Working is very important in the Netherlands: to earn money, but also to meet people and to learn the language.

Everyone works

In the Netherlands both men and women work (mannen en vrouwen). Many women work part-time (parttime).
After you arrive, you should start looking for work as soon as possible (zo snel mogelijk). You can work while you learn the language.

Where are the jobs?

The job market changes over time, but the general picture is:

There is a lot of work in health and social care (de zorg): hospitals, care homes and home care are always looking for staff.
There is less and less work in industry (de industrie): machines now do many factory jobs.
Very few people work in agriculture (de landbouw); most of the work is done by machines. It is easier to find work in services such as security (de beveiliging).

How do you find work?

People you know, family and friends (via familie, via vrienden) help a lot. Many jobs are found through someone's recommendation.
You can register with a temporary employment agency (het uitzendbureau). The agency places you with a company.
Job ads online and the UWV job website are also used.

The job interview

At a job interview (het sollicitatiegesprek) people first shake hands (een hand geven) and then sit down. Eye contact and being on time are important too.

Income and responsibility

If you come as a family migrant, your partner in the Netherlands must have enough income to support you. Your partner has to take care of you (voor mij zorgen). Claiming benefits (de uitkering, de bijstand) can put your residence permit at risk; the rules depend on your situation. Life in the Netherlands is expensive, so plan this well in advance.