If you do not speak Dutch and are not familiar with the Dutch labour market it might be difficult to find a job in the Netherlands.  You can try by reacting to adverts in the newspaper, sending open application letters, or via friends and relatives.  However, one of the best ways to find a job in the Netherlands is to go to a recruitment agency.

Almost 20% of Dutch employees have (at one time) worked via a recruitment agency as a temp, and since many agencies can also find you permanent contracts with a company ('werving en selectie'), even more employees find work via a recruitment agency.

These agencies are an important part of the Dutch labour market; almost all companies use the help of an agency to find suitable staff.  Most agencies are a member of an employer's federation (ABU or NBBU).  They ensure that, under the Collective Labour Agreement for Temporary Workers (CAO), good employee benefits are being observed.  Recruitment agencies are free of charge to candidates registering.

Recruitment agencies in the Netherlands might differ from the ones in other countries (such as the UK) as they handle a lot of permanent jobs, and do much more than "push CV's". In the Netherlands, you can expect to get career advice from an experienced recruiter who can also help you navigate the Dutch system.

Companies in the Netherlands find it very important that a new employee "fit" within the company culture. Work attitude, mentality and cultural background are almost as important as language and professional skills. That is why high-quality agencies will always conduct an extensive interview with you, to see if you would fit the company and if the company fits you!