Ciao Going Expat People,
Back to blog post because I really want to share with you the biggest mistakes Expats make when job hunting in the Netherlands. In fact, we are too used to think this is the land of opportunities and there is a job for everyone. It is true in a way, but there are a lot of things and details to be aware of.
Looking for a job in the Netherlands can feel like stepping into a parallel universe. You arrive with experience, qualifications, motivation… and yet the process doesn’t move. Applications disappear into the void. Recruiters don’t reply. Interviews don’t materialise. And slowly, frustration turns into confusion: “Why is nothing working? I’ve always found jobs easily before.”
The Dutch job market has its own rules.
Not better, not worse, it is just different. And many expats/migrants unknowingly break those rules from day one.
Let’s talk about the most common mistakes I see, the ones that quietly sabotage your chances even when you’re talented, qualified, and genuinely ready to work.
The first mistake: sending the same CV everywhere
A generic CV is the fastest way to get ignored in the Netherlands. Dutch recruiters expect precision. They want to see that you understand the role, the company, and the skills required. When your CV looks like a copy‑paste of your entire career, it signals the opposite: lack of focus.
A Dutch recruiter will not “figure out” where you fit. They expect you to tell them.
If your CV could be sent to ten different industries without changing a word, it’s not a CV, it’s a brochure. And brochures don’t get interviews.
Also, please don’t write it with AI, it is really not the right use of the tool. You need to stand out and the CV must be about you, not anyone with similar experiences.
Finally, in the Netherlands it really relevant to add a motivation letter. Again something that describes better wat in your 1/2 ages CV you couldn’t say. Whya re you passionate about that role, what did you learn in your previous experience, what is the reason they should hire you
The “I’ll do anything” trap
This one is incredibly common among newcomers. You arrive, you need a job, and you think being flexible will help. So you say it: “I’m open to anything.”
But in the Dutch market, this doesn’t read as flexibility. It reads as uncertainty.
Employers want clarity. They want to know what you’re good at, what you want, and where you add value. “Anything” is not a skillset. It’s not a job title. It’s not a direction.
Imagine going to a restaurant and telling the waiter, “Just bring me anything.”
You wouldn’t do that. So don’t do it with your career.
Being overqualified, and not adjusting your CV
Another silent killer: applying to roles that are below your level without adjusting your profile. Many expats do this out of necessity or strategy, but they forget one thing: Dutch recruiters take job titles and seniority very literally.
If your CV screams “Ferrari” but the job is a “city car,” they won’t call you.
Not because you’re not good enough, but because you’re too good.
Overqualification is a risk for employers. They assume you’ll get bored, leave quickly, or expect a higher salary. And unless you rewrite your CV to match the level you’re applying for, they will never see you as a realistic candidate.
This isn’t about hiding your experience. It’s about presenting it in a way that fits the role you want now, not the one you had before.
Not networking, or networking the wrong way
Here’s a fact many expats underestimate: a huge portion of Dutch jobs never make it to job boards. They’re filled through internal referrals, professional networks, and informal conversations.
If your job search consists only of clicking “Apply” on Indeed or LinkedIn, you’re competing with hundreds of people for the same role. But when you network, genuinely, consistently, strategically, you get a higher chance to bypass the crowd.
Networking in the Netherlands is not about begging for a job. It’s about visibility.
It’s about being present in the right circles, talking to the right people, and letting opportunities find you.
And no, commenting “Interested” under job posts is not networking.
Using LinkedIn as a personal diary or a complaint wall
LinkedIn is powerful in the Netherlands. Recruiters check your profile, your activity, your tone, your consistency. But many job seekers use it in ways that hurt them more than help.
Posting only about yourself, your struggles, or your frustrations doesn’t build trust.
Complaining about the job market doesn’t attract employers.
Sharing motivational quotes doesn’t show your expertise.
LinkedIn is not a stage, it’s a conversation.
The people who get noticed are the ones who contribute: insights, opinions, experiences, value.
If your entire presence is “Here’s me, here’s my problem, here’s what I want,” you’re not building a professional brand. You’re venting. And venting doesn’t get interviews.
Language skills
Dutch is the local language, not English. And this is important. Many jobs have Dutch requirements and yes, sometimes they can also be flexible so if you tick the other requirements, check with the hiring manager, ask what is their expectation and what if you can learn the language while doing the job.
In some cases it works, in some others it doesn’t simply because they, for example, need to establish relationships with local bussines where English is not the business language. Accept it, move on, start to learn the language and please don’t complain about it on socials.
Here something for you
The good news is that already following these tips you can level up your job hunting experience and the even better one is that we are here to help!
Isabella and I have studied and researched the market and we can support you in the preparation of your job hunting in The Netherlands.
In fact we offer services to rewrite the CV and motivation letter, as well as different level of LinkedIn Optimisation. Have a look at the offer!
Most expats don’t struggle because they lack skills. They struggle because they approach the Dutch job market the same way they approached job hunting in their home country. But the Netherlands rewards clarity, structure, and intentionality.
A tailored CV shows respect for the role.
A defined job target shows confidence.
A right‑sized CV shows awareness.
Networking shows initiative.
A thoughtful LinkedIn presence shows professionalism.
When you align with how the Dutch system works, things start moving.
When you don’t, even the strongest profile can stay invisible.
We are her to help, get in touch
Written by Rossella Davì
