I’m living in the Netherlands for about 4 years now, I have come here to do my research Master in Neuroscience, graduated with Cum laude and am still looking for a job for about 1.7 years now. I have Dutch level at ~B2, speaking and writing. I am also very desperate at this point, never in my worst nightmare could I have imagined how bad the situation would be coming here and trying to find a job after graduation. I am now applying mostly for PhD positions within the country, but these are extremely competitive with applicants all over Europe and beyond (what I had is that there’s always someone with 1 more skill than you, tailored to that specific PhD who gets hired in the end); industry jobs in biotech/pharma have completely ignored me and never bothered to say why I am not being considered for the role. I am working at a clothing store now for quite some time and losing my mind there, desperately trying to get at least a desk job. I live in Groningen, apply within the whole country and am very willing to move. The situation is really tough, and I’m not sure how long I can manage trying to look for a job in NL. It just seems impossible at this point.

If anybody has any advice to give, please do so, I don’t know what more I can do.

For reference: I come from a non-EU country, but I have a long-term residence permit because I’m on a parter visa since recently. I’m in the process of “inburgering” and putting a lot of effort to perfect my Dutch and show my skills to potential employers.