The first thing that needs to happen is that you must get a job offer from an eligible sponsor in the Netherlands so that you can get the necessary visa. There are two main ways to make this happen. The first and easiest way is to work through an agency. But as I believe many of you have realized, it's more difficult if you're older than 30 and in certain fields there are no specialized agents. Then people have to take action themselves, and that's why I created the guide to help more people. The second way is to get a job offer yourself from an employer who is a suitable sponsor in the Netherlands. Or to work through an umbrella company, but more on that later in the guide.
As a 28-year-old South African millwright who became an international recruiter, I've seen firsthand how challenging the process of getting work in the Netherlands can be. Before you start applying, I want to suggest that you view your job search process in the Netherlands as a strategic game. I've put together this guide based on my own experiences in various countries and my current work at NLIST, a technology and technical recruitment company.
As a South African, I understand that getting work in the Netherlands can seem challenging. But by approaching it as a Game, it becomes easier and exciting. Clear goals and deadlines can keep you motivated, just as they helped me in my own career journey.
See each step as a new "level" in your career Game. This helps you tackle challenges strategically and turn stress into drive - something I had to learn myself during my transition from millwright to international recruiter.
Goal: Find an employer who can sponsor your work visa.
Your main goal is to get a Dutch company to hire and sponsor you. This is the key to your dream of working here.
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Note: For independent applications, be prepared to lead the process and handle administrative tasks yourself. Many businesses, even if they are a suitable sponsor, have little experience with the process. You will likely have to handle a lot yourself, from getting your BSN number to TB tests etc. My guide will help you navigate these tasks, based on my own experiences and those of the people I've helped relocate to the Netherlands.
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As a recruiter specializing in the Dutch market, I can't emphasize enough how important it is to understand the minimum salary requirements for HSM migrants in 2024:
It is essential to make employers aware of these legal requirements, especially if you're applying on your own. You will have to make them realize that you must be offered the legally required salary to get your visa. Understand how these requirements can affect your application process.
Based on my own experiences and the help I've provided to others, I suggest you set up a clear strategy and plan for your job search process. Use my roadmap as a guide, but adapt it to your unique situation. Write down tasks you need to do every day and keep a careful record of your progress.