But actually I’ve been unemployed since my zoekjaar began on August 27. What is zoekjaar? It’s a term combined of two Dutch words: zoek (search) and jaar (year). It’s a one-year visa for foreign graduates to look for jobs in Holland.
How to find work and get rid of being jobless? I got some advice from friends.
‘Don’t stay at home. Go out and expand your network’, friend A said. And I do try my best to broaden my network: I attended the University’s academic opening; I went to the information day of a traineeship program; I served as a one-day voluntary translator for a meeting of a SINO-Holland project. On these occasions I received some business cards, but I don’t know how useful they will be yet.
‘Polish your profile on LinkedIn to attract more HRs’ eyes,’ B told me. So I spent the whole day roaming on LinkedIn. After reading all the specialties others possessed, such as “sustainability”, “innovation” or “science”, however, I realized I’m handicapped to coin my own bull phases to draw any HR’s attention. I have to be LinkedOut.
‘If you don’t speak Dutch then there is nothing available’, C said. It seems the harshest fact I’ve got. I’ve sent applications to a few vacancies in Dutch. But I got the rejections because of my low-level Dutch. Although I’m realistic that I won’t speak perfect Dutch in a year, I will keep learning Dutch because at least it’s a nice pastime as I have nothing else to do.
Among all the tips I’ve had, there is a practical one I enjoy most, that is, ‘be patient’. It can’t be more true. There’s no midas-touch advice. I am prepared for the worst no matter if the best will come or not.