Findind a job in Rotterdam

The quickest way for finding a job in Rotterdam and the Netherlands is through temporary employment agencies.

Most companies with job openings use these agencies to hire their staff.

Big companies trust these agencies because they have a long-standing relationship and regular contact with recruiters. They know that candidates will go through various filters before being presented as potential hires.

Recruiters from temporary agencies collect and review resumes, sometimes check references, create candidate profiles, and prepare them for final interviews with companies.

By going through these agencies, your CV will be seen by multiple companies looking for someone like you, which increases your chances of finding a job.

Remember that big companies usually approach these agencies first to see if there are suitable candidates available. If the agencies don’t have any at that moment, they then advertise job openings online.

Usually, agencies offer contracts for six months or one year. This gives the company enough time to get to know the new candidate. They will closely examine both your work performance and how you interact socially.

If the company is satisfied with your performance after the temporary contract, they usually offer a one-year or even permanent contract.

The agency’s recruiter will also ask personal questions to understand your personality.

To be chosen, you need to convince the recruiter

The recruiter will try to make you believe they are your friend, and you should try to make them believe you are their friend. Think of it as a chess game, anticipating their questions and providing convincing answers.

They will want to know your hobbies to see if you are a social or introverted person. If it’s a man, talking about topics like football, hanging out with friends on weekends, or traveling usually helps create a relaxed atmosphere. If you share a hobby with them, the conversation will flow more naturally.

They want to talk about something you enjoy to see how you express yourself when talking about things that make you happy. They will compare it with your responses regarding the job position to assess your genuine interest.

If it’s a woman, find a common topic of conversation, such as children, volunteering, concerts, dance classes, or something that might interest her.

Try to check their social media profiles on Instagram or Facebook to learn more about your interviewer. Avoid spending too much time on LinkedIn, as most agencies can see who views their profiles.

In this section, you can find the main temporary employment agencies in the Netherlands.

Other Ways to Find a Job in Rotterdam

Recommendations from people you know often work for jobs that don’t require a diploma, but for technical or administrative positions, you will need to go through an interview.

There are also Facebook groups that regularly post job opportunities.

The hospitality sector currently has a high demand for workers, so visit popular restaurants and bars in the city.

Leave notes in supermarkets, ask around your neighborhood, or inquire at your local bar. Persistence pays off.

You will come across job advertisements in shop windows

Tips for finding a job in Rotterdam

On job portals where agencies select candidates like Monsterboard, Linkedin, Stepstone, etc, update your CV every two or three weeks, even if it’s just a small change. This way, your CV will be seen as new and will appear at the top of the list.

Even if you don’t have a university degree, mention on your CV that your work experience has given you knowledge equivalent to a university-level education. This will catch the attention of recruitment algorithms that search for candidates with specific qualifications.

Here’s some additional advice I have for you because I often hear people complaining about their terrible working conditions. It’s important that you carefully read the contract before you sign it.

Make sure you know the exact salary you’ll be getting (both before and after taxes). Take a look at your weekly hours, how flexible your schedule is, the number of vacation days you’ll have, and whether or not you’ll be expected to work extra hours (keep in mind that locals don’t usually work overtime because it’s taxed more). Also, consider things like pension plans and group health insurance coverage.

Remember, when you sign the contract, you’re agreeing to the conditions they offer you. Don’t be afraid to negotiate certain aspects of the contract. If they’re unwilling to be flexible and it doesn’t meet your needs, it’s worth looking for other options.

Things to check when arriving in The Netherlands