Amsterdam: Big Job Opportunities in a Small Country  

If you're planning a trip to Europe, then you should definitely visit the Netherlands-and Amsterdam in particular. Besides being a fantastic place to visit, Amsterdam is also an ideal place to live and work.  

Although the Netherlands' government is located in The Hague, Amsterdam is the symbolic capital of the country. In addition, Amsterdam is the largest city in the Netherlands, and has the most visitors annually (3.5 million foreign visitors). Amsterdam has a rich history, and is arguably northern Europe's most planned city. While it was the hub of the world's economy in the 1600s, today Amsterdam has become renowned for its tolerance. Any time of the year is a fantastic time to enjoy Amsterdam's architecture and events.  

Ironically, while the Netherlands is one of the smallest countries in Europe, it's also one of the wealthiest ones. The domestic economy is greatly reliant on trade, while some of the primary industries are: property, retail, communications, transportation, and finance. The country has a tax-friendly environment, a low unemployment rate, and has attracted several multinational companies, such as Nike.  

However, finding a job in Holland can be quite challenging. So it's highly advisable that you secure a job prior to arriving in the country. As a word of caution, if you can't find a position in the field that you prefer-then you might need to take a position that's not as favorable. In the Netherlands, it's quite common for people to land jobs via networking. But if you prefer to take a more traditional route in job hunting, that's viable alternative.  

To get your foot in the employment world of Amsterdam, one of the most popular options is to go through a temping agency. You can find several such positions advertised throughout the city, many of which require no knowledge of Dutch. It's important to note that such temping agencies are often used in the Netherlands as a stepping stone to a permanent position.  

Also, the Internet is a fantastic method for job-hunting in Amsterdam. This helps you to stay up-to-date about the job openings available. Then you'll be able to upload your resume easily, e-mail possible employers, and so on. 

Before starting your job hunt, it's important to familiarize yourself with the labor laws in Amsterdam. For instance, you'll need to learn whether you need a work permit, and if so-how to secure one. If you plan to work for more than three months in Amsterdam, then you'll need to secure a residence permit, which you can obtain from the Foreign Police.  

If you're planning to get one or several jobs in Amsterdam, be certain to book your holiday apartment online, before arriving in the country. This will ensure that you'll have an accommodation after arriving in the Netherlands.

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