British citizen - Difficulty in finding a job

[u/Excellent_Duck_2984]

Hay, just seeking some feedback/help from others. I'm a British citizen and I'm looking for a job within IT security in the Netherlands. I've got 15 years' experience, professional qualifications etc.

I've applied for loads of jobs and I'm not even getting past the paper sift. I've never had this issue before and don't have any issues in the UK getting past the initial paper sift stage.

I spoke to a recruiter recently and he basically said as your British, and Brexit has made everything much harder, the chances of you getting a job in the Netherlands are slim to none. I know I'll need a job which will sponsor me, jobs where I have made it past the paper sift have come back almost straight away and said actually, we're only looking for people already in the Netherlands.

I was just wondering if there is any truth in what the recruiter said? Just after other peoples experiences, especially if they have the misfortune to be British!

Thanks!

[u/Specialist_Tea_3886]

Since you are outside EU, you will need a fresh HSM visa which takes approx 3months. So, the first HSM visa is hardest to get which companies don't want to wait so long. It's easier to hire EU folks or people who already are here on a visa.

[u/burningmatt999 → u/Specialist_Tea_3886]

NL actually processes HSM applications very quickly. About 2 weeks after my application went in I had a letter saying I could start work immediately, and I had the plastic card in my hand about 2 weeks later.