Building a network can feel draining—like knocking on hundreds of doors, hoping one will open.
That’s why we have prepared 9 tips for you how to make it fun and effective. Enjoy!
1. Start with LinkedIn (Your Best Friend in NL)
🔹Optimize your profile & headline to match your job search goals.
🔹Follow Dutch companies, recruiters, and industry leaders. Engage! Like, comment, and message people—networking is about relationships, not just connections.
2. Connect with Other Expats
🔹Join expat career groups, professional communities, and meetups (both online & offline).
🔹Expats help each other—they’ve been in your shoes and can share insights, job leads, and support.
3. Go to Networking Events & Meetups
🔹The Netherlands has tons of networking events, industry conferences, and career fairs.
🔹Try Meetup.com, Eventbrite, and LinkedIn events for relevant gatherings.
4. Reach Out for Coffee Chats
🔹Find professionals in your field and invite them for an informal chat.
🔹Dutch professionals value directness—it’s totally normal to reach out and ask for insights.
5. Get Involved in Industry Communities
🔹Join professional associations, volunteer work, or niche groups in your sector.
🔹This helps you gain experience, visibility, and valuable contacts.
6. Volunteer Your Time & Skills
🔹Volunteering is a great way to integrate into Dutch society while building valuable connections.
🔹Many NGOs, charities, and community projects in the Netherlands actively look for skilled professionals.
7. Join Dutch Social & Hobby Groups
🔹To truly integrate, you need a local Dutch network who believes in you and supports you with local knowledge.
🔹Join sports clubs, hobby groups, cultural communities—places where you can naturally meet locals and expand your network.
8. Be Active in Conversations
🔹Don’t just add connections—engage!
🔹Share insights, ask questions, and interact with others’ posts. The more visible you are, the more people remember you.
9. Follow Up & Stay in Touch
🔹Networking isn’t just about meeting people—it’s about keeping relationships alive.
🔹A simple “Hey, I really enjoyed our chat! Let’s stay in touch” message can open doors later.
Even though networking comes more naturally to extroverts than to introverts, the truth is:
Networking is a skill. Like any skill, you can practice and improve over time.
Think about an animal that easily connects with different species, moves swiftly toward its goals, and adapts effortlessly. What animal comes to mind?
What makes it so successful? What skills does it have that you can apply to your own networking journey?
