abroad Experience Jobs
Why Abroad Experience?
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You’ve landed a job in the Netherlands, exciting! Whether you’re settling into life in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, or Eindhoven, there’s one thing that can really shape your experience: the work culture.
On paper, it all sounds great, international teams, good work-life balance, open-minded people. And honestly, that’s true. But there are also a few unwritten rules that might catch you off guard if you’re new here.
Let’s break it down:
1. The Dutch are direct… like, really direct
If there’s one thing every expat notices immediately, it’s this.
Dutch colleagues don’t sugarcoat things. Feedback is honest, quick, and straight to the point. At first, it can feel a bit blunt, especially if you’re used to more indirect communication styles.
But here’s the key: it’s not personal.
It’s actually meant to be efficient and clear. Once you get used to it, you might even start to appreciate it. You always know where you stand, and meetings don’t drag on forever. Also, don’t be afraid to speak up. Even if you’re new, your opinion is expected. Dutch workplaces are quite flat, so being proactive goes a long way.
2. Work-life balance isn’t just ”a trend”
You’ve probably heard that the Netherlands has one of the best work-life balances in the world, and it’s not an exaggeration.
People work efficiently during office hours… and then they actually log off. Overtime isn’t the norm, and there’s a strong culture around respecting personal time. Flexible schedules and hybrid working are very common, especially in international companies.
That said, don’t confuse “relaxed” with “unstructured.” Being on time, meeting deadlines, and sticking to agreements is taken seriously. If you say you’ll do something, people expect you to follow through.
3. It’s informal but there are still norms
One thing that surprises many expats is how informal Dutch offices feel.
You’ll likely call your manager by their first name. Dress codes are usually pretty relaxed (think business-casual, not suits every day). And meetings can feel more like open discussions than top-down briefings.
But there are also small cultural habits that are easy to miss:
– Birthdays? You bring cake for the whole team – Friday afternoon drinks? Very common – Coffee breaks? Almost a daily ritual
Joining in isn’t mandatory, but it definitely helps you connect with your colleagues and feel more at home.
So… what’s it really like?
In short: Dutch work culture is open, practical, and refreshingly honest.
It might feel a bit direct or unfamiliar at first, but once you adjust, it often becomes one of the best parts of working here. You get clarity, balance, and a team environment where your voice actually matters.
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Perhaps there is no such thing as a perfect CV, but companies and recruitment agencies alike have certain expectations when receiving a CV. As recruiters, we’ve seen thousands of CV’s throughout our experience. From rather plain layouts and two-liners to board games and flower power themes; when we think we’ve seen them all there’s always a new one that catches our eye, whether it’s good or bad.
Research is key to being able to create a perfect CV for an opportunity. Indeed, rules are different from one country to another so it is incredibly important to always check if your CV corresponds to what is expected. For example, in France, a CV should never be more than one page and in the UK you must never add a photo or you will never be considered. Always make sure that your CV meets the guidelines of the country you wish to work in.
Research does not stop at the country’s culture but also concerns industries. Recruiters do not expect the same type of CV coming from a Finance major or a marketing one. Finance CVs tend to be very strict, black and white only and extremely simple whereas a marketing CV has to showcase the applicant’s creativity, their capacity to match colours or think of nice designs.
The last thing you could research before starting the creation of your CV is the CVs of employees who have been hired by the company you want to apply to. Sometimes, employees, have them posted on their LinkedIn profiles. Doing so will help you see what kind of candidate they are looking for and the presentation they expect. Try to reproduce how they present their job experience for example so you can have a perfect CV for their company specifically.
2. Make sure you share all the right information
Ensure that you have all the necessary information written down on your CV. You want to make sure that you facilitate the work of the recruiter to ensure that your profile goes to the next step. Avoid as much as possible forgetting important details that require the recruiter to contact you. Your CV is your only way to “prove yourself” at the beginning of the process make sure it is pristine. Make sure you hand in the perfect CV right away. The way you present your CV, write it and fill it showcases your personality, your sense of organization and your way of thinking.
The information to not forget is the following:
The town you live in, it does not have to be the exact address
The idea is for the recruiter to be able to see everything you are and have done in seconds. To have a perfect CV, we would advise you to divide it into two columns. The first one should be organized in the following way :
A short motivational paragraph
Education
Language proficiency
Interests
In the second column, you should have:
Professional experience
Skills
4. Use a template to simplify the creation of your CV
If you are having trouble creating a CV by yourself, you can use CV templates to ensure having a perfect CV. Many websites offer templates for free the most well-known are the following: canva, novoresume, goodCV, …
Just be careful as often templates come with bar graphs, star rating systems, etc for skills and language proficiency. We highly suggest you avoid them as they aren’t appreciated by recruiters.
Your language skills should only be represented by the official European language proficiency system, the CEFR Framework.
As for your competencies, you should only write them if you master them 100% so it doesn’t make sense to present them through ratings or Graphs. You take the risk of getting asked rather uncomfortable questions such as “Why are your communication skills at 60%? What are the missing 40% ?”
5. Do not forget to mention your languages
If you are applying through Abroad Experience International recruitment agency, it means that you have special language skills. It is very important to mention them along with your level of proficiency in every one of them. Indeed, our clients choose us especially to find skilled multilingual job seekers, it is therefore important that your idioms are noticeable in one glance.
6. Use the right job experience presentation
When it comes to presenting your job experiences they are rules that must be followed and are true internationally. They are mandatory if you wish to have a perfect CV.
Your work experiences should always be presented from the most recent to the oldest (anti-chronologically). It is important that the recruiter is able to see as quickly as possible if your last experience corresponds to the job you occupied.
You cannot only write your job title and the company, you have to precise your main missions through bullet points. Job titles are not always linked to specific missions so it is important to give an overview of what you actually did. For example, Project Manager can have a thousand meanings so it is important to be precise about the mission you actually had. Not describing your missions may result in your CV being rejected.
Another important piece of information to share is the dates and duration of each of your job so your recruiter may see your loyalty to brands as well as how experienced you actually are.
7. Personalize your CV to the company you are applying for
We do realize that it is not always realistic to do so when you are searching for a job. You usually are applying to a lot of different jobs but if one happens to particularly catch your eye do not hesitate to go the extra mile. Designing a perfect CV for them will definitely increase your chance of being selected.
It can be as simple as changing your CV colours to match the brand’s to a creative wink to their products. For example, implementing little lego icons if you apply for the Lego company.
8. Use the job Keywords available on LinkedIn
A great tip we can give you to design your perfect CV, is to check the skills wanted by companies on LinkedIn, they are quite easy to find. If you see skills that you do have, do not hesitate to add them to your CV so it corresponds to what they are looking for.
Step 1: go on a job offer you are interested in
Step 2: Click on “skills“
Step 3: A list of skills will appear
Step 4: Add all the skills you have to your profile thanks to the add buttons.
9. Write a good motivational paragraph
Usually named profile and objectives, it is used to give the recruiter a quick overview of what you are looking for and your background.
Do not write a long text it should be 3 to 4 sentences max. Use it to share your latest accomplishment, the opportunity you wish for and your main qualities.
EX: “Having obtained my diploma in Banking Finance Engineering at the Erasmus University of Rotterdam, I am looking for a job in equity. With a background in Banking, I am precise, efficient and organized.”
10. Perfect CV tips specific to the Netherlands
Finally, if you are looking for rules specific to the Netherlands they aren’t any in terms of format, picture or categories. But make sure it matches the Dutch culture. Your CV should be:
Direct: As you may have noticed by now Dutch people do not beat around the bush, they want the information exactly as they are. You do not need to sugarcoat any of them. Just be honest and truthful.
Simple: You do not need to create an intricate CV presentation. Just make sure that it looks organized, readable and that categories are easily identifiable.
No exaggerating: Having a perfect CV does not mean that you have to be Hercules. It is incredibly important that you do not lie on your CV. When you will be interviewed, anything you have written is something you can be asked about. Everything you write should be linked to an example of something you have actually done. For example here, the title of manager goes to a person who led a team so avoid that title if you did not, write that you were a coordinator instead.
Abroad Experience International Recruitment wishes you the best of luck to create your perfect CV, do not hesitate to send it to us!
