How to find a safe job

Recently, more and more people looking for a job in the Netherlands or elsewhere abroad are encountering fake job offers and so-called “recruiters” who fraudulently claim to represent well-known agencies.

DB Work is no exception: we have identified individuals online who present themselves as DB Work recruiters without having any connection to our company.

For those seeking work abroad — especially for people going to their first job in the Netherlands — it is essential to understand how the recruitment process should work, what is legal and what is not, and how to protect yourself from fake offers.

Job placement in the Netherlands is NOT paid

One essential principle you should always remember: finding a job in the Netherlands through DB Work does not require paying any fees.

DB Work recruiters:

• do not charge commissions;
• do not request “departure fees”;
• do not condition employment on advance payments.

The recruitment process is free of charge for candidates and is carried out transparently, with a mediation contract, a Dutch employment contract, and clear information provided from the very beginning.

If you are asked for money to “reserve a position,” “speed up departure,” or “guarantee employment,” this is a clear warning sign.

How to recognize an unreliable job offer

Fake job offers often share common red flags. Be cautious if you notice:

• unrealistic promises (“guaranteed immediate departure,” “no interview,” “very high salaries without experience”);
• lack of a clear mediation contract or refusal to provide one before departure;
• communication exclusively via private messages, without official company details;
• constant pressure to make a very quick decision;
• requests for money in any form.

A serious recruitment agency will explain each step, answer your questions, and will never rush you through threats or exaggerated promises.

The risks of undeclared work in the Netherlands

Accepting undeclared (“black market”) work in the Netherlands may seem like a quick solution, but it comes with major risks, which DB Work has explained repeatedly:

• no legal protection in case of a work accident;
• no health insurance;
• unpaid or partially paid salaries, with no way to file a complaint;
• heavy fines or deportation;
• no access to social benefits or pension rights.

Legal employment with a Dutch contract — as offered by DB Work — provides safety, stability, and long-term protection.

How to choose a trustworthy recruitment agency

When looking for a job abroad, always check:

• whether the agency has an official website and clear contact details;
• whether job ads are published on official channels;
• whether the recruitment process is transparent;
• whether there are real employee reviews;
• whether you are offered a mediation contract and later a legal employment contract.

In the case of DB Work, recruiters’ phone numbers are published only in official job ads, shared on DB Work’s social media pages and on the official website. Only these channels are safe and valid.

What to do if you receive a suspicious message about a job in the Netherlands

If you are contacted by someone claiming to represent DB Work and they:

• ask you for money;
• use an unknown phone number;
• do not appear in official job listings;

please do not respond and contact us directly through our official channels, including job@dbwork.com.

Conclusion

A job abroad should be a step forward, not a risk. Always choose the legal path, stay informed, and work only with trustworthy recruitment agencies.

At DB Work, we offer a complete benefits package to support professionals looking for jobs in the Netherlands: accommodation with utilities included, health insurance, a company car, work and protective equipment, and constant support from the DB Work team.

In short, at DB Work, safety, transparency, and respect for employees are our priorities.

If you have doubts or questions, our team is here to help. Visit our official job offers page, apply directly on the website, or send your CV to job@dbwork.com.