If you’ve recently moved to the Netherlands (or you’re planning to) customer service is often one of the most accessible ways to enter the job market here. But it’s not just about answering emails or picking up the phone.
Customer service is about how you communicate, how you solve problems, and how you make people feel. And for expats just starting out, it’s one of the best ways to build real, transferable experience quickly.
A strong starting point (and more)
A lot of expats start in customer service roles while figuring out their next step. What surprises many of them is how much they actually learn along the way.
You develop the ability to communicate clearly, often in a second language, handle different personalities and expectations, stay calm under pressure, and understand how Dutch workplaces actually operate from the inside. These aren’t just customer service skills – they’re career skills that stay with you regardless of where you go next.
Your language is your advantage
One thing many expats don’t realise at first: customer service in the Netherlands isn’t always just about Dutch.
Because so many companies here operate internationally, they actively look for people who speak different languages. You might be supporting customers in Spanish, French, German, Italian, or another language entirely. And if you’re supporting people in your native language, you already have a head start – you understand the cultural nuances, tone, and expectations in a way that non-native speakers simply can’t replicate. That’s exactly why so many companies value international talent in these roles.
What actually makes you good at it
You don’t need years of experience to do well in customer service, but you do need the right approach.
The most important thing is listening beyond the words. When someone asks “where is my order?”, they might actually be stressed, frustrated, or just in a hurry. Picking up on that helps you respond in a way that actually helps rather than just answers. Alongside that, clear and simple communication matters more than you’d think – especially as an expat, it can be tempting to over-explain, but customers appreciate directness and clarity.
Empathy goes a long way too, though it doesn’t need to be elaborate. A simple “I understand this is frustrating, let me sort this for you” is often enough. As you settle into a role, product knowledge builds naturally and makes every conversation smoother. And flexibility is key – modern customer service means switching between email, chat, and calls, sometimes within the same hour.
Where Customer service can take you
Customer service is often seen as a starting point, but it can also become a genuinely rewarding career in its own right – especially if you work in a complex environment or take on additional responsibilities like managing bigger accounts, guiding junior colleagues, or leading projects and processes.
Many expats also use customer service as a launchpad into other areas. Operations, account management, HR, marketing – these are all paths people have taken after starting in support roles. Working in customer service gives you a view of how a business operates from the inside: how customers think, where problems happen, and how teams solve them. That kind of knowledge is useful wherever you go next.
You also build confidence quickly. Handling real conversations, solving issues on the spot, and communicating across cultures pushes you to grow in a way that few entry-level roles do. Whether customer service is your chosen career path or just one part of your journey in the Netherlands, the experience opens doors.
Looking for a customer service role in the Netherlands?
At Abroad Experience we regularly place international professionals in customer service positions across the Netherlands – roles where your languages and personality are genuinely valued. Curious what’s available? Take a look at our current vacancies or send us an open application – we’d love to help you find the right fit!
Want to read more?
For more resources and insights, visit our blog. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to stay informed on everything we share.
