5 Things You Are Doing Wrong in Your Dutch Job Search

It’s always tricky to nail the job search, not least when it’s in a foreign land. Searching for a job in the Netherlands presents unique challenges. The slightest mistake can hinder your chances of landing that dream role. Here are five things you may be doing wrong and how to correct them to improve your job search in the Netherlands.

1. You Are Not Tailoring Your Application for the Job

One of the most critical mistakes job seekers make is sending generic applications that fail to address the specific requirements of the role. Dutch people are famously direct, and employers value precision and relevance in job applications. A CV and motivation letter tailored to the job show that you’ve read the JD (job description) and know what the company is looking for.

To tailor your application:

• Analyze the job description and list all the required qualifications, skills, and experiences.
• Highlight relevant skills and previous experience in your current role that aligns with this application. Use terms and keywords similar to those that they do.
• Customize your CV summary to reflect why you’re the most suitable candidate.

Dutch employers appreciate concise and structured applications, so ensure your CV is clear, professional, and free of unnecessary details. Tailoring your application shows dedication and increases your chances of reaching the next stage.

2. You Are Applying in a Language You Do Not Speak

Another thing you’re doing wrong in your job search is applying in Dutch even though you do not speak it. There are some job roles for which you will not need to talk in Dutch fluently (or even at all), but many employers naturally prefer those who do. Applying when you’re leaping into something you don’t have proficiency in can result instantly in confusion and rejection.

If a job ad is in Dutch, then it almost certainly means that the job requires it. For specialized roles where very little communication is needed, you can still be considered if you only have very little Dutch. However:

• If you do need to send a CV in Dutch, do so with an English letter of motivation explaining your current language proficiency level and efforts to improve it.
• Concentrate on jobs that require just English or those that call for multilingual candidates specifically.

The above highlights the importance of learning some basic Dutch upon entering the workplace. It increases your employability and adaptability in one go. Employers love it when employees adapt to the environment by making an effort to learn the local language.

Read Also: How to Make a Career Change Mid-Life (with Expert Insights from a Career Coach)

3. You Are Not Applying for Jobs That You Do Not Meet All Requirements

Many job seekers will not apply to positions where they don’t meet each requirement given. However, this approach limits your chances. Most positions list the ideal qualities or experience with the aim of getting as close to it as possible. But in reality, they won’t—and they know it. Employers value transferable skills and potential, and it’s expensive to leave positions open searching for the ‘perfect candidate.’

Follow these tips instead:

• Highlight relevant skills and experience.
• Emphasize what makes you unique, as well as any international experience.
• Concentrate on positions where your skills complement essential responsibilities.

Confidence is key. If employers see a passion and eagerness to learn, they will overlook minor gaps in knowledge.

4. You Are Not Correctly Valuing Your Skills

We get it. Applying for jobs can feel overwhelming, given all the competition. But underestimating your ability is another mistake that can undermine your success. Those with international experience, cultural awareness, or technical expertise often lack awareness that their international experience, cultural awareness, or technical expertise can be valuable assets to the Dutch job market. But that’s a ton of useful experience!

Based on your previous experiences, think of actions that required you to demonstrate leadership, problem-solving, or collaboration. Quantify accomplishments (e.g., “Boosted sales by 20 percent” or “Led a team of 10 across three counties”). Employers here respect candidates who have the confidence to show what they can do. Highlight soft skills such as adaptability and the ability to work in a team, which Dutch employers highly appreciate.

5. You Do Not Know What Your Dream Job Is

Another critical mistake is diving into your job search without clarity about what you actually want. Knowing what you want lets you focus on the jobs that match your profile while avoiding unnecessary frustration during the application process. Once you know your ideal role, crafting applications becomes much easier. Based on your previous experiences, think of actions that required you to demonstrate leadership, problem-solving or collaboration.

The Secret: Leveraging Your Experience and Transferable Skills

Whether you bring technical knowledge or multilingual skills, these skills make you a top candidate in the Netherlands, even if you don’t tick every box. If you want to land the perfect role in 2025, you need the right approach. Kanta Clarity Coaching services can formulate an action plan to get you there by identifying your strengths and tailoring applications. Let Kanta Clarity Coaching enable you to get your dream job.