Getting a job in Groningen
Since I first arrived in Groningen (19 months ago) I heard many stories about part-time jobs for students. Mostly of these stories were pretty extreme: “It is impossible to find a part-time job as a student” or “Oh… is very easy to get a job in Groningen. I found a job in just 2 days”.
Like in most of the cases, the truth is in the middle. It might be pretty hard to get a part-time job in Groningen, but it is not impossible. So, here are some tips and tricks:
1. Learn Dutch
The most important think probably is the language barrier. Although in Netherlands almost anyone can speak English, when it comes to a position in a company, suddenly you are asked to speak Dutch.
2. Be motivated!
Just staying in front of the computer google-ing “jobs in groningen” will not get you a job. Take advantage of one of the biggest asset of Groningen: over 100 bars/pubs/clubs. Most of the time one of them will look for a dishwasher, waiter, bodyguard, delivery etc. But, they are not going to come and offer you a job. You have to go in person and tell them a beautiful story and they might offer you a job.
3. Newspapers
If you really need some money, you might consider working for one of the newspapers delivery company. The salary is low (100-200 euros/month), but at least you will have an income. Here are some links of the companies who constantly looking for employees (use google chrome for automatic translation of the webpages):
http://www.worddagbladbezorger.nl/
http://www.santibri.nl/bezorgers.html
4. Facebook
There is a group on Facebook for job seekers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/158770247529417/ but of course, because of the high number of students, jobs are not posted very often. You might consider keeping an eye on this group.
5. Study hard!!!
Getting good grades will also give you an advantage of having a job. Let me explain what I mean. If you plan to stay in Groningen for more than one year, having very good grades gives you the opportunity to get a job from the university. So, if you take an 8-9 or 10 at (for example) statistics, you can try to talk with your professor for a part-time job as a teaching assistant for next academic year.
P.S. YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO WORK MORE THAN 8-10 HOURS PER WEEK AS A STUDENT!
P.S.S the new rule that in order to get Dutch studyfinanciering; in the future students will need to work a minimum of 14 hours (used to be 8): More details here: http://www.dutchnews.nl/news/archives/2012/03/eu_students_face_tougher_rules.php
Feel free to leave your comments in the section below. By doing this, we can improve this articles for the future students.
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