I'm not sure what you're looking for when it comes to housing, but if you're thinking about staying here for longer periods of time I would definately check out
Explanation in English - Kamernet.nl | kamer huren | kamer verhuren | kamers huren | kamers verhuren , as they have the largest selection of low-priced housing available. There's some real gems there for a small price, you just gotta find them between the more expensive and crappier houses.
Amsterdam-area is a lot of fun, English will get you whatever you need because really, Amsterdam is nothing like the rest of the Netherlands. Been there twice and felt like a complete tourist both times.
It is a plus that you at least speak a little Dutch, as this will help you get a job with relative ease. They do hire foreigners, but they prefer openminded people who are at least willing to give the language a try.
The job-centres or Uitzendbureau's as they are called here are a good option when it comes to finding a job. Best advice I can give you is to play the job market like you would play the casino; spread your chances. Don't focus on one job-centre and hope they'll get you a job, send out CV's to multiple job centres and have multiple job-options going. This way you get to pick whichever job you like best, because really, no one is gonna last long if they have to clean toilets all day long. Don't settle for the first job they offer you, and be explicit about your prefered pay range. I myself found a job as a data engineer for Holland's biggest ICT company through one of these job-centres, the pay is good and the work is doable (heck, I'm surfing to netcoders which shows I've got a lot of time to spare at work).
If there's anything else in specific you would like to know, don't hesitate to ask me (PM's will be answered, I get bored at work too you know
)
Regards,
Common