How to Apply and Get a Job in the Netherlands From Ghana
The Netherlands, also known as Holland is a country in Europe. It shares borders with Germany and Belgium. The official language is Dutch. Holland is ranked the sixth-happiest country in the world according to the World Happiness Report 2018.
The Netherlands is one of the richest countries in the world and offers a variety of job opportunities, as well as a high standard of living. Some major cities in the Netherlands include; Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht, Eindhoven, Tilburg, Groningen, Almere Stad, Breda, Nijmegen etc.
In this article, we will be showing you how to get a job in the Netherlands from Ghana even when you have not stepped a foot in the country. This guide also contains, the Netherlands job requirements, skill shortage, how to apply for jobs in the Netherlands from Ghana and how to get Holland work permit from Ghana.
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Skills Shortages
The Netherlands has one of the lowest unemployment rates in Europe with less than 4% in recent years. However, the country is experiencing skills shortages in a number of areas.
Despite its reputation as an innovative leader in high-tech engineering and technology, the Netherlands currently has the second highest demand for engineers globally. Whatever your speciality, finding work as an engineer shouldn’t be too difficult.
Other areas facing shortages include:
- the IT sector, where a yearly growth of 1.2% is projected until 2020 to keep up with the demand for rapid advances in technology
- teaching, where the current level of trainee and qualified teachers doesn’t sufficiently replace the number of teachers approaching retirement age
- the healthcare sector, which is under strain thanks to a growing population and longer average life expectancy, meaning more people than ever before are needing care.
You’ll be highly valued by employers if you can contribute skills in any of these fields.
Jobs in the Netherlands
The Netherlands is a world leader in agriculture, only second to the USA in terms of food exports. Its top commodities include;
- electrical equipment
- machinery
- mineral fuels
- pharmaceuticals
- medical apparatus.
The country is also home to some of the world’s biggest multinational companies, such as Unilever, Philips, Shell and Heineken, and plenty of job opportunities exist at these firms for international workers in a variety of roles.
Popular graduate jobs in the Netherlands for graduate include agriculture, energy, finance, healthcare, transport and logistics.
How to Search for Jobs in the Netherlands from Ghana
You can search for jobs in the Netherlands using any of these websites
EURES
You can also find vacancies in the Netherlands through EURES. On the EURES website, you can respond to vacancies with Dutch employers. The website is available in 25 European languages. visit eures.europa.eu.
General vacancy sites
You could also use find jobs using any of the following job websites.
Specialist vacancy sites
- jobted.nl
- seasonalwork.nl agriculture and horticulture
- agrojobs.nl agricultural sector
- intermediair.nl specialised in higher education jobs
- export.nl import/export, transport and the offshore industry
- medweb.nl medical personnel
- academictransfer.com academics
- cadjobs.nl technical artists
- archined.nl architects
Vacancies in newspapers
You can find vacancies in regional and national Dutch newspapers:
How to Get a Job in the Netherlands from Ghana
Applying for a job in the Netherlands from Ghana typically involves sending your CV and cover letter. You can start your job search from home using job boards, contacting companies directly or making contact via social media such as LinkedIn.
Also, if there are no advertised positions that interest you, consider sending a speculative application to the companies you’d like to work for. Dutch employers appreciate a proactive approach.
Alternatively, you can start your job hunt once you’re in the Netherlands by checking local and national newspaper listings.
If you’re shortlisted for a job you may have to attend a series of interviews with different people at the company. Some firms offer video interviews to candidates who are still in their home country. Larger employers sometimes use psychometric tests and assessment centres to filter candidates. For all types of assessment, dress smartly and arrive on time – the Dutch place great importance on punctuality.
READ ALSO:Â 5 Tips to Help You Get a Job Abroad From Ghana
Language Requirements to Work in the Netherlands
You don’t necessarily need to be fluent in Dutch to find a work in the Netherlands. English is the country’s official business language and many Dutch cities, particularly Utrecht and Rotterdam, have plenty of opportunities for English speakers.
However, you’ll increase your chances of securing employment, being promoted and integrating in society with at least some knowledge of Dutch. If you’re working in a sector that requires you to network, such as marketing, or working closely with the Dutch government, proficiency in the language is essential.
Dutch Work Permit
As a Ghanaian, you’ll need to obtain a residence and work permit before you start working in the Netherlands. The procedure of obtaing a work permit varies depending on whether you’re an employee, self-employed or highly skilled. For more information, visit the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND).
You’ll also need to take out health insurance in the first four months of your arrival in order to access the Dutch healthcare system. All Dutch companies are required to offer their employees a basic health package by law. If you’re working in the Netherlands for fewer than 12 months, a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will be sufficient.
Salary of Workers in the Netherlands
As at 2018, the Average Dutch employee worked, 1,430 hours per day, equating to 27.5 hours per week. However, full-time employees typically work 36 to 40 hours from Monday to Friday.
Others work four days in a week, choosing longer hours over a shorter space of time, while many choose to work part time. Full-time employees are guaranteed a minimum of 20 days’ (four weeks) annual leave.
Reviewed twice annually, the current minimum wage for workers aged 23 and over is €1,551.60 per month. For employees younger than this the figure increases in yearly increments, from €465.80 at 15 years old to €1,318.85 at the age of 22.
If you were hired abroad to work in the Netherlands you may be entitled to the Dutch ‘30% ruling’, whereby you’ll receive 30% of your salary paid to you tax free for a maximum of eight years to cover the costs of relocating (although you won’t need to have incurred expenses to be eligible).
Figures contained in this article are averages. The amount you may be paid as salary will fluctuate depending on so many factors.
