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14 Tips for students looking for English speaking Sales internship in Amsterdam

##1. Find companies that match your profile

If you have a qualification and experience, the best way to get an internship in Amsterdam is directly asking companies for it and tell them about your background. You can find companies in different ways:

##1.1 Job portals (such as indeed or LinkedIn)

You can search through job websites such as indeed or go to company pages on LinkedIn - there, you will be able to see vacancies if any are available. It's easy to find English-speakers jobs that way but keep in mind that when applying before graduation, they don't need any previous working experience because you won't have it.

##2 Do some research before contacting anyone!

When starting with this process, make sure to do some research about the company you want to work for, such as:

- What does their mission/vision say? - Does the company deal with products that I would love to be working on? - Do they have any cultural events (Like a Christmas party or other) which might sound interesting? - And most important, how big is it and what is its turnover?

If it's listed on LinkedIn, there will be essential information.

##3 Find someone from that company on LinkedIn and ask if there are any opportunities!

When you find someone related to your target company through LinkedIn, send them a short introductory email telling them about yourself (keep it short) and attach your CV. If they don't want to help you, somebody else from the company might be willing to help, so it's worth a try!

##4 Contact companies directly

There are still some good old-school ways of doing this: You can go on the website and contact them through telephone, email or even mailing (if you're not afraid of snail mail) with your CV attached. For those who like social media: staying up-to-date and following/connecting with companies on Facebook/Twitter is also an exciting way for finding vacancies that may exist but might not be publicised anywhere online. Another suitable method is looking at job offers websites such as Indeed or Faruse.com. Both have a list of all open positions in the Netherlands with direct links to each post.

##5 Make a formal CV and cover letter

The passport of your resume: make sure it looks as good as possible! I like CV templates from Indeed (you can download them right from the page). Some companies might not like general descriptions on a resume, so keep that in mind! For your cover letter: do not copy-paste; write it all over again! Don't forget to explain why you're interested in this company and why you are applying for this specific job. Also, mention why you think they should have chosen you instead of other applicants. Don't be afraid to show your personality but don't try too hard either - it's better to leave something unsaid than to sound overly confident.

##6 Join some English speaking social networks (and maybe even create a Facebook group for interns in Amsterdam)

There are multiple groups on Facebook to join, such as RECRUITMENT INTERNSHIP AMSTERDAM or INTERNSHIP IN AMSTERDAM

##7 Go through all your friends!

Wondering how you can go through your entire contact list and find out who is helpful? Start with this: Write down 5 people you know, put them on the map of Amsterdam, then walk from one place to another until you visit every person on that list (don't forget about public transport!). Start with your friends, then what about some guy who works at a coffee shop in the centre of Amsterdam? Do people you met at a party have any connections? - There's no limit when it comes to reaching out to people!

##8 Be available flexible hours during weekends and evenings

Sometimes you have to work on weekends or evening shifts as an intern. It might sound complex, but it helps build your social life if you go out clubbing or meet up with new people! Just don't get used to working late every day because, after six months (or even earlier), most companies will not be able to give you this kind of flexibility anymore. If they do offer this possibility - grab it while having fun!

##9 Learn how to negotiate

Many companies will ask for a list of references as well as your working and study experience. As there is no way you have an official work experience - try not to leave these empty or say, "I can't share this information with you at the moment." This might get them thinking that you're hiding something, which is never a good start! Instead, add some additional information such as: "I'm still attending college, but I can provide my teacher's contact details (mentor, supervisor, etc.) who could verify my progress from time to time." Don't forget to mention how many hours per week you would be available in the job description if it applies!

##10 How do I get someone else to do all of this?

This is a good question, especially if you are a student and don't have much money to spend on these travelling expenses. An essential tip is that you should use every opportunity to ask your friends for help! Your parents, or better yet: ask your grandparents as they usually will be so happy to see you again that they would do anything in their power, including spending some time looking at jobs with you or even mailing companies directly (as mentioned above).

##11 Contact Social Recruitment Agencies

Follow the link to find a list of social recruitment agencies. Some of them work free of charge; others can offer search options starting at €50. Please note, though, that not all positions published through such offers are always legitimate; the employer still pays for it.

#12 Work as a freelancer

If you're already sure about what you want to do and don't need any guidance, then try working for yourself! There are many different services anyone can work on, such as tutoring, translating or selling clothes online. There are tons of ideas in the world, so find something that fits your interests and personality.

##13 Apply for jobs only in Amsterdam

It sounds so simple, but still, people are applying worldwide when they want to intern in Amsterdam. You shouldn't use it outside the city because if they like your CV (and we hope that they will), the employer will ask who else approached you and how the transportation means. If you live in Norway, for example, you would have to spend a lot of time on the aeroplane and with that said: if the company has already chosen you, then they might select someone else who lives in Amsterdam.

##14 Job Fair & Career Events

If you want to find out where the next career event is, please visit our page about this subject at least once per week! We try to keep updated with all upcoming events, usually announced one or two months before, so start checking out our Facebook page for more info. If it's not listed here (yet), simply contact us directly via email or through Facebook - we'll try to help whenever possible!

This way, when the day comes, you already have your CV ready, and you know exactly where is the location. It's always better if you can find a friend who also wants to go as it's not only more fun, but you will also improve your English speaking skills even quicker this way!

Final Thoughts

We hope you have learned something new with this article - we've done our best to give you a good start. The easiest way to get started is to visit agencies and job fairs; later, when you get a better idea about your future occupation, test it out on internships first and then see whether you like this profession enough or not to work for. The same employer after graduating!

If you have any more questions, feel free to contact us via Facebook or this contact form, and we will be glad to help!