Inspiration
Organisations that can help you find a job in the Netherlands
Finding your first job in the Netherlands can feel overwhelming, especially if you're still building your Dutch network or learning the language. The good news is that there are many organisations offering free coaching, training, networking opportunities and even direct routes into employment.
Below are some of the best organisations supporting newcomers, refugees and people with a migration background.
Looking for work
Refugee Talent Hub
Refugee Talent Hub connects newcomers with some of the Netherlands’ largest employers. They organise networking events, mentoring programmes, paid traineeships and job opportunities across many different sectors. It’s a great place to start if you already have qualifications or work experience.
NewBees
NewBees helps newcomers discover their talents and connect with local employers. They offer personal coaching, work placements, volunteering opportunities and support throughout the job search.
VluchtelingenWerk Nederland
Known mainly for legal and integration support, VluchtelingenWerk also offers programmes that help refugees prepare for the Dutch labour market through career guidance and education.
Refugee Company
Refugee Company believes in learning by doing. Through social enterprises such as A Beautiful Mess, participants gain valuable Dutch work experience, build confidence and develop practical skills before moving into regular employment.
Untapped Talents
Untapped Talents connects newcomers with employers who are looking beyond a CV. They focus on matching people’s skills, motivation and potential with suitable job opportunities, particularly in the hospitality sector, although they also work with employers in other industries. They provide personal guidance throughout the recruitment process and work closely with both candidates and employers to create long-term matches.
JobOn
JobOn is a free national platform offering workshops, webinars and networking events for anyone looking for work. Their sessions cover topics such as CV writing, LinkedIn, interviewing and networking.
Werkclub
Werkclub provides practical advice, coaching and job opportunities, helping job seekers improve their application skills and connect with employers.
WRK4
WRK4 works with employers and municipalities to match newcomers with sustainable employment opportunities, while providing guidance throughout the recruitment process.
Recruitment agencies (uitzendbureaus)
Registering with one or more recruitment agencies can significantly increase your chances of finding work quickly. Many offer jobs in logistics, hospitality, administration, customer service, manufacturing and more. They can also help you improve your CV, prepare for interviews and sometimes provide training.
Tempo-Team
Tempo-Team helps job seekers find temporary and permanent jobs across a wide range of sectors. They also have dedicated information and support for refugees looking to work in the Netherlands.
Randstad
As one of the Netherlands’ largest recruitment agencies, Randstad supports newcomers in finding suitable work. They also offer free language courses, training opportunities and career guidance.
Adecco
Adecco works with employers across many industries and is committed to helping refugees and newcomers enter the labour market through job placements, training and support.
RefugeeWork
RefugeeWork is an online platform where employers and newcomers can connect directly. You can create a profile, browse vacancies and apply for jobs with employers who are actively looking to hire people with a refugee background.
Interested in technology?
The Dutch tech sector is growing quickly, and many organisations offer free or subsidised training.
HackYourFuture
HackYourFuture is one of the Netherlands’ best-known coding schools for refugees and displaced people. Their intensive programme teaches web development alongside personal development, interview preparation and career coaching.
TechMeUp
TechMeUp helps people from underrepresented backgrounds access technology education by providing funding for coding bootcamps and other tech courses. Participants only repay their loan once they have secured a job.
Codam Coding College
Codam offers a free, full-time coding education programme in Amsterdam. No previous programming experience is required, and admission is based on motivation and aptitude rather than qualifications.
Thinking about starting your own business?
Forward Inc.
Forward Inc. supports aspiring entrepreneurs with a refugee background. Their programmes include business coaching, mentoring, workshops, networking opportunities and guidance on starting a business in the Netherlands.
Delitelabs
Delitelabs offers entrepreneurship programmes that help participants build confidence, develop business ideas and strengthen essential workplace and communication skills.
For women entering tech
Several organisations specifically encourage women to pursue careers in technology.
These organisations offer coding workshops, digital skills training, mentoring and supportive communities for women starting careers in technology.
For graduates and highly skilled professionals
UAF
If you have a university degree or professional qualifications from your home country, UAF can help you continue your education, obtain recognition of your qualifications and find work at your professional level. They also offer career coaching and networking opportunities.
Build your network
Finding work in the Netherlands often depends on who you know as much as what you know.
Samen Hier
Samen Hier connects newcomers with groups of local volunteers, helping people build friendships and expand their professional network. These personal connections often lead to internships, work experience and job opportunities.
Welcome App
The Welcome App provides practical information in multiple languages about work, housing, healthcare and integration. It also helps users discover local organisations, language classes and employment support in their area.
Creative careers
Makers Unite
Makers Unite supports newcomers with creative backgrounds through training programmes, textile workshops and practical work experience. Participants build portfolios while developing skills that can lead to employment in creative industries.
Other organisations worth exploring
Depending on where you live, you may also find support from:
Availability varies by region, so it’s worth checking whether they operate in your municipality.
A few tips before you start
- Make a LinkedIn profile and keep it up to date.
- Create a professional CV. You can find free templates on Canva.
- Set up job alerts on LinkedIn, Indeed and other job websites.
- Attend networking events whenever possible.
- Continue improving your Dutch, even if you’re applying for English-speaking jobs. Read our additional guide to free Dutch language learning resources.
- Don’t be discouraged if finding your first job takes time. Building a network and gaining local experience often makes a big difference. In the meantime, volunteering or completing an internship can strengthen your CV and help you gain valuable references.
- Check the website of your local municipality and UWV for additional support and vacancies.
- Register with several organisations rather than relying on just one.
Every journey is different, but with the right support and persistence, many newcomers successfully build rewarding careers in the Netherlands.
