Jobs In Demand in The Netherlands in 2024
Are you looking for jobs in demand in the Netherlands in 2024? If so, you are not alone. The Netherlands is one of the most attractive destinations for job seekers from all over the world, thanks to its vibrant economy, high quality of life, and diverse culture. But what are the in demand jobs in this country, and how can you land one?
According to LinkedIn’s Jobs on the Rise report, the fastest-in-demand jobs in Netherlands for 2024 are the following:
Product analyst
Sales development representative
Site reliability engineer
Data engineer
Social media manager
The job market in the Netherlands is expected to grow by 1.3% in 2024, creating more than 100,000 new in demand job opportunities. Some sectors that will experience skill shortages include ICT, healthcare, engineering, construction, and creative professions. These sectors offer competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and ample career growth opportunities for qualified candidates.
However, working in the Netherlands is not only about the money. The Dutch work culture is known for its flat hierarchy, work-life balance, directness, and professionalism. These characteristics contribute to a positive and productive work environment, where employees are valued, respected, and empowered. Moreover, working in the Netherlands gives you the chance to experience the unique aspects of living in this country, such as its rich history, diverse culture, and progressive outlook.
As an expat who has worked in the Netherlands for two years, I can attest to the benefits of working in this country and Dutch companies. Since then, I have enjoyed a healthy work life balance, learned a lot from my colleagues, and explored the beautiful sights and sounds of the Netherlands. Working in the Netherlands has been one of the best decisions of my life, and I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a new challenge and adventure.
If you are interested in finding out more about the jobs in demand in the Netherlands for 2024, and how to get a healthy work life balance, keep reading this blog post.
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List of In Demand Jobs in Netherlands for Expats with Work VISA
The Netherlands has a strong and stable economy, ranking among the top 20 in the world in terms of GDP per capita. The unemployment rate is low, at around 3.5%, and the labor force participation rate is high, at around 80%. The Netherlands is also one of the most innovative and competitive countries in the world, ranking fourth in the Global Innovation Index and fifth in the Global Competitiveness Index.
The Netherlands is home to many international companies, especially in technology, finance, trade, and logistics. Some of the most well-known Dutch companies include Philips, Shell, ING, Heineken, Unilever, and Booking.com. The Netherlands is also a popular destination for foreign direct investment, attracting over $100 billion in 2020. This country has a highly skilled and educated workforce, with over 40% of the population having a tertiary education.
The Netherlands also has a high level of English proficiency, ranking first in the world among non-native English speakers. This makes it easier for expats to communicate and integrate into the Dutch society and work environment.
The Netherlands offers a variety of work visas for expats, depending on their nationality, qualifications, and purpose of stay. Some of the most common work visas are the Highly Skilled Migrant visa, the EU Blue Card, the Intra-Corporate Transfer visa, the Self-Employed visa, and the Working Holiday visa. Each visa has its own requirements and benefits, so it is important to do your research and apply for the right one for your situation.
In the following sections, I will provide more information on each of these categories of in demand jobs, including the salary ranges, specific skills needed, and job market trends.
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Product Analyst
A product analyst is someone who analyzes user behavior, market trends, and product performance to provide insights and recommendations for product development and improvement. A product analyst typically works closely with product managers, developers, designers, and marketers to ensure that the product meets the needs and expectations of the customers and the business.
The average salary for a product analyst in the Netherlands is €45,000 per year. The salary may vary depending on the level of experience, education, and industry. Some of the skills that a product analyst needs are:
Data analysis and visualization tools, such as SQL, Python, R, Tableau, and Power BI
Product management tools, such as Jira, Trello, and Asana
User research and testing methods, such as surveys, interviews, and A/B testing
Communication and presentation skills, such as storytelling, reporting, and persuasion
Business and marketing skills, such as market research, customer segmentation, and value proposition
With the increasing prevalence of data-driven strategies in product development, the demand for product analysts is surging across diverse sectors like e-commerce, technology, entertainment, and finance. You can find this type of job in job listings in the country, and most of them have attractive benefits.
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Sales Development Representative
This is another role in demand in the job market of the Netherlands. A sales development representative (SDR) is someone who generates and qualifies leads for the sales team. An SDR typically contacts potential customers via phone, email, or social media, and tries to identify their pain points, needs, and interests. An SDR then passes the qualified leads to the account executives, who are responsible for closing the deals.
The average salary for an SDR in the Netherlands is €32,000 per year. The salary may vary depending on the level of experience, education, and industry. Some of the skills that an SDR needs are:
Sales and marketing tools, such as CRM, email marketing, and social media platforms
Sales and communication skills, such as cold calling, prospecting, and objection handling
Negotiation and persuasion skills, such as rapport building, active listening, and closing
Time management and organization skills, such as prioritization, planning, and follow-up
Teamwork and collaboration skills, such as coordination, feedback, and support
Many companies, especially in the retail industry, adopt a digital and inbound marketing strategy to generate leads and increase sales. SDRs can find job opportunities in various industries, such as tech, finance, trade, and logistics.
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Site Reliability Engineer
A site reliability engineer (SRE) is someone who ensures that the website or application of a company is reliable, scalable, and secure. An SRE typically works closely with the software developers, testers, and operations teams to design, build, deploy, and monitor the systems and infrastructure that support the product or service.
The average salary for an SRE in the Netherlands is €60,000 per year. The salary may vary depending on the level of experience, education, and industry. Some of the skills that an SRE needs are:
Programming and scripting languages, such as Java, Python, Ruby, and Bash
Cloud computing and DevOps tools, such as AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, Docker, and Kubernetes
Monitoring and logging tools, such as Prometheus, Grafana, ELK, and Splunk
Troubleshooting and problem-solving skills, such as root cause analysis, incident response, and post-mortem
Automation and optimization skills, such as performance testing, load balancing, and caching
The demand for Site Reliability Engineers (SREs) is on the rise as companies embrace cloud-native and agile methodologies in software development and delivery. SREs are increasingly sought after in various sectors, including technology, e-commerce, entertainment, and finance, where their expertise in ensuring reliable and scalable systems is crucial.
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Data Engineer
A data engineer builds and maintains the data pipelines and platforms that enable the collection, storage, processing, and analysis of large and complex data sets. A data engineer typically works closely with the data analysts, data scientists, and business stakeholders to ensure that the data is available, accurate, and accessible for various purposes.
The average salary for a data engineer in the Netherlands is €55,000 per year. The salary may vary depending on the level of experience, education, and industry. Some of the skills that a data engineer needs are:
Data engineering tools, such as Hadoop, Spark, Kafka, and Airflow
Database and data warehouse tools, such as MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, and Redshift
Data integration and transformation tools, such as ETL, ELT, and API
Data quality and governance tools, such as Data Catalog, Data Lineage, and Data Dictionary
Data modeling and design skills, such as ERD, Star Schema, and Snowflake Schema
The demand for data engineers is expected to grow as more companies adopt a data-driven approach to decision making and innovation. Data engineers can find job opportunities in various industries, such as tech, e-commerce, entertainment, and finance.
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Social Media Manager
A social media manager is someone who manages the social media presence and strategy of a company or a brand. Their job is to publish and monitor content on various social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. A social media manager also engages with the audience, analyzes the performance, and reports on the results.
The average salary for a social media manager in the Netherlands is €40,000 per year. The salary may vary depending on the level of experience, education, and industry. Some of the skills that a social media manager needs are:
Social media tools, such as Buffer, Hootsuite, and Sprout Social
Content creation and editing tools, such as Canva, Photoshop, and Premiere Pro
Social media marketing and advertising skills, such as SEO, SEM, and PPC
Communication and writing skills, such as copywriting, storytelling, and tone of voice
Creativity and innovation skills, such as brainstorming, ideation, and experimentation
The demand for social media managers is expected to grow as more companies, especially in the retail sector, adopt a digital and social media marketing strategy to increase brand awareness and customer loyalty. Social media managers can find job opportunities in various industries, such as e-commerce, entertainment, hospitality, and education.
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Digital marketing specialist
A digital marketing specialist is someone who plans, executes, and optimizes the online marketing campaigns of a company or a brand. They typically use various digital channels, such as email, web, mobile, and social media, to reach and convert the target audience. A digital marketing specialist also measures and analyzes the effectiveness and ROI of the campaigns.
The average salary for a digital marketing specialist in the Netherlands is €42,000 per year. The salary may vary depending on the level of experience, education, and industry. Some of the skills that a digital marketing specialist needs are:
Digital marketing tools, such as Google Analytics, Google Ads, and Facebook Ads
Email marketing tools, such as Mailchimp, Hubspot, and Constant Contact
Web design and development tools, such as WordPress, HTML, and CSS
Content marketing and SEO skills
The increased demand for Digital Marketing Specialists is expanding as businesses increasingly recognize the pivotal role of online presence. With the evolution of digital landscapes, opportunities for specialists abound in diverse industries such as e-commerce, technology, healthcare, and finance, where strategic digital marketing is vital for brand visibility and audience engagement.
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Other Notable In Demand Job Opportunities in Netherlands
Besides the top jobs in the fields of engineering, IT, healthcare, and finance, there are other in demand job opportunities in the Netherlands for expats and skilled workers. Some of these are:
Account management: This is a role that involves building and maintaining relationships with clients, identifying their needs, and providing solutions. Account managers are sought after by various industries, such as marketing, sales, and consulting. To work as an account manager in the Netherlands, you need to have excellent communication and negotiation skills, as well as a good knowledge of the local market and culture.
Software developer: This is a role that involves creating, testing, and maintaining software applications, systems, and platforms. Software developers are in high demand in the Netherlands, especially in the sectors of e-commerce, gaming, and fintech. To work as a software developer in the Netherlands, you need to have a relevant degree or certification, as well as proficiency in one or more programming languages, such as Java, Python, or C#.
Expat jobs: These are jobs that are specifically tailored for foreigners who want to work and live in the Netherlands. Expat jobs are usually offered by multinational companies, international organizations, or Dutch employers who value diversity and global talent. Expat jobs can range from teaching, to project management, to customer service. To work as an expat in the Netherlands, you need to have a valid work permit, a high level of English, and preferably some knowledge of Dutch.
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Requirements for Working in the Netherlands as an Expat
If you are interested in working in the Netherlands as an expat, you may wonder what the requirements are and how to find a suitable job. The Netherlands is a popular destination for expats, as it offers a high quality of life, a diverse and international culture, and a strong economy. However, finding a job in the Netherlands as a foreigner can be challenging, as the competition is high and the language barrier can be an obstacle. Here are some of the main requirements and tips for working in the Netherlands as an expat:
Visa and residence permit
Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa, a residence permit, or both to work in the Netherlands. If you are from the EU/EEA or Switzerland, you do not need a visa or a residence permit, but you will need a valid passport or identity document1. If you are from a non-EU/EEA country, you will need a visa and a residence permit, and your employer will have to sponsor you. There are different types of visas and residence permits depending on the purpose and duration of your stay, such as the highly skilled migrant visa, the intra-corporate transferee visa, or the start-up visa. You can check the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) website for more information on the visa and residence permit requirements and procedures.
Employment contract and minimum wage
To work in the Netherlands, you will need an employment contract with a Dutch-based employer, who must pay you at least the statutory minimum wage or a percentage thereof. The minimum wage depends on your age and the number of hours you work per week, and it is adjusted twice a year. As of January 2024, the minimum wage for a full-time worker aged 21 or older is €1,701.80 per month. Your employment contract should also include other details, such as your job description, working hours, salary, holiday entitlement, notice period, and probation period. You can find more information on the Dutch government website.
Language skills
Consider adding the Dutch language to your cover letter when finding employment in the Netherlands. This will help both locals and expats in securing jobs in the booming industries in the country. Although the Netherlands is a multilingual country and many Dutch people speak English and other languages, knowing some Dutch can be very helpful for finding a job and integrating into the society.
Some top jobs, especially in the public sector and administrative roles, require a certain level of Dutch proficiency, while others, especially in the private sector, may accept English or other languages as the working language. However, even if you work in an international company, learning some Dutch can show your interest and motivation, and can improve your communication and networking skills. You can find various courses and resources to learn Dutch online or in person, such as the Dutch Language Union or the Netherlands Education Support Office.
Job search
Finding a job in the Netherlands as an expat can be hard, but not impossible. There are various ways to look for job offers, such as online platforms, recruitment agencies, networking events, or referrals. Some of the most popular online platforms for expats are Glassdoor, Indeed, or Nationale Vacature Bank, where you can filter the jobs by language, location, sector, and education level. You can also use the services of recruitment agencies, such as Hays, Randstad, or Michael Page International, who can match your skills and goals with the available vacancies.
Additionally, you can attend networking events, such as those organized by InterNations or DutchReview, where you can meet other expats and potential employers. Finally, you can ask for referrals from your friends, colleagues, or acquaintances who may know of some job opportunities or can introduce you to someone who does.
These are some of the main requirements and tips for working in the Netherlands as an expat. However, there may be other factors to consider, such as the work culture, the tax system, the social security benefits, or the housing market. Therefore, it is advisable to do some research and preparation before moving to the Netherlands and starting your job search. Working in the Netherlands as an expat can be a rewarding and enriching experience, as long as you are aware of the challenges and opportunities that await you.
Final Thoughts About Jobs in Demand in The Netherlands
In conclusion, the Netherlands presents a wealth of opportunities for job seekers in 2024, with a growing demand in sectors like ICT, healthcare, engineering, and creative professions. The Dutch work culture, renowned for its balance and professionalism, adds to the allure of working in this vibrant country.
Expats can explore various in-demand roles, from product analysts to social media managers, in industries ranging from technology to finance. Whether you’re an experienced professional or considering a career change, the Netherlands offers a promising landscape. Stay informed, tailor your applications, and embrace the unique experience of working in this dynamic and diverse country.
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