Finding a Meaningful Job in the Netherlands as a Multilingual Professional

“When I first moved to the Netherlands twelve years ago, I started working in a restaurant”, Serena explains. “It helped me improve my English, but I knew early on that I wanted to grow professionally.”

That opportunity came through a role in customer service. It was a step forward, but something was still missing. “I wanted to move into B2B. The kind of work with more structure and responsibility.”

Serena had a specific goal in mind: to move from B2C customer support to a business-to-business environment. That proved challenging. “I applied for many positions, but the competition was high. Often the answer was: ‘We need someone who speaks Dutch,’ or ‘We already found a candidate.’ It wasn’t easy.”

That changed when she got in contact with Exactpi. “They found me a role at Canon that matched my goals exactly, and more. It gave me a chance to grow in the right direction.”

Today, Serena works as an Order Administrator in the Medical Equipment Department at Canon Medical Systems Europe. She handles spare part requests from hospitals across Europe. “If a hospital is waiting for a part, it often means a patient needs treatment. That’s what makes this work meaningful. I’m not just shipping products; I’m helping people.”

“From the start, Exactpi supported me closely”, says Serena. “They prepared me for the interviews, made sure the role aligned with my expectations, and followed up after I started.” She still appreciates that support today. “They regularly check in. I always feel I can talk to them, whether by phone, email or WhatsApp. It makes a difference to know someone’s got your back.”

Language was one of the biggest challenges Serena faced. “I don’t speak Dutch fluently. But here in the Netherlands, that didn’t stop me from finding a good job.” At Canon, English is the working language. “I work with colleagues across Europe: Greece, Scandinavia, Eastern Europe. We all communicate in English. My Italian background wasn’t a factor in being hired, but I do bring an international mindset to the team.”

Serena is not actively looking for the next step, but she’s not standing still either. “I feel good in this role. I have the freedom to work from home or go into the office. I like that flexibility.” Still, she sees opportunities to grow. “It’s a technical role. There’s always more to learn. For now, I’m happy to keep growing within the company.”

If you’re looking for work in the Netherlands, Serena’s advice is simple: “Reach out to a recruitment agency like Exactpi. I truly believe I wouldn’t have found this job without them. It’s not just about finding a job. It’s about feeling seen and supported. That’s what makes the difference.”