The Netherlands has been attracting workers from all over the world for many years thanks to its stable economy, high salaries and favourable working conditions. Many people prefer to work in this country, often using the services of recruitment agencies. However, more and more people are wondering whether it is more profitable to work in the Netherlands without an agency. In this article, we will try to answer this question and analyse the various aspects that make self-employment profitable.
Benefits of working in the Netherlands without an agency - why is it worth working independently?
Working in the Netherlands without an agency can have many advantages. Firstly, you don't have to pay commissions to an agency, which means more money in your hand. Agencies often charge commissions for their services, which can significantly reduce an employee's salary. Saving on commissions can increase your income, which is especially important for those who travel abroad in search of quick money.
Another advantage is that you have more freedom in choosing an employer. If you work without an agency, you can communicate directly with the employer, which allows you to better negotiate the terms of employment. You can directly negotiate your salary, working hours, and additional benefits such as holidays, bonuses, or social conditions. Without an agency, you can better adapt your working conditions to your individual needs and expectations.
In a dynamic labour market, the ability to respond more quickly to changing job offers is also a great advantage. Recruitment agencies often have their own procedures and formalities, which can delay the employment process. If you work independently, you can apply for vacancies you are interested in more quickly, which increases your chances of finding the right job in less time. In addition, without intermediaries, you have full control over the application process and can tailor your CV and cover letter more precisely to the specific requirements of the employer.
Not being tied to one agency allows you to make more flexible career decisions. In addition, by looking for work on your own, you develop interpersonal skills such as negotiation, networking and relationship building that can be useful in your future career.
Another benefit is that you avoid potential problems and misunderstandings with job applicants. In the past, employees have faced difficulties when working with agencies, such as unclear employment conditions, delayed payments, or inadequate living conditions. If you work directly for an employer, you have more control over these issues and are better able to protect your rights.
Working in the Netherlands without an employment agency - what are the difficulties?
Despite its many advantages, working in the Netherlands without an agency can be challenging. Firstly, it requires more independence and knowledge of the local labour market. Without the help of an agency, you will have to look for vacancies on your own, which can be time-consuming and requires knowledge of Dutch or English.
Another problem is the lack of assistance with official matters. Employment agencies can usually help you with the necessary formalities, such as registering at the employment office, obtaining a BSN number or opening a bank account. If you are self-employed, you will have to deal with the paperwork yourself, which can be especially difficult for newcomers abroad.
Working with and without a recruitment agency in the Netherlands - the difference in salary
Working through an agency in the Netherlands usually means a lower salary, as agencies receive a commission that affects the hourly rate. Salaries in agencies usually do not exceed the legal minimum wage, which in 2023 was €1.756.20 gross per month. Agencies offer flexibility and the opportunity to work in different locations, which can lead to fluctuations in income, but does not always guarantee financial stability. In addition, agency workers often have limited ability to negotiate salaries and benefits, which can affect overall job satisfaction.
In contrast, working directly for an employer usually leads to higher w ages, as there is no intermediary to receive commissions. Employees can negotiate more favourable pay conditions and additional benefits, such as bonuses, extra days off, health insurance and other support. Direct contact with the employer allows for better adaptation of working conditions, which can significantly increase overall job satisfaction.
Working without the intermediation of an agency, employees can count on greater job stability, which is especially important for those planning a long-term career in the Netherlands. Direct recruitment allows for a relationship with the employer, which can lead to greater loyalty and commitment from both the employer and the employee. In the long run, this relationship can lead to promotion and career development.
How to find a job in the Netherlands without an employment agency?
Finding a job in the Netherlands without an employment agency may seem challenging, but it is not impossible. There are many ways to find a job without an agency. Firstly, you can use online job portals such as Indeed, LinkedIn or Nationale Vacaturebank, which offer a wide range of job opportunities in various fields. Regularly visiting these sites and applying for relevant jobs is the first step to success. It is also worth checking out company websites, where new job postings are often published. Large companies and organisations often post job openings directly on their websites, which allows you to bypass intermediaries and contact the employer directly.
The next step is networking. Communication with people who already work in the Netherlands is very useful. By attending industry meetings, conferences, job fairs and other networking events, you can gain valuable information and contacts that will help you in your job search. Often, recommendations from friends or new acquaintances can lead to attractive job offers that are not advertised.
You can also join online groups and communities that bring together Poles working in the Netherlands, such as online forums, Facebook groups or LinkedIn. Here you can find a lot of useful information, advice and job offers not related to an agency. Members of these groups often share their experiences and advice, which can make your job search easier.
Don't forget about local newspapers and classifieds. In many cities in the Netherlands, advertisements in local newspapers and on job boards are still popular, where employers post job vacancies. Especially in smaller towns and villages, checking these sources can also yield positive results.
Working in the Netherlands without an agency - do you need language skills?
Knowledge of the Dutch language is not mandatory for finding a job in the Netherlands without an agency, but it can significantly increase your chances of employment and working conditions. It is possible to work without language skills, especially in industries such as agriculture, where motivation and willingness to work are more important than language skills, and manufacturing, where language skills are often not required.
In many cases, a basic knowledge of English can be a substitute for Dutch. However, knowing Dutch increases your chances of finding a better-paying job, improves your career opportunities and makes it easier to communicate with employers and colleagues, which can lead to better working conditions. You can also learn Dutch on the job, which can be beneficial in the long run, and some companies offer language courses for their employees.
If you are not looking for a job through an agency, knowing Dutch can be an added advantage, as it will help you navigate the labour market on your own and negotiate working conditions more easily. In short, although it is not a requirement to work in the Netherlands without an agency, it can make your job search process much easier and improve your career prospects. Those who do not speak Dutch can find work in some sectors, but their opportunities may be more limited.
In conclusion, should you work in the Netherlands without an agency?
The answer to this question depends on the individual preferences and skills of each person. Working without an agency in the Netherlands can be more rewarding financially, but requires more autonomy and dedication. For those who value independence and are up for a challenge, this can be a great opportunity. However, for those who need help with paperwork and job search, an agency can be invaluable.
Whether you want to work in the Netherlands without or through an agency is up to you!
