Jobs « Tilburg International Club

Often partners of expats have difficulty finding a suitable job once they have settled in to their new surroundings. tíc would like to ease the transition and provide this resource for those who are looking to start working or change jobs. Here are a few links of local employers who are looking for people to fill positions within their companies as well as links to recruitment agencies and job banks. As more job announcements become available, we will be sure to post them here so check back regularly!

Skills in demand

Expats with French, German, Flemish and Scandinavian language skills are always in demand, according to expat agency Undutchables. There is a (worldwide) shortage of engineers and those with technical skills. The job market is also strong for those in finance and IT, sales and marketing and customer service. Be flexible and open-minded; don’t write off specific areas or industries when job-hunting.

Tips for finding a job

Open applications

It is perfectly acceptable to send open applications in the Netherlands, even to a company that has no current vacancies. If the employer is looking for personnel in the future, this will give you an advantage over other jobseekers.

Use your cover letter to clearly indicate:

why you want to work for this company;
your particular talents, skills and work experience;
how your talents, skills and work experience could be useful to the employer;
why you are the most suitable candidate for the position;
why you can offer more than other candidates.

Any language experience or work experience gained in another EU country could be to your advantage.

Career consultant Jelda Veninga of TiasNimbas Business School affiliated with Tilburg University and Eindhoven University of Technology offers job seekers some tips:

Make an effort to learn the Dutch language.

Even though many positions don’t require you to speak Dutch, it shows that you are planning to stay in the Netherlands for a longer time and that not speaking Dutch may not be a long-term situation.

Network

Job seekers are advised to build a network in the Netherlands. Reportedly, 80 percent of job placements occur through networking.

“Another tip is to contact the embassy of your own country, because the network of people with the same nationality who are working in the Netherlands can be a good source to find a job as well. Those expats already work somewhere where they may be looking for another expat,” says Jelda.

Social Networking

Don’t discount the benefits of job seeking through popular social media. Many companies use Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram and other media interfaces to publicize job vacancies.

Read more about following tíc on Twitter @tílintclub as a job hunting resource.

Find your competitive advantage

Although expats have a language disadvantage, they have the advantage of in-depth knowledge of their home country. “Try to find companies who do business with the country you come from. The advantage is that you know both cultures.”

Focus your job search

Employers hire not only because of experience in the field, but also, because there is a good fit. They see that you are enthusiastic and appreciates that you are not applying to everyone. Eventually that helps you find a job.

Companies in and around Tilburg:

We have great job opportunities for international profiles (no Dutch is needed) who have an interest in area of finance. Search for local jobs can be done at companies such as Tilburg University, Fuji Film, Tesla, ASML, Newell Rubbermaid Rhenus Logistics

Links to other job websites for non-Dutch speakers:

European Job Motility Portal

www.expatica.com

www.abroad-experience.com

I Am Expat

Together Abroad

Recruitment agencies for non-Dutch speakers

Adams Multilingual Recruitment