Open the door to your Dutch career with Open Dutch Doors
For many internationals in the Maastricht Region, finding the right job can feel confusing and sometimes frustrating. We spoke with Sandrine de Goede, founder of Open Dutch Doors, about how to better understand the Dutch job market—and how to move forward with confidence.
What are the main challenges that international professionals face when looking for work in the Netherlands?
Language is often mentioned first. Even though many people in the Maastricht Region speak English with varied proficiency, employers still often ask for Dutch at a certain level. However, I think the bigger challenge is how internationals present themselves. They have strong experience, but it is not always clear to Dutch employers how this fits their specific needs. It is about making your value as an employee and as a person visible and understandable.
Many internationals already have strong skills. Why can it still be difficult for them to find the right job?
Internationals often have great soft skills, such as flexibility and perseverance. These are very valuable, but they are not enough on their own. Employers also want to see clear, practical skills. You need to explain what you can do in a specific role and why that matters to the employer. It is about connecting your experience to what the company is looking for.
How does Open Dutch Doors help people take the next step in their career?
I work with a structured approach. First, we define a clear direction –what industry, what role, and which employers. Then we build a strategy around that. I help clients with their CV, their LinkedIn profile, interview preparation and where to look for jobs. This structure helps candidates feel more in control and less overwhelmed. It also builds confidence and reduces self-doubt.
You often talk about “Dutchifying” a CV. What does this mean in simple terms?
It means making your CV clear and easy for a Dutch employer to understand. In the Netherlands, employers value work experience more than education, so this should come first on your CV. You should be direct, avoid vague language, and use clear examples to show what you have done. It is all about clarity and relevance.
How important is networking in the Dutch job market, and how can internationals start building a network?
Networking is very important. It is about building relationships with people and organisations that are relevant to your goals. LinkedIn is essential in the Netherlands, but networking also happens in everyday life. Talk to people around you –at your children’s school, in your neighbourhood, at university or through hobbies. Be specific about what you are looking for. This also makes it easier for others to help you.
What advice would you give to someone who feels stuck in their career after moving to the Maastricht Region?
Don’t stay at home and try to solve everything alone. Go out and meet people. Attend events, like those held by Expat Centre Maastricht Region and Welcome to Maastricht Region. Talk to other job seekers, and connect with employers. Meeting others in the same situation can help you feel less alone and give you new ideas and opportunities.
What is one simple step our readers can take today to move closer to their next career opportunity?
Choose one direction. Start with 1 industry and 1 role that interests you. Search for this on LinkedIn and see what you find. Adjust your search and learn from the results. The most important thing is to take action and get started.
About Sandrine de Goede
Sandrine de Goede has over 20 years of work experience in the Netherlands across different industries. She has also lived abroad, so she understands what it feels like to start fresh in a new country. She started Open Dutch Doors because she wanted people to feel that they belong. When you move to a new country, it can be difficult to build a life and a network. Having a job plays an important role in feeling part of society, and she wants to help internationals achieve that.
Get in touch
Sandrine de Goede regularly shares tips and advice for international job seekers on LinkedIn. Or visit her website where you can learn more about her services and how she works. At the moment, she mainly works one-to-one with clients, but she is also planning to offer more group sessions and masterclasses, both online and in person. These sessions focus on practical topics like networking and job search strategy, and they are designed to help people take action straight away.
