Career Support · Talent Sourcing · Netherlands

Helping people thrive in the Dutch job market.

Somewhere between landing and thriving, there's a gap. That's where I come in.

Thryve Career Studio supports international professionals building a career in the Netherlands, through CV and LinkedIn optimisation, job search strategy and career guidance. It also supports NL employers through Talent Sourcing, helping them connect with qualified international candidates.

Thryve Career Studio - async career coaching for expats in the Netherlands

What Thryve does

01 · For Professionals

Career Support

CV and LinkedIn optimisation, job search strategy and career guidance for international professionals, in one complete package: the NL Career Kickstart.

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02 · For Employers

Talent Sourcing

Helping NL employers identify and connect with qualified international candidates. Not a recruitment agency, no placement or hiring services.

Explore Talent Sourcing →
Career Support · For Professionals

One complete package for your job search in the Netherlands.

NL Career Kickstart
Complete Career Support for International Professionals in the Netherlands
€299

Starting or growing your career in the Netherlands can feel overwhelming. NL Career Kickstart brings together practical career support, personalised guidance and valuable digital resources to help you approach your job search with confidence and a clear strategy.

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NL Career Kickstart guide preview
Perfect For
International Professionals Expats Recent Graduates Career Changers Returning to the Job Market
✦ What's Included

All reviews, guidance and resources are delivered in writing, as documents and reports to your inbox.

CV Analysis & Optimisation

Receive a personalised analysis of your CV, including practical recommendations, examples and tailored suggestions to strengthen your CV for the Dutch job market.

LinkedIn Profile Analysis & Optimisation

Receive a detailed review of your LinkedIn profile with personalised recommendations and practical tips to improve your professional presence and visibility to recruiters.

Personalised Job Search Strategy

A tailored job search plan designed around your profile, including:

  • Target job titles
  • Target companies
  • Recruitment agencies
  • Job boards
  • Networking communities
  • Personalised recommendations and next steps
Digital Career Resources

You'll also receive access to:

  • NL Career Guide
  • CV Template Bundle (including Dutch CV examples)
  • Job Application Tracker
30 Days of Email Support

Receive ongoing guidance and ask questions throughout your job search as you put your strategy into practice.

Talent Sourcing · For Employers

Looking for international talent?

If you're hiring in the Netherlands and want access to strong international candidates, Thryve helps you identify and connect with qualified professionals who fit your role.

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Candidate Search

Sourcing candidates who match your role and requirements from a network of international professionals.

Talent Identification

Shortlisting candidates whose background, skills and motivation genuinely fit what you're building.

Direct Connection

Connecting you with candidates directly, so you can take the conversation from there.

Client Stories
"I thought I just needed a quick CV fix. Turned out there was more to change than I expected, but the feedback made complete sense and I could action it straight away."
Sotiria P.
★★★★★
With Thryve's help, my CV and LinkedIn finally reflected my real value, and I got the job I once thought was out of reach.
Peter H.
★★★★★
"I had just graduated and had no idea how to present what I had done or what I was worth. Maria-Elena helped me reframe my experience in a way that opened doors I didn't expect."
Joanna K.
★★★★★
Digital Downloads

Resources to help you thrive.

NL Career Orientation Handbook cover
✦ Bestseller
Career Handbook
NL Career Orientation Handbook

Your essential starting point for the Dutch job market. Industry mapping, CV standards, interview guidance and networking, all in one PDF.

Editable CV Template Bundle preview
✦ Available
CV Template
Editable CV Template Bundle

10 ATS-friendly Canva templates and a checklist to adjust your CV to Dutch application standards.

Job Application Tracker spreadsheet preview
✦ Available
Template
Job Application Tracker

A beautifully designed spreadsheet to track applications, follow-ups and contacts during your search.

Maria-Elena Kastanioti, founder of Thryve Career Studio Amsterdam
About · Thryve Career Studio

Hi, I'm Maria-Elena,
founder of Thryve.

"I've navigated career transitions myself, across countries and industries. That experience is the foundation of everything I do here."

With a background in the Creative Industries and a Master's in Coaching, I bring a mix of analytical and creative thinking to career development.

I work with expats and internationals who are relocating to, or already living in, the Netherlands. Through the NL Career Kickstart, covering CV and LinkedIn optimisation, job search strategy and career guidance, I help you understand how this market works, where you fit, and exactly what to do next. I also support NL employers in finding the right international talent through Talent Sourcing.

Master's in Coaching HRM Talent Sourcing Design Expat in NL

Ready to move forward with your career in the Netherlands?

Explore the NL Career Kickstart →
Content · Community

Follow the journey.

Weekly tips on the Dutch job market, expat stories and career inspo. Follow on Instagram, LinkedIn & Facebook

From the Blog

Career notes for expats in NL.

See all posts →
IamExpat Fair Amsterdam
Networking & Events
The IamExpat Fair: What I Saw, and What It Means for Your Job Search
Read more →
Dutch CV standards
CV & Application
What Dutch Recruiters Actually Look for in an Expat CV
Read more →
Dutch job search strategy
Job Search Strategy
The Dutch Job Search Mistake Most Expats Make
Read more →
Common Questions

Things people always ask me.

How do I find a job in the Netherlands as an expat?
It's very doable, but it works differently from what you're used to. The approach that worked back home often won't work here, and that's the first thing we'd look at together.
Do I need to speak Dutch to work in the Netherlands?
Not at all to get started. There are plenty of fully English-speaking environments here. Dutch is something many expats choose to learn over time.
How do I write a CV for the Dutch job market?
Most expat CVs I receive are too long, too generic and formatted for a market that isn't the Netherlands. It's fixable, and it's exactly what we cover in the NL Career Kickstart package.
What is the best way to find work in Amsterdam as a foreigner?
Not the way most people are doing it. Volume doesn't work here. A focused, well-targeted approach consistently outperforms mass applying.
How long does it take to find a job in the Netherlands?
That depends entirely on your starting point and strategy. With the right approach, the timeline is much shorter than most expats experience on their own.
I want to change careers but don't know what's possible here. Can you help?
Yes, the NL Career Kickstart package includes a personalised job search strategy based on your background, covering suitable industries, target companies and practical next steps.
Are Thryve's services available online?
Everything is fully online and async. You submit your materials, fill a short intake form, and receive your written review by email. No calls, no scheduling. You can be anywhere in the world.
Is Thryve a recruitment agency?
No. Thryve helps employers identify and connect with qualified international candidates through Talent Sourcing, but does not place, hire or manage contracts on anyone's behalf. Career Support, for professionals, is coaching and guidance, not job placement.
How does Talent Sourcing work for employers?
We start with a short conversation about the role and what you're looking for. From there, I identify and shortlist international candidates who genuinely fit, and connect you with them directly.