Knowing a foreign language

DB Work's team of recruiters has offered jobs and contracts în the Netherlands to thousands of qualified specialists in fields as diverse as shipping, logistics, industry and construction. While for some of them, knowledge and speaking of English is not compulsory, it is an important advantage in the recruitment process. 

We are looking for more and more English-speaking professionals and beyond, and in the paragraphs below you will find out why it is important to learn English when you are working abroad.

English in the labor market

Knowledge of English has always been an advantage in the context of getting a job in a country where employers are in constant search for skilled labor from across Europe. Most of DB Work's employer partners speak English, and the better you are able to communicate with them, the quicker you will integrate, and the higher the quality of your relationship during working hours.

However, what you should be aware of is that different employers have different requirements for the same job in terms of mandatory knowledge of English or Dutch. For example, while some require you to have a medium level of English for the same job, others only require a minimum conversational level, and others do not require foreign language skills, as team or site coordinators are of the same nationality as you and can easily get along with you.

You should also know that regardless of whether or not you know a foreign language, the employment contract signed through DB Work will be written in both Dutch and your native language for full transparency.

If you want to see which vacancies we are looking for specialists for right now, take a look at the list of vacancies by clicking here.

This way, you will find out in concrete terms which jobs DB Work employers need foreign language specialists for.

Adapting to the new country

When you arrive in the Netherlands, you will not only have to adapt to a new job, but also to new social behaviours and a new culture. Adjusting to the Dutch way of life, a new set of laws and a new set of rules that the Dutch consider normal are also part of the adaptation process. 

According to a recent study, the Dutch are the most fluent speakers of English in the world among peoples who do not have English as their native language. So knowing at least a basic level of this internationally spoken foreign language helps you a lot to get information, communicate more effectively with the Dutch and ultimately feel at home in your new country.

On the other hand, DB Work's employer partners speak English, and the better you communicate with them, the faster you will integrate and the better you will get on with your work.

How to learn a foreign language

If you want to get that language advantage, want to learn English or just want to improve your speaking, writing or listening skills a bit, the DB Work team has some recommendations for you:

• Duolingo - A popular app that offers interactive lessons in a variety of languages, including English and Dutch
• Search Google Play or the App Store for other free "Learn English" apps and choose the one you think is right for you.
• Learn on your own - You can always buy books and courses online or access free English texts to train your English speaking skills. Watching films and TV shows without subtitles can be also a great practice.

What benefits do you get with a DB Work contract?

• Local transport provided with a DB Work service car
• Accommodation with everything you need to live comfortably
• Work equipment for every professional
• Medical health insurance included
• Support throughout the contract period to obtain various documents or to solve problems
• Employment contract is signed before departure
• International transport by coach or plane, provided by DB Work
• Access to guides with comprehensive information about living in the Netherlands
• Access to the Plan4Flex app where you receive real-time information about your work.
  
   

Learn more about the benefits offered by DB Work contracts!

Are you ready for your new career in the Netherlands? 

Send your updated CV to job@dbwork.com and our recruiters will get back to you as soon as possible.