Recruitment in Action: Most Crucial Details Every Candidate Needs to Know

Uncertainty is the number one reason why some candidates go silent after a few interviews or even after they’ve even promised to fly out.

Starting a new job abroad comes with a mix of excitement and questions. At Robin.jobs, we know that providing candidates with all crucial answers is what makes the difference in the beginning of the journey. Building trust is the foundation of setting up candidates for pleasant experiences. As such, we’ve compiled the answers for some of the most crucial details about relocating for your new job. Start your new life in the Netherlands with confidence.

Vital Things Candidates Should Always Know

Too often, candidates (and sometimes, even recruiters) assume that once the contract has been signed, everything else will simply fall into place. On that note, experience shows that it’s not the big decisions that lead to stress, but the little things. Why will I pick you up at the airport? How much money is enough before you get your first paycheck? Who pays for my flight? These are all realistic problems that aren’t part of any job description. These are real-life situations that also require practical information that helps candidates arrive with peace of mind.

Figuring out income expectations, flight planning, arranging housing details and organising your first week’s budget are not just details, they’re the foundation of a smooth start. Candidates who feel informed are more likely to show up, settle in, and succeed. At Robin, we make it our mission to answer the right questions at the right time, so you never feel left in the dark.

1. How Much Will I Earn?

Naturally, one of the first questions candidates will ask is about the salary they will make. Usually, the earnings will depend on the job role you’re taking. On that note, most roles that are offered through Robin can be usually categorised as:

• General jobs: These are logistics, production, hospitality, and agricultural roles that typically offer gross hourly wages between €14 and €16. This is the money you will be earning per hour before and deductions (like accommodation). Naturally, you will probably receive bonuses and get paid for overtime work.

• Technical positions: These are driver CNC operator, welder, and mechanic roles, that offer weekly net salaries between €500 and €800, depending on your experience, skills, and the exact contract.

Don’t forget that these are gross figures. The final net income will be different depending on your personal tax situation. After settling in, we recommend using a Dutch tax calculator to get a more accurate estimate of what you’ll take home. Another important thing to consider is weekend shifts, bonuses, and overtime. These are often paid extra and evening shifts can boost your rate by 50% to 100%, meaning you could earn €21 or more per hour in some cases.

Lastly, accommodation costs are deducted from your salary, meaning that the amount of pay you take home will reflect that.

2. Who Pays for the Flight?

When you move to the Netherlands for work, you’ll need to cover the costs of your flight. However, you won’t be alone in organising the flight, as we’ll help you plan the details of the trip and find the best routes.

For instance, popular airports in the Netherlands include:

• Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS): The main international hub for in- and out of the Netherlands
• Eindhoven Airport (EIN): A popular place for low-cost airlines
• Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM): A smaller but convenient airport if you prefer arriving without the hustle and bustle of large hubs.

You can also fly into nearby airports in Germany or Belgium, such as:

• Düsseldorf Airport (DUS) or Weeze (NRN) in Germany
• Brussels Airport (BRU) or Charleroi (CRL) in Belgium

After this, the easiest way to reach your destination is by bus or train in the Netherlands.

3. Can Someone Pick Me Up From the Airport?

After your plane lands, the journey is far from over. And it’s only natural to ask whether we can arrange transportation to make your life easier. Well, sometimes, we can, but unfortunately, it’s not always the case. Some of the agencies we work with offer pick-up services from the airport or nearby train stations. If this is part of your offer, it must be arranged in advance with your recruiter.

To make sure that everything is smooth, share your travel plans with us (arrival time, location, flight/bus/train details). Ensure that your phone will have enough battery and make sure you have roaming or mobile data so the agency can reach you. If no pick-up is available, don’t worry. We’ll still help you plan the best route to your accommodation using public transport.

4. How Does it Work With Accommodation?

In most cases, accommodation is arranged by the Dutch agency you’ll be working with. This is the easiest, and often the least expensive option, especially for first-time workers who come to the Netherlands.

In a nutshell, here’s what you should expect:

• You’ll have a guaranteed room on arrival, reducing the stress of finding a place to live in a competitive housing market.
• The cost of accommodation is deducted from your salary, either weekly or monthly.
• Shared rooms are standard, usually with another Robin candidate.
• Couples generally share a room together, but rent is charged per person.
• Some offers, especially in technical or hospitality sectors, may include single rooms, though availability is limited.

And if you decide to move out and find housing on your own later one, here are a few helpful platforms:

• Pararius.com
• Kamernet.nl
• Funda.nl
• Facebook groups like “Expats in the Netherlands Housing”
  

5. How Much Money Should I Bring?

Coming prepared is never a bad idea. To avoid stress during your first few weeks, bringing  €350 to €500 with you.can help you cover everyday costs until your first paycheck finally arrives, which can take around two to three weeks.

Here’s a breakdown of average expenses in the Netherlands:

• Groceries (weekly): €50–€70
• Public transport: €2.50–€10 per ride
• Mobile SIM card (with data): €10–€20
• Simple restaurant meal: €10–€15
  Coffee: €2.50–€3.50
• Basic toiletries: €5–€15

The best way to think about this sum as a startup buffer, which can be especially useful for initial shopping, handling unexpected expenses and getting around.

Final Thoughts: We’re With You Every Step

Starting a new job in foreign country is a big move and never easy. That’s why it’s crucial to get all the right information, to make the initial steps more manageable and less stressful. At Robin, all recruiters ensure that every detail will be clear from arrival to the first few weeks.

If you ever feel unsure about anything, flights, finance, housing, and your first steps, reach out. Your recruiter is here to guide you.

Got questions? We’ve got answers.
Let’s get you to the Netherlands, ready and confident for your new start.