How easy would it be for a non-Dutch speaker to get a job?

Question

I may be moving to Gouda in Holland. Will people employ someone who doesn't speak Dutch. I will be trying to find somewhere to learn in the meantime but what are my chances straight off? thanks

Answer 1

As an alternative - you could find a job with an international company.

Some American companies i worked for had plenty of people around that didn`t speak Dutch at all.

Of course, you really should try to learn as quick as you can - but it is not an impossible obstacle.

Answer 2

As the others say, it will probably be hard but there is a chance. It also depends on qualifications and past experience. If you can tell us what yours are then perhaps somebody can give a more direct suggestion.

When are you leaving? It could be an idea to start learning before you leave. Showing that you already have taken the trouble can help during job interviews.

Answer 3

Whether you speak the language or not depends largely on where you end up living.

In order to get a job over there, you need some kind of recognised qualification, so bring all your certificates, degrees, diplomas, etc with you.

If you have a TEFL qualification, you should have no trouble whatsoever getting a job.  

Answer 4

no. us dutch are usually very welcoming of tourists and are not bothered having to speak english to tourists.

HOWEVER... common concensus in the netherlands, is that if you want to work here, you should speak the language. poor dutch will be tolerated, but only the first few years. you should set yourself a goal of learning dutch within 5 years (yes its possible, our queen to be learned to speak dutch flawlessly in 2 years)

your best chances are to start studying before you move. het the basics down. get a certificate for a basic dutch language course. that will show youre willing to invest time in learning the language and greatly increase your chances.

Answer 5

Without speaking Dutch you can always try to work in agriculture, or cleaning jobs,

if your job will be international, like trade,   english will be OK, but Dutch is preferred.  

Answer 6

Should be no problem when you have good education.

There are lots of British and American companies in The Netherlands.

Answer 7

Like the first answerer says how can you intend to conduct a professional relationship with someone if you cant speak there language. Its ridiculous

Answer 8

It is possible, although your chances are better when you speak Dutch. It depends on your skills. There are many people in construction without speaking Dutch. I have met bartenders who did not speak dutch.



I have a dentist who does not speak dutch, but he works in an area with high educated people. He does speak English, which is the least.

Try the Undutchables.

Welcome in Gouda, (I live nearby)

Answer 9

I think your chances are relatively good.  If you don´t mind swallowing your pride,  try any local McDonald´s,  they accept anyone so long as you speak some English,  and intend to learn Dutch.

Answer 10

I lived in the Netherlands for a year, I do speak Dutch having spent 4 years at University learning it (it's possible in much less time, but you know what students are like :))), I worked with plenty of people who didn't speak a word. Look out for the word "uitzendbureau" (a job agency) if there is a big student population there will often be casual work available for the visting exchange students (so language is less of an issue), I worked in some interesting places (factories, bakeries, warehouses) and learned a lot more useful Dutch from being in a job than I did from any books. Show willing to learn the language and be flexible on what kind of work you are looking to do and you should be fine :)

Enjoy it, its a great country.

One more thing.... the bigger recruitment companies like Randstad, Kelly Services, Manpower etc are all represented in the Netherlands, you could check out their websites for ideas on the kind of jobs available.

Answer 11

unless you're working for English speaking companies, or working in a family business like where everyone speaks your mother language and you're not in direct contact with clients for example working in a restaurant kitchen, I don't see a big chance.

Answer 12

I would say no

While rules of the EU dictate that any resident of a member state can seek employment in another member state, it is becoming increasingly more difficult.

I know that for example in Spain & Portugal unless you work in the resort bars you would not get a job unless you could speak the local language.

Even in the UK which is notoriously lax about letting all and sundry in are looking at a requirement of speaking English before you can seek employment.

In any event why should a company in Holland be expected to even consider you over a local resident when you can't speak dutch?

Learn the language first then hey presto no problems.