Job Search

• Learn Dutch. Understanding and speaking Dutch is necessary if you want to be fully involved and be part of Dutch society as to create personal and professional networks. For most of the non-academic positions (staff) at the UG, Dutch language proficiency (at least at level B2) is often a requirement. The local labour market in general assumes applicants to speak Dutch. For academic positions at the UG, fluency in Dutch is plus. So, we advise you to start learning Dutch as soon as possible.
• Network, network, network! Networking is an effective way of landing a job in the Netherlands. All kinds of networks and contacts – whether they’re professional or social – can help to improve possibilities of finding a job or some other meaningful activities. DCS holds workshops and various networking events for you to attend and participate. Many regional networking events are organized throughout the year in Groningen and cities nearby. Additionally we can connect you with individuals in our DCS buddy network. This network consists of partners who have lived in Groningen more than two years and who would be happy to share their experiences. If you are interested send us an email.

• Build a complete and representable LinkedIn profile. LinkedIn is considered to be a strong platform in the Netherlands to find job opportunities and get connected with recruiters. This is where employers can find you and it also helps you to build your professional network and stay up to date with the job industry you are looking into.

• Build a strong and catchy resume. Have a good story and motivation to tell your potential employer why you are a good fit. Ask for feedback from other partners and advisors and trainers you will meet at our events. Take note of the pages of Career Services for career advice. Be ready to compete on a competitive labour market in a region with a lot of graduates of UG and Hanze, university of Applied Science. During these times of Corona, prepare also for presenting yourself at online interviews. Be on-time, prepare for the technical aspects, as well as your presentation.

• Familiarize yourself. The art of job search and application doesn’t come with set answers and certainly not in every region/country. It is good to familiarize yourself with the recruitment process in the region, application requirements and prepare yourself accordingly.
• Reinvent and reflect, perhaps even retarget. Prepare yourself as much as you can by staying active. Be ready to take a new step in your career. Reflect and analyze your talents and interests. Taking personality tests can help to better understand yourself and what motivates you. Take the time to invest in yourself by taking online courses. Attend offline and online networking events. Gain work experience. Understand and research where the opportunities are. Think of what skill set you can bring in another industry and another role.

• It is one thing to say you are open to flexible hours and can do your job remotely. But it is another thing to meet the demands of your future employer. Don’t be hesitant to suggest your own working schemes and arrangements by working from home at flexible hours.
• Start volunteering. Are you looking for something meaningful to do or looking for opportunities to improve your Dutch or ways to brush up your old skills? Consider a volunteer job. It is a great way to get in touch with local culture, meet new people and even can lead you to employment. UG can offer you a non-paid voluntary experience position (REP). In a REP you can gain up-to-date working experience in a university environment and you can practice your Dutch at the workplace. DCS can support you in finding experience opportunities within UG. Please send us an email if you are interested in a REP position.

Useful websites about working and living in the Netherlands:

• Job opportunities at the University of Groningen
• English vacancies at the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG)
• Dutch vacancies at the UMCG
• Make it in the North
• Indeed
• Intermediair
• Jobted
• Glassdoor
• Euraxess
• EURES
• Noorderlink: English vacancies
• Academic Transfer
• Stepstone
• Careers in Holland
• Undutchables
• Abroad-experience
• Yobbers
• Stepstone

• If you are interested in volunteering your time for other meaningful projects outside of the university, check out: