Do you speak German or French? You’re in high demand in the Netherlands

Undutchables is a recruitment agency that specialises in connecting non-Dutch speakers with jobs that require their language skills. They explain why now is a good time to be a French or German speaker in the Netherlands.

Anyone considering moving to the Netherlands quickly finds out it's a great place for English speakers. What they may not notice is that it is also a great place for French and German speakers, with not only vibrant French and German communities for you to join, but also extremely high demand for your language skills in the workplace.

While speaking English in the Netherlands means you can easily participate in daily life in the Netherlands, it's not much of a unique selling point when applying for a job precisely because so many people can speak it so well. In contrast, only 29 percent of Dutch people speak French, so fluent French speakers have a real advantage in the job market.

Why German and French speakers are sought after

Germany is the largest trading partner of the Netherlands, with Belgium second and France fourth, meaning that many Dutch companies want French and German speakers to work with their partners and customers in these countries. There are also many French and German companies with offices in the Netherlands that want multilingual staff.

The Netherlands is a favourite location for many international companies to base their European headquarters and offices. Multinationals with offices in the Netherlands often recruiting for French and German speakers include finance giants like Deutsche Bank and Citibank, fashion brands such as Nike and PVH and tech giants like Netflix and Uber. Then there are global Dutch companies like Booking.com, ING, Philips, Shell, Unilever, KLM and ASML who also need your language skills.

All of these companies need to be able to communicate with their partners, suppliers and customers in their own languages, and with France, Belgium and Germany - let alone the wider DACH region - being such big markets, the demand for French and German speakers is always sky-high.

The top roles for French and German speakers

There's no point in pretending that every type of job will be open to you in the Netherlands if you don't speak Dutch to a professional level. However, for French and German speakers, you can easily find work in a huge range of roles. These can include:

Marketing and communications

To effectively communicate, you need to be speaking the same language as your target audience. From advertising to newsletters and from press officers to social media managers, companies based in the Netherlands that want to operate in France, Belgium, and Germany need to be able to sell their products and services in the local language.

Customer support

Similarly, B2C companies with customers in multiple countries need a skilled, multilingual customer service team. While some companies might expect you to be able to operate in Dutch and your native language, the bigger the company, the more they will be happy for you to specialise in just French or German.

Sales and account management

If you have the gift of the gab, the Netherlands wants you! As a proud nation of merchants and entrepreneurs, the Dutch consider being able to woo clients in France and the German-speaking DACH region in their own languages as a basic requirement of working in those countries, and they are on the hunt for those with the language skills.

Supply chain and logistics

Rotterdam is the largest seaport in Europe, and as a result, the Netherlands has a huge amount of freight that needs moving around. This makes the Netherlands a European centre for supply chain and logistics companies, and people with experience in these fields who speak French or German will be snapped up quickly!

IT and tech support

Tech is a huge sector in the Netherlands, and while developers tend to operate in English, to roll out their programmes globally requires a multilingual team. From translators for websites, to local-specialist UX writers and designers, as well as tech support for customers, French and German speakers all have a role to play in this booming industry.

What the Dutch job market is like

So now you know you'll be able to get a job in the Netherlands, the question is, would you want to? Here are a few reasons the Dutch job market is one of the most appealing around.

• Hybrid and remote working: Many international companies offer flexible working arrangements. This is great for your work-life balance and can help if you have to work in another time zone to make the best use of your language skills.
• Competitive salaries and benefits packages: As French and German skills are in such demand, the roles that require them often come with a very attractive salary and benefits package. Many will also recognise what a big step it is to move country and offer relocation support, language-learning options and other bonuses.
• Relaxed working environment: Many internationals, particularly those from Germany, find Dutch offices surprisingly relaxed and informal. There is very little hierarchy, a good understanding that employees also have home lives, barely any dress code and a laissez-faire attitude to starting and finishing hours. The important thing is that the job gets done.
• Space for ideas: The Dutch are famous for being direct communicators. This can take a little getting used to, but it means they are also used to listening to others when they have something to say. If you have an idea to improve your workplace, speak up like a Dutchie would, and you will be listened to.
• Specialist recruitment agencies: Hiring is often done through recruitment agencies in the Netherlands, and there are many specialised ones out there. Make sure you sign up with one that is an expert in marketing your multilingual skills.

The joys of living in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is world-renowned for its great work-life balance and general quality of life. With short working hours and high wages, and many people opting to work part-time, it's a great country to live in.

A diverse community

As an international hub, the Netherlands has many exciting and welcoming communities, and it's easy to make friends and socialise with people from all over the world. There are also Dutch-based cultural outposts of both German and French centres, such as the Goethe-Institut and the Alliance Française, so you don't have to feel far from home.

Close to everywhere

The Netherlands is incredibly well connected to the rest of Europe, particularly France, Belgium and Germany, with dozens of trains connecting the countries daily, as well as plenty of flights and fast roads. This makes it a great hub from which to explore Europe, and it's never hard to pop back and see old friends and family if you need to.

Strong workers' rights

Finally, employee support and protections are set to a very high standard in the Netherlands. The Dutch consider themselves a fair and egalitarian society, where no one gets left behind. This translates into excellent anti-discrimination laws and generous sick and maternity leave.

Landing the job

You might have the skills and have decided you want to work in the Netherlands, but how do you make sure you get the job? Tailoring your CV and interview style to Dutch expectations is an essential first step.

A good recruitment agency will be able to give you advice on what Dutch companies expect from a CV. Make sure you highlight the experience you have that is most relevant to the role you are applying for. The Dutch appreciate straight talkers, so don't hide your light under a bushel - if you're proud of something, tell them!

Finding the jobs

Community, word-of-mouth and networking is extremely valuable in the Netherlands. Make sure you throw yourself in from the start by attending networking events and getting active with your (freshly updated) LinkedIn profile. 

Recruiters can be invaluable to internationals looking for work, as they already have a huge network of contacts that a newcomer can utilise. Many also run coaching events to get your CV or interview skills up to scratch, as well as networking events so you can get your name out there and make both contacts and friends.

Acing the interview

The two golden rules to win over the Dutch are to be honest and direct. Don't be afraid to acknowledge where you might need more experience - after all, nobody is perfect - but make sure you also tell them exactly where you will shine and why they can't do without you.

If language skills are key to the role, be ready for questions in English and your professionally fluent languages, perhaps with a little Dutch thrown in as well if it's a Dutch company.  Highlight any experience you have of working in a multinational and multicultural environment, and any times you have had to work in multiple languages. 

Taking the plunge

With so many multinational companies seeking French and German speakers in the Netherlands right now, there's never been a better time to make the move. 

With a welcoming scene of internationals, plenty of job opportunities at well-paying and well-respected international companies and a work-life balance envied around the world, the Netherlands is a great place to take the next step in your career.

Explore available job openings and connect with Undutchables recruiters to get started on your job search and get your questions answered. Check out their German Webinar Week and ebook or French Webinar Week and ebook for more information on how to find a job in the Netherlands as a German or French speaker!