Top skills employers look for in the Dutch job market

In today’s highly competitive Dutch job market, it takes more than just a well-crafted resume to get noticed. The booming Dutch economy and high quality of life attract talent from all over the world. That means that as a job seeker, you often find yourself competing against highly skilled professionals from a variety of backgrounds.

Could you use a few tips to enhance your confidence and your chances? Together with career coach and consultant Marina Delmotte, we identified the top skills that employers look for in the Dutch job market.

1. Cultural awareness

Have you already taken your first steps in the Dutch job market? Then you will probably have noticed the direct communication style and flat organizational structure the Dutch are known for. And frankly, that no-nonsense communication can be a bit of a shock at first. On the other hand, there’s also a clear emphasis on work-life balance. The average Dutch employer values employees who are open-minded, not reluctant to voice their opinions and collaborate with ease in multicultural environments. Being aware of the Dutch office culture is essential to your career, but also to be able to feel comfortable on the work floor.

2. Technical and digital skills

A strong digital sector is essential to a country’s future resilience. It’s not without reason the Netherlands places great value on digital developments. As a result, technical and digital skills are among the most in-demand qualifications in the labor market. In sectors such as finance and banking, knowledge of data science, blockchain technology and fintech solutions is becoming increasingly important as companies use digital tools to improve efficiency and security.

Essential skills for numerous sectors

But also in sectors such as healthcare and manufacturing, the need for workers with digital knowledge is growing, as modern systems and processes require new technological skills. Staying up to date with these trends and working on your digital skills is essential to remain competitive. Without a doubt, they belong to the top skills in the Dutch job market and will remain so for the foreseeable future.

3. Interpersonal skills

The flat organizational structure in Dutch companies means that there is much less of a hierarchy than you might be used to. Employers value teamwork. This makes it all the more important that you are able to negotiate and possess conflict resolution abilities. Being able to build professional relationships easily and give respectful, constructive feedback are also important interpersonal skills that will make you stand out.

4. Networking abilities

It probably won’t surprise you that networking also plays a crucial role in the Dutch job market. Many vacancies are filled through referrals and recommendations. Successful networking can be done through professional associations, LinkedIn, industry events or even through casual meetings. Do you want to make your career in the Netherlands a success? Then developing strong networking skills is invaluable.

5. Language proficiency

English is widely spoken in the Netherlands. In many international companies, English is even the working language. Despite this, Dutch is important and even required for a large number of functions. But even in functions where English is the working language, you can distinguish yourself from the rest with a good command of Dutch.. Speaking the local language benefits you in several ways. It allows you to network better, work more effectively and pleasantly with your Dutch colleagues and at the same time show that you want to integrate into your workplace. The latter is also something that Dutch employers greatly appreciate.

Studying whenever and wherever you want with Dutch Ready’s e-learning

Luckily Dutch is quite similar to English, but finding the time to learn the language can be quite a challenge with a demanding job and other commitments. However, tailor-made learning materials, specifically designed for busy expats who want to learn Dutch as efficiently as possible in a short time, make it a lot easier. With Dutch Ready’s interactive e-learning and personalized private lessons, you can study wherever and whenever it suits you. We bet you’ll soon be chatting confidently with your Dutch colleague at the coffee machine!

Time to assess and develop your skills

If you are looking to further develop your career and skills in the Netherlands, visit Marina Delmotte’s website. Investing in top skills employers look for in the Dutch job market is a sure way to increase your appeal and achieve career success.

By career coach Marina Delmotte