How to Get Your First Job as a Real Estate Agent in The Netherlands

The real estate world attracts many people. It’s a dynamic profession where you work with people, homes, and major life decisions. But beginners often face the same problem:
employers want experience… but how do you gain experience without getting your first opportunity?

Fortunately, there are ways to break that cycle. With the right approach, you can quickly make yourself appealing to a real estate agency. Here are five practical steps that genuinely make a difference.

1. Invest in knowledge first (before you even apply)

Many beginners make the mistake of applying for jobs without really understanding what the role involves. Basic knowledge immediately makes you more credible.

For example, learn about:

• what a real estate agent does daily
• how bidding processes work
• the difference between buying, selling, and renting
• industry organizations and regulations
• the terminology agents use

Someone who shows they understand the profession no longer looks like a total beginner, but like someone already thinking in practical terms.

How can you do that? Take the course from Dutch Realtor Training. You’ll learn to master all of this, plus many more essential skills and knowledge to start working as a real estate agent right away.

Knowledge builds confidence — and confidence shows.

2. Make sure your presentation matches the profession (online and offline)

In real estate, trust and professionalism matter a lot. The way you present yourself carries real weight.

Think about:

• a neat, professional outfit
• a high-quality professional headshot
• clean, professional social media profiles
• a LinkedIn profile aligned with the industry

Employers will look you up online. If you already appear professional, you start one step ahead.

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3. Create a CV that looks like it belongs to a professional

Your CV is often your first impression. And in a profession where presentation matters, that impression should be polished.

Make sure you include:

• a clean, structured layout
• a clear motivation for working in real estate
• relevant skills (communication, sales, client relations)
• your professional photo at the top

It doesn’t need to be complicated — just well presented.
A strong CV shows you understand how important presentation is in this industry.

4. Don’t write a generic cover letter — write a targeted one

Real estate agencies often receive open applications. Most look the same and disappear quickly into the pile.

To stand out:

• show that you know the agency
• explain why this specific company suits you
• clearly state what you bring to the table
• make your motivation feel genuine

A targeted letter shows effort.
And effort is exactly what employers look for in entry-level candidates.

5. Pick up the phone (almost nobody does this)

This may be the most powerful tip of all.

Call the agency before applying. Ask for the owner or manager, briefly introduce yourself, and mention that you’d like to send your application.

Why does this work so well?

Because you:

• show initiative
• create personal contact
• stop being just another name on paper
• become recognizable when your application arrives

Most people don’t dare to do this. That’s exactly why it works.

Final thought: standing out comes from taking action

The real estate industry doesn’t look for passive candidates. It looks for people who show initiative, invest in themselves, and actively pursue opportunities.

You don’t need experience to be taken seriously.
But you do need to show that you’re willing to put in the effort.

Those who prepare well, present themselves professionally, and take initiative often land their first opportunity faster than they expect.

Video explainer

Check out this Youtube video where you’ll learn how to get a job as an (Expat) realtor in the Netherlands: