Jobs

Working in the Netherlands: Understanding Skilled vs Unskilled Jobs for International Job Seekers

Published on April 28, 2025

Dreaming of building a better future in Europe? Whether you’re a trained professional or just ready to work hard, the Netherlands offers real opportunities—but knowing the difference between skilled and unskilled jobs could make or break your journey. Let’s explore how you can stand out, get hired, and thrive in the Dutch job market.

Introduction

For many Africans looking to build a better life abroad, the Netherlands stands out as a country with a strong economy, a high quality of life, and a demand for both skilled and unskilled labor. However, to navigate the Dutch job market effectively, it’s essential to understand how the system works—especially the distinction between skilled and unskilled jobs.

This guide is designed to provide a clear overview of the job landscape in the Netherlands, helping you understand which roles align with your qualifications, what employers expect, and how to position yourself for success.

Understanding the difference between skilled and unskilled jobs is not just a matter of terminology—it directly affects your chances of employment, salary expectations, visa eligibility, and long-term career growth. Whether you are a local Dutch citizen, an EU migrant, or an international job seeker from Africa or elsewhere, knowing where you fit within the labor market is the first step toward building a strong future in the Netherlands.

II. Definition and Classification

A. What Are Skilled Jobs?

Skilled jobs are positions that require a certain level of specialized knowledge, technical ability, or formal education. Individuals in skilled roles are often trained through vocational programs, college degrees, or years of hands-on experience in a specific industry. These jobs typically involve problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making responsibilities.

In the Netherlands, skilled jobs are highly valued, and employers often look for candidates with industry-recognized certifications or academic qualifications. Some roles may also require fluency in Dutch or English, depending on the sector.

Common examples of skilled jobs in the Netherlands include:

Engineers (mechanical, civil, electrical, etc.)
IT professionals (software developers, cybersecurity analysts, system administrators)
Healthcare workers (nurses, doctors, lab technicians)
Electricians, plumbers, and technicians with vocational training
Accountants, financial analysts, and legal professionals

These roles often come with better pay, long-term contracts, and more opportunities for professional growth. They may also be eligible for work visas under the Dutch “highly skilled migrant” program, which offers easier access to residence permits.

B. What Are Unskilled Jobs?

Unskilled jobs are roles that typically require minimal formal education or specialized training. These positions often involve manual labor, routine tasks, or support functions within larger organizations. Skills for these jobs are usually learned quickly on the job, and employers focus more on physical capability, reliability, and willingness to work flexible hours.

Unskilled work is vital to the Dutch economy, especially in industries that rely heavily on labor such as agriculture, logistics, cleaning, and hospitality. While these jobs may not require professional qualifications, they offer valuable entry points into the workforce—especially for new immigrants or those without recognized diplomas.

Common examples of unskilled jobs in the Netherlands include:

Cleaners and housekeeping staff
Warehouse and factory workers
Agricultural laborers and greenhouse workers
Construction assistants and general laborers
Delivery drivers and kitchen assistants

These roles are often filled through employment agencies (uitzendbureaus) and may be seasonal, part-time, or based on short-term contracts. While they may not offer the same level of security or pay as skilled jobs, unskilled positions can provide a starting point for gaining Dutch work experience, improving language skills, and eventually transitioning into more permanent roles.

III. Key Differences Between Skilled and Unskilled Jobs in the Netherlands

Understanding the core differences between skilled and unskilled jobs in the Netherlands can help job seekers make informed career decisions, prepare appropriate application materials, and pursue viable migration or employment opportunities. Below is a comparative analysis across several key categories:

Education and Training

Skilled jobs generally require a formal education background, professional certifications, or specialized technical training. In fields such as engineering, information technology, or healthcare, employers often expect a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or equivalent vocational qualification. In contrast, unskilled jobs typically involve minimal educational requirements. Most training is provided on the job, and tasks are straightforward and repetitive, with a focus on physical effort rather than technical skill.

Salary

There is a significant gap in earning potential between skilled and unskilled roles. Skilled professionals usually earn wages well above the national median, reflecting their expertise, qualifications, and the complexity of their tasks. Unskilled jobs, by contrast, tend to pay closer to the minimum wage. While some sectors may offer modest bonuses or shift differentials, unskilled workers often have limited bargaining power regarding pay.

Job Security

Job security is another area of divergence. Skilled workers are more likely to receive permanent contracts with social benefits, such as paid leave, pension contributions, and access to professional development. Unskilled workers, particularly those employed through staffing agencies, often work on temporary, zero-hour, or seasonal contracts. This can lead to financial instability, limited access to benefits, and frequent job turnover.

Career Growth

Skilled roles typically offer structured career advancement paths, including promotions, leadership positions, and opportunities for specialization. Employers may support additional training and certification to help employees move up the ladder. In contrast, unskilled workers may face stagnation, with limited room for professional development or internal progression unless they pursue additional training or shift into a different sector.

Language Requirements

Language proficiency plays a crucial role in employability and workplace integration. Skilled jobs often require a strong command of Dutch or English (or both), especially in customer-facing roles, technical writing, or regulatory compliance. For unskilled jobs, the language requirement is generally lower; basic Dutch or English is usually sufficient for following instructions and performing physical tasks. However, improved language skills can enhance workplace communication and future job prospects.

Work Visa Eligibility

The Dutch immigration system prioritizes skilled labor, making it relatively easier for highly qualified professionals to obtain work permits. The “Highly Skilled Migrant” visa program allows companies to fast-track foreign professionals, provided salary thresholds and educational requirements are met. Unskilled roles, however, are generally not eligible for non-EU work visas unless there is a severe labor shortage and no local or EU candidates available. As such, most unskilled roles are filled by EU/EEA nationals or individuals already residing legally in the Netherlands.

IV. Dutch Labor Market Overview

The Dutch labor market is dynamic, internationally oriented, and regulated by well-defined labor laws that protect workers’ rights. However, it also reflects global trends in automation, migration, and sectoral transformation. A deeper understanding of this landscape can help job seekers target their applications strategically.

Labor Shortages in Skilled Sectors

The Netherlands is currently experiencing a shortage of skilled professionals in several high-demand sectors. The most critical gaps are found in:

Information Technology (IT): Software developers, cybersecurity experts, and data analysts are in high demand, with many positions open to international candidates fluent in English.
Healthcare: Nurses, elderly care professionals, and medical technicians are urgently needed due to an aging population and increasing healthcare demands.
Engineering: Civil, mechanical, and electrical engineers are sought for infrastructure, renewable energy, and manufacturing projects.

These shortages create favorable conditions for skilled workers, especially those who can meet Dutch or international certification standards and navigate the language requirements.

Demand for Unskilled Labor

While technological advances have reduced the need for manual labor in some sectors, unskilled workers remain essential in industries that require a large, flexible, and often seasonal workforce. These include:

Logistics and Warehousing: With the growth of e-commerce, distribution centers are hiring workers for packaging, sorting, and deliveries.
Agriculture and Horticulture: Seasonal labor is in high demand during planting and harvesting periods, especially in greenhouse farming.
Hospitality and Cleaning Services: Hotels, restaurants, and cleaning companies regularly recruit for positions that require physical presence and adaptability.

These roles are frequently staffed by EU migrants or individuals working through temporary employment agencies, with variable conditions and pay levels.

Impact of Automation and Artificial Intelligence

Like many advanced economies, the Netherlands is facing the dual challenge of maintaining employment while embracing technological innovation. Automation is reshaping industries such as manufacturing, logistics, and finance. While this creates opportunities for skilled workers in tech and robotics, it also risks reducing the number of available roles for unskilled workers unless they reskill or transition to human-centric tasks that machines cannot easily replicate.

Role of Labor Unions and Regulations

The Dutch labor market is well-regulated and supports strong employee rights. Labor unions (vakbonden) play an active role in negotiating wages, working conditions, and benefits across sectors. Additionally, strict labor laws ensure fair treatment, prevent exploitation, and promote workplace safety. These protections apply to both skilled and unskilled workers, although temporary or agency-employed workers may not always receive the same level of stability or benefits.

V. Resume Building Tips

A well-prepared resume is essential for entering the Dutch job market, where employers expect clarity, structure, and relevance. Whether you are a highly trained professional or seeking an entry-level position, your CV is your primary marketing tool. Dutch employers are known for their directness, so your resume should be focused, accurate, and tailored to the job you are applying for.

A. For Skilled Job Seekers

If you are applying for roles in engineering, IT, healthcare, finance, or other professional sectors, your resume must reflect both technical ability and alignment with the specific industry expectations.

Key Recommendations:

Customize your resume for each job application. Avoid sending a generic CV. Instead, analyze the job description and adapt your skills, experiences, and keywords accordingly. This approach increases your chances of passing through applicant tracking systems (ATS).
Highlight academic and professional qualifications. Clearly list your degrees, certifications (e.g., PMP, CCNA, CFA), and relevant vocational training. For regulated professions, mention equivalence evaluation results from Nuffic, if applicable.
Emphasize accomplishments, not just duties. Use metrics and impact-focused statements (e.g., “reduced downtime by 25% through automation upgrade,” or “managed a €500,000 project across three EU countries”).
Demonstrate language proficiency. Especially for international candidates, include your level of Dutch and English using the CEFR framework (e.g., B2 Dutch, C1 English).
Include digital and professional assets. Share your LinkedIn profile, GitHub (for IT roles), online portfolio, or personal website if relevant to your profession.
Respect Dutch CV standards. A photo is optional (not usually expected outside hospitality), and avoid overly decorative templates. Focus on professionalism and readability.

B. For Unskilled Job Seekers

Job seekers applying for manual labor, logistics, cleaning, construction, agriculture, or hospitality roles still need a strong CV that shows readiness, reliability, and adaptability. Many employers receive high volumes of applications and scan CVs quickly, so keep it simple and direct.

Key Recommendations:

Prioritize clarity and brevity. A one-page resume is ideal. Clearly list your name, contact details, availability, work experience, and language abilities.
Highlight essential soft skills. Employers in unskilled sectors look for qualities such as punctuality, stamina, willingness to work long or irregular hours, and the ability to follow instructions.
Include local work experience, even if temporary. Any employment in the Netherlands—even through a staffing agency—can strengthen your application. It shows familiarity with local work culture and expectations.
Mention flexibility and availability. Indicate whether you can work weekends, shifts, or relocate, as flexibility is highly valued in these sectors.
Language ability matters. Even basic communication skills in Dutch or English can improve your chances. If you are actively learning, state your current level and any courses attended.
Keep formatting functional. Use bullet points, avoid long paragraphs, and maintain consistency in dates and job titles.

C. General Tips for All Applicants

Regardless of your skill level, these resume practices apply to anyone looking to work in the Netherlands:

Use a European-style format if requested. Europass CV is acceptable for public sector jobs and some multinational companies, though private employers often prefer custom-designed resumes tailored to the vacancy.
Maintain a clean and professional layout. Use clear section headings (e.g., Education, Work Experience, Skills), uniform font sizes, and sufficient white space for easy reading.
Always include legal and contact details. Clearly state your legal work status (EU citizen, residence permit holder, etc.) and ensure your phone number and email are up to date.
Avoid exaggerations or dishonest information. The Dutch workplace values transparency and integrity. Misrepresenting your experience can lead to immediate disqualification.
Do not include unnecessary personal information. Marital status, religion, or number of children are not relevant to your CV in the Netherlands.

VI. Resources and Further Steps

Navigating the Dutch job market requires more than just a strong resume. Knowing where to search, how to validate your credentials, and how to improve your integration prospects can significantly enhance your chances of securing employment.

Job Portals and Employment Platforms

Indeed.nl: One of the most comprehensive job search engines in the Netherlands, featuring both skilled and unskilled opportunities across industries.
Werk.nl: The official employment platform provided by the Dutch Employee Insurance Agency (UWV). It offers job vacancies, tools for resume creation, and access to labor market information.
LinkedIn: Widely used for professional networking and recruitment. Having a complete, up-to-date profile increases visibility to Dutch recruiters and headhunters.
Uitzendbureaus (Temporary Employment Agencies): These agencies are especially valuable for job seekers looking for unskilled or entry-level work. Leading agencies include Randstad, Manpower, Tempo-Team, YoungCapital, and Adecco. Many offer services in English and assist with registration and onboarding.

Government Support and Services

UWV: Offers employment support services including career coaching, vocational training advice, job fairs, and unemployment benefit services. Many resources are available online and at local branches.
Gemeente (Municipality Offices): Each municipality provides integration services such as language courses, civic education, and social assistance. Some offer local job search workshops or referrals to employment counselors.

Language Courses and Integration Programs

Inburgering Programs: Mandatory for some non-EU migrants. These programs teach Dutch language and cultural norms and help prepare individuals for the civic integration exam (inburgeringsexamen).
Dutch Language Schools and Courses: Institutions such as ROC, Volksuniversiteit, and other accredited language schools offer Dutch courses ranging from A1 (beginner) to C1 (advanced). Some municipalities subsidize these courses.
Online platforms: Tools like Duolingo, Babbel, and Dutchgrammar.com can supplement formal learning, especially in the early stages.

Recognition of Foreign Qualifications

Nuffic (The Dutch Organization for Internationalization in Education): This agency evaluates foreign diplomas and provides comparison statements showing how a foreign qualification aligns with the Dutch education system. This is particularly important for skilled professionals in regulated sectors such as healthcare, education, or law.
Credential evaluation is free for refugees and subsidized for certain categories of migrants. Nuffic’s “Diploma Recognition” service can significantly enhance your job applications and increase your credibility with employers.

Conclusion

The Dutch labor market presents valuable opportunities for both skilled professionals and motivated unskilled workers. However, understanding the distinction between the two categories is essential for setting realistic goals and navigating the hiring process successfully.

Whether you are a trained engineer or an individual ready to start in logistics or agriculture, the key to success lies in preparation, adaptability, and clarity. A strong, honest resume aligned with Dutch expectations can open doors—even in entry-level or physically demanding roles.

Finally, long-term success often depends on continuous improvement: learning the language, gaining local experience, and staying informed about labor market trends. The Netherlands rewards effort, transparency, and perseverance—qualities that many African job seekers already embody.