Today's job seekers are more internationally mobile than they have ever been. A recent survey from the Intelligence Group has revealed that a massive 68% of the global labour force is willing to work abroad, which is a 7% increase over 2006. This means that the global jobs market is an exciting place to be as more and more employers from all over the world begin opening their doors to international talent to help them address talent shortages in their own country, and also to help them to expand into new international markets. So, while it is clearly an exciting time to be an international job seeker it is also a competitive time too, because as more and more candidates become open to the prospect of international working, so the supply of international job candidates increases.
This is why it is important that global job seekers are mindful of the global talent supply and demand dynamic within each country and that they plan their job hunt accordingly. For example, as of October 2012, the Netherlands has an unemployment rate of 5.5% which is one of the lowest in the euro-zone and substantially lower than the euro-zone average of 11.7%.
So, clearly, the Netherlands is a prime destination for over seas job seekers, but even so, the job market remains competitive and would-be international job seekers still need to differentiate themselves from the competition if they are to land the best jobs in the Dutch market. One key way to differentiate yourself from the competition in the Netherlands is to be multi-lingual because this sets you apart from many others who are not multi-lingual. And importantly it means that you can apply for the many language jobs that are advertised by international companies which single language speakers cannot apply to. Language jobs have become very popular in the Netherlands (and in most countries), as the world becomes increasingly global and companies look to be able to sell the products and services into new international markets throughout the world. A crucial element of being able to engage with business and customers in other countries is being able to speak and write in their language which is why language jobs in the Netherlands and many countries pay particularly well.
So, if you are looking to get a language job in the Netherlands, which languages will make you most employable? This is a difficult question, but most experts believe that the world's most influential languages at the moment are English, Chinese, Spanish, German, French, Russian and Portugese. If you can develop skills in two of these languages plus some Dutch you will be in a prime position to land a language job in the Netherlands. Yes, you will be highly employable.
And what kind of language jobs can you expect to find in the Netherlands? You can expect to find the full range of language jobs in the Netherlands including linguistic roles such as a translator, intepreter, language teacher, but you will also find that many corporate roles, particularly sales, customers service and account management roles will be looking for candidate who can speak languages to help them engage with the global markets.
So, as you can see, if you develop your language skills you will be increasingly attractive to Dutch employers; so language is indeed the passport to a successful international career in the Netherlands.
Copywrite Together Abroad
For an expat moving to the Netherlands, getting the right direction is very important. It's important that one knows which steps and direction to take. Linda is an exceptionally talent counselor, her advice has helped me land a job within a week of coming to the Netherlands. I am grateful for her mentoring and look forward to a great working relationship in the future.
Dr. Hrishiraj S | Clinical Research & Affairs Manager
Together Abroad provided expert advice on personal branding including developing a top-notch, market-aware CV, highly tailored job applications, and approach strategies with potential employers in the Netherlands. Furthermore, I found them be highly knowledgeable in key related fields such as recruitment strategy, immigration law, contracts, labor agreements, and (un)employment benefits. I would recommend Together Abroad to anyone who needs professional help with transitioning to a new career.
A. Aboufirass | Structural Engeer
Linda is a big mind. She thinks about things that the rest normally overlook. The insight she has about the dutch job market can only be achieved through years of experience and persistence.
Her business savvy is complemented by her mastery of understanding the client's needs and requirements. For my career I could say, she was the “Mary Poppins”, who guided me through thick and thin and helped me to land a career in the Netherlands
S. Bhattacharjee | FP&A Manager
If you are going to enlist the services of a "Career Coach" look no further. The only person you want in your corner is Linda van Orsouw. As an expat, you absolutely want to work with a highly skilled and knowledgeable professional who knows their way around the Dutch career/employment/job market. Linda assisted me in writing and positioning my CV, helped me organize and prioritize my list of opportunities, coached me through mock interviews and was there when I got offered a senior position only 2 months later. When asked I will only refer to Linda and "Togetherabroad".
Mr. C. Joubert
Lead Workplace Strategy Consultant
Mr. C. Joubert
Lead Workplace Strategy Consultant