Working Abroad Career Guide for the Netherlands

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Country Profile
Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands were jointly known as the
"low country" until the 16th century. In 1815, the three territories
banded together as the Kingdom of the Netherlands, after three
centuries of fighting off Spanish Catholicism, colonizing territories in
Asia and the New World, and growing rich through merchant trade. In
1830, however, Belgium seceded and became independent;
Luxembourg soon followed. Although the Netherlands remained
neutral throughout World War I, the country suffered tremendous
losses at the hands of Hitler's Third Reich during World War II.
Today, the Netherlands is a progressive, industrial nation and an
active member of the European Union (EU). Although the name
Holland is used interchangeably with the Netherlands, technically
"Holland" refers to two western coastal provinces, North and South
Holland, which have both played an important role in the country's
history. Today, Dutch people use either word to indicate their home
country.

Almost every Dutch family has at least one bicycle; the nation's
extensive bus and rail system makes traveling without a car easy. In
addition to Dutch, almost 80 percent of the Netherland's 15.7 million
speaks fluent English, more than half the population speak German,
and a quarter speak French. The Netherlands' population is primarily
Dutch, which derives from Germanic and Gallo-Celtic ethnicities;
Moroccans, Turks, and Surinamese make up the largest minority
communities.

As a founding member of the European Union and qualifying
participant of the European Monetary Union (EMU), the Netherlands
has managed to maintain a budget surplus and cut down on
government spending and reducing unemployment. The country has
also taken a central role in the formation of the EMU, a role that is
validated by the longstanding stability of the Dutch guilder. In 2001,
the Dutch economy entered its sixth year of expansion, combining
strong gross domestic product (GDP) growth with sharply falling
unemployment and modest inflation.

Professional Resources
Job-seekers in the Netherlands would be wise to utilize telephone
directories to research information about Dutch companies and
employment services. The Netherlands is divided into 18 different
telephone regions, and each region has its own telephone directory
and a different yellow pages book, or De Gele Gids. The Nederland
ABC voor Handel en Industrie (Netherlands ABC for Commerce and
Industry) is an annual Dutch/English directory of industry and
commerce provides data on 25,000 companies and their products and
services and suppliers. It also lists 46,000 foreign companies doing
business in the Netherlands.

ACCESS (The Administrative Committee to Coordinate
English-Speaking Services) is a non-profit Dutch foundation that
assists English speakers of all nationalities to adjust and make the
most of life in The Netherlands. Services include educational seminars
and workshops on a variety of topics, maintenance of a telephone
information service, and a variety of publications and other
information of use to the English speaking community.

Job Search Resources
Job-seekers should ask friends and acquaintances in the Netherlands
about potential job opportunities and referrals. Some reports
estimate that about 50 percent of Dutch workers who are searching
for a new job find their jobs through networking, the process of
seeking employment recommendations through friends, current and
former colleagues, professional associates, and industry contacts.
Other networking sources include family members, neighbors,
schoolmates, and other contemporaries.

Another option is to search through trade associations or other
organizations called uitzendbureaus (employment agencies). Every
city in the Netherlands has a number of offices, and they are usually
in the nearby vicinity of a train-station. Jobs at the uitzendbureaus
often start as a temporary position, but can quickly lead to full-time
work. There is also the government employment service Het
Arbeidsbureau (city employment office). Werk.nl is a good resource
on a variety of employment issues. The site contains information on
the Aliens Employment Act (WAV) which is in English. Please note
however, that most of the information on the site is in Dutch.

Financial Considerations
Although the cost of living in the Netherlands is expensive, thrifty
newcomers can save money by getting a bike and renting housing
outside of a major city. When it comes to housing, remember an oral
agreement is legally binding under Dutch law. If you merely express
that you like a house or apartment, it is not considered to be an
acceptance, but if you express an intention to buy it, this will be
considered a verbal agreement. It is wise to let an agent do the
talking. Even before a contract has been signed, it is understood
that a commitment has been made. The cost of rental housing is
high, and foreigners are only eligible for free-sector apartments. This
means the highest rates will be paid.

Employees earning less than 64,300 NLG ($26,250 USD) a year and
old-age pensioners are eligible for medical benefits provided they
meet certain conditions. If your income is more than this then private
insurance will be necessary. These benefits can be extended to the
employee's partner and children. The Sickness Benefits Act is mostly
privatized and mandates that employers are responsible for
continuing to pay wages during an employee's sickness. Sickness is
compensated at 70 percent of earnings up to a daily maximum
earning of 310 NLG ($127 USD) for up to 52 weeks.

Taxation in the Netherlands is extremely high. Taxpayers at the
highest level can be required to pay up to 68 percent of their income
in taxes. The Rijksbelastingdienst, a department of the Ministry of
Finance, administers all taxes.

Employment Trends
The Netherlands suffered a labor shortage throughout 2000. Both the
Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis and the Dutch
Central Bank have lowered their predictions for economic growth in
2001, based partly on the economic downturn in the United States.
However, there was little sign of recession in the first months of
2001; Dutch unemployment, for example, was stable and low in
January of that year. Inflation was recently at 4.5 percent, the
highest level since the end of 1991, and the highest rate within the
European Union.

SER is the most important economic advisory council of the Dutch
parliament. They recently published their yearly report which says
that if the policy of the Dutch government is unchanged,
employment will grow faster than the supply of labor in the medium
term. In other words, the labor market will become increasingly tight,
especially in certain occupational groups. On the other hand, there is
a considerable pool of unused labor, including a large number of
people receiving an unemployment benefit. However, these are
generally job-seekers with no or little education.

One of the signs that Dutch society is developing into a
knowledge-based economy is the "mark-up" of employment. On
average, employees are required to meet higher standards than ever
before. In some segments of the labor market, this is leading to a
shortage of skilled employees. In 1999, job openings in the market
sector increased to over two percent of employment, a record figure.
More than 40% of job openings are difficult (or even impossible) to
fill. Even in the most cautious economic growth rate scenarios,
barring a change in policy, the shortage of experienced, skilled
employees will seemingly become more serious in the years ahead.

Resume/CV's
Begin your CV with "Personal Information:" name, address, and
phone, e-mail and fax contact information. Also, state your date of
birth, marital status, and nationality.

Then under "Education," list your training in chronological order,
giving the names and locations of your schools, and your major(s)
and degree(s). Depending on their relevance, also mention awards
and honors, extracurricular activities demonstrating skills or
leadership traits, and additional courses, internships, or specialized
training.

Under "Work Experience," list in chronological order the companies for
which you have worked, providing the dates of your employment,
your title(s), responsibilities, achievements, and reasons for leaving.
Be sure to specify whether your employment was full-time,
temporary, or part-time.

In the latter part of your resume, you may mention your special skills
(languages and computer expertise are particularly important), and, if
applicable, professional affiliations, military and/or volunteer
experience, and hobbies. References may be listed, or noted that
they will be "Provided on request."

A one-page cover letter should accompany your resume. It should be
in A4 format, and handwritten if so specified. The letter should name
the position for which you are applying and briefly describe why you
are qualified for the job. Usually there is no need to enclose
diplomas, letters of reference, or a photo.

Information Technology
The Netherlands' logistics and communications infrastructure,
multilingual workforce and technologically-advanced society make it
an important player in the European IT sector. Holland is home to the
Amsterdam Internet Exchange (AIE), the largest Internet exchange in
continental Europe. The AIE guarantees excellent connectivity to
Europe and the world for its Internet Service Provider (ISP) members.
The Netherlands also boasts one of the largest bandwidths in Europe
and has initiated the GigaPort project, which provides the
Netherlands with high-speed, state-of-the-art communications
networks.

Many companies in the Netherlands are aggressively scouting
qualified workers with strong IT skills. In addition to a competitive
salary, many Internet and technology companies are offering their
employees company cars, free pensions, free medical care, and free
additional education. Most candidates typically have a university
degree. Since there is a current shortage of workers with computer
skills, it is easy for many job-seekers to get a worker's permit within
Holland's high-tech sector. Many workers from Southeast Asia find
temporary yet extremely well-paid IT jobs in the Netherlands. The
Advisory Council for Science and Technology (AWT) is the advisory
body for the Dutch government regarding IT issues.

Interviewing Advice
Before the first interview, research the company culture and focus.
Review your own qualifications for the position, and have a clear idea
of what you would like to achieve in the job. If you need to give or
to ask for further information, feel free to call the contact person.
Dress neatly and conservatively, and make sure that you are on
time.

In the Netherlands, people are rather direct in their speech, so,
during the interview be ready for very pointed and sometimes
personal questions. Answer them simply and honestly. You may ask
questions, but do not interrupt or try to lead the discussion.

You need to impress your interviewers with the value of your
qualifications and experience, and with your interest in the position.
In responding to questions, include examples that demonstrate your
ability to act independently, and to work as part of a team. Be
respectful, open, and confident--not aggressive or boastful.
Professionalism and modesty are best.

Be aware that you may have several interviews with people with
whom you will eventually work. When these are completed, there will
be an evaluation and, if you are successful, a final meeting to
discuss terms.

Engineering
The Netherlands has long-standing reputation for technological
innovation, including expertise in engineering, coastal defense,
hydrodynamics, and biotechnology. As a country surrounded by
water, Holland also has a long history of developing special
protective constructions. Examples are the Deltawerken and de
Afsluitdijk, two huge projects designed and built by Dutch engineers
to protect part of the Netherlands from the sea. Many Netherlands
engineering companies specialize in creating special constructions,
bridges, and dykes to fight the water, and a large number of these
firms have branched out to other European and Asian countries.

Engineering job-seekers should check out IHE, a Dutch publication
dedicated to scientific research, postgraduate education, training
and capacity building in the fields of water, environment and
infrastructure. IHE's mission is to become the pre-eminent global
networking centre with its partners in all major regions of the
developing world for the research into and dissemination of all
aspects water, the environment and physical infrastructure. IHE
publications can be ordered from Balkema Publishers online.

Work Permits
Only a small number of foreigners are granted permission to stay in
the Netherlands for a prolonged period of time. Individuals planning to
stay in the country for longer than three months should report to the
local police, Section Vreemdelingenpolitie, within eight days after
arrival in the Netherlands. Proof is required of (1) sufficient means to
finance your stay in the Netherlands, (2) adequate housing, and (3)
health insurance covering all medical/hospital costs during a stay in
the Netherlands.

The Netherlands Embassy or the Netherlands Consulates-General in
other countries cannot and will not provide assistance concerning
employment. This must be done by the relevant government agency
in the Netherlands. An employment permit can be sought only after a
residence permit application (VTV) has been submitted. Applications
for employment permits are available from the Regional Employment
Office. The Employment Office processes applications for employment
permits only if the form has been completed and signed by both the
employer and the employee and when all required background
material has been attached.

Accounting & Finance
Economic slowdown often has an immediate, tangible impact on the
finance and Accounting business, and is especially noticeable within
the manufacturing, wholesale trade and construction industries, which
depend on exports or the sale of capital goods. As a result, adjunct
sectors such as business services, transport, banking, finance, and
insurance will also be affected.

Financing companies have cut many low-level job positions; however,
experienced controlers are still needed. A substantial slowdown of
output growth is expected in banking and insurance. Insurers will
suffer from the new fiscal system, which makes buying single premium
insurance policies less attractive to consumers.

The Nederlandse Orde van Accountants-Administratieconsulenten
(NOvAA) is a public body that represents the Dutch AA-Accountant
profession. The NOvAA was established in September 1993, as part of
the implementation of the revised Dutch AA-Accountant Act. Under
the AA-Accountant Act, the NOvAA is required to promote
professionalism and the common interests of accountants. It is also
responsible for monitoring the professional integrity of accountants
and for providing or making arrangements for theoretical training
programs.

Cultural Advice
Known for its delicious dairy products and desserts, wooden clogs
and windmills, the Netherlands is a popular destination for tourists
and expatriates alike. If you're planning a move, keep the following
cultural tips in mind:

· The Dutch generally speak in low voices and make very subtle
gestures. Many Dutch hand gestures are quite different from those
used in Western countries. It is acceptable to wave to an
acquaintance from a distance, but one should never shout a
greeting.

· Business in the Netherlands is very team-oriented. Because most
major business decisions are made by a group consensus, decisions
can take some time. Once a decision is made, however, business
tends to proceed quickly. Because of the Dutch's group mentality,
personal praise is rarely given, and if it is, it is done so in private.
Individuals do not receive awards or consequences for their actions;
the group does. Openness in the business world leaves no room for
confidentiality. It is best not to share information that cannot be
shared with the group for input.

· Nearly everyone shakes hands in the Netherlands, including
children, and it is customary to shake hands when greeting and
departing. Aside from handshaking, there is little physical contact,
aside from an occasional brief hug between close friends. The Dutch
also tend to stand further from others than their Western neighbors
during conversation. The spacing of the furniture in a room is
evidence of this. If one is invited to sit, it may seem like an
uncomfortable distance for conversation, but it is not proper to move
the chair closer.

· Dutch do not show off their wealth by driving fancy cars or living a
lavish life. More formal social occasions may call for Dutch men to
wear tuxedos and the women to wear long evening gowns. Still,
casual wear is a big part of Dutch life. One can wear jeans on the
street. However, shorts should only be worn for jogging or hiking.

Sales & Marketing
As Holland's fastest growing industry, the Dutch information and
communication (ICT) sector necessitates a large, well-trained sales
and marketing workforce. Privatized since 1989, the market for
telecommunications services is still dominated by the
telecommunications companies Royal Dutch PTT (Post, Telegraph,
and Telephone) and KPN Telecom. KPN is active in all fields of the
telecommunications market.

Industry experts expect that the growth in Dutch e-commerce and
Internet use will increase the demand for external services, such as
CRM (Customer Relationship Management) and product marketing.
Adformatie is a weekly magazine for sales and marketing
professionals.

General Business
Currently, the Dutch management and consulting industries are
providing some of the fastest-growing job opportunities in the
Netherlands. Since the nation suffers from a shortage of workers
trained in business management, job-seekers with a Bachelor's or
Master's degree and a strong background in business administration
will easily find a job. Temporary managers are especially in demand.
Most Dutch firms require that employees speak and write English
fluently. Because of the shortage of personnel, many management
and consulting jobs in the Netherlands are very well-paid.

Dutch management and consulting jobs usually require a university or
college degree. A few years of experience in a leadership position is
often also necessary, and advanced positions may require a graduate
degree in finance, economics or business administration. The web
site for Managers Online provides daily and weekly e-mail alerts on
timely issues of relevance.

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Country Career Guides Table of Contents

I. COUNTRY PROFILE

II. JOB-SEARCH RESOURCES
1.Online Job Sites
2.Government-Sponsored Employment Offices
3.Job Fairs/Career Events
4.Staffing Agencies/Temporary Help Firms
5.Newspapers that Publish Job Advertisements
6.Other Resources

III. EMPLOYMENT TRENDS AND OPPORTUNITIES

General Trends
Information Technology
1. Certification/Education Requirements
2. Organizations/Trade Associations
3. Publications
4. Other Resources
Engineering
1. Certification/Education Requirements
2. Organizations/Trade Associations
3. Publications
4. Other Resources
Accounting and Finance
1. Certification/Education Requirements
2. Organizations/Trade Associations
3. Publications
4. Other Resources
Sales and Marketing
1. Certification/Education Requirements
2. Organizations/Trade Associations
3. Publications
4. Other Resources
General Business
1. Certification/Education Requirements
2. Organizations/Trade Associations
3. Publications
4. Other Resources

IV. PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS AND RESOURCES
1.Business Organizations/Trade Councils
2.Chambers of Commerce
3.Telephone Directories
4.Publications
5.Other Resources

VI. FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS ( Cost of living, salaries, health insurance, taxes, vacation/leave, benefits, etc)

VII. WORK PERMITS/VISAS

VIII. JOB APPLICATION GUIDELINES
1.Cover Letter Guidelines and Sample
2.Resume/CV Guidelines and Samples

IX. INTERVIEWING ADVICE

X. CULTURAL ADVICE

XI. COUNTRY RESOURCE BOOKS