Undutchables: Job Hunting Advice

Welcome & Agenda Welcome

Working in the Netherlands

Writing a strong CV

How to prepare for a job interview

Do’s & Don’ts

How to find a job?

Cultural differences

Summary

Undutchables Recruitment Agency

Recruitment partner for internationals with 6 offices in the

Netherlands:

Amsterdam, Amstelveen, Den Haag, Eindhoven, Rotterdam, Utrecht

Target group: Skilled personnel with good command of English and

other languages

Commercially-oriented office jobs

Executive Recruitment

Working in the Netherlands When do you need a work permit? • All candidates from Non-EU Countries

• All candidates from within the EU (except Bulgaria & Romania) do

not need a work permit

2 ways of obtaining a work permit • A company applies for it

• Partner from an EU country, living and working in The Netherlands, who financially supports the candidate

How to find a job Applying via an agency like Undutchables Very common in The Netherlands

Advantages: Knowledge of the Dutch Labour market

They have the contact and do the work

Useful guidelines

Apply directly at a company through their

website

Useful Websites such as www.expatica.com

Job Search

Are you applying for positions matching your

experience but not being invited for interviews?

Then you need to change your CV! Your CV is your advertisement – sell yourself

Think of who is reading your CV

• Time is money - Get to the point

• What is the company’s image, mission and vision?

• The reader might not know your area of expertise

• If your CV is too long and wordy the reader may lose

interest and focus

• Don’t allow the reader to make any assumptions • Your CV is one in many – make it memorable

How to write a CV Keep a clear “reader-friendly” lay-out

KISS – Keep it Short and Simple • Use short bullet points to describe tasks

• Start each point with a verb word, eg: managed, maintained,

processed, supported, etc.

• Accurately describe tasks – don’t give the reader

the chance to make assumptions

Include and indicate part time, temporary or volunteer work

How to write a CV

• Make it personal

• Emphasize your most relevant experience

• Be consistent with your font size and type

• Check thoroughly for errors

• Do not include sensitive information (BSN/ID/Passport

numbers)

• Europass…

Your Cover Letter

Avoid letters longer than 1 page.

Most cover letters contain the following information:

• A brief introduction

• Education, skills and other relevant information

• A motivation on why you are the most suitable candidate

How to prepare for an interview

Research Company

Refresh your memory

Prepare questions

After the interview • Thank the interviewer

• Ask about the next steps

• Patience

• Act professionally when you receive feedback

• “How did I interview?”

Do and Don’ts

Do and Don’ts Arrive early

Dress accordingly

Turn off your mobile phone

Be aware of body language

Make eye contact

Relate skills to position

Be positive

Provide examples

Speak clearly

Answer question directly

Answer truthfully

Listen carefully

Be prepared

Be late or too early

Chew gum

Bring anyone with you

Interrupt

Do not take offense when asked

personal questions

Be negative/criticise

Do not smoke right before the

interview

Mumble or speak too softly

Answer yes /no

Swear

Avoid sensitive issues

Inquire about salary on 1st interview

Dutch Culture Hierarchy – flat management structure

Direct communication

Gender equality

Rules & regulations

Long-term commitment

Everything is open to discussion

Qualification-driven

Summary Know yourself, the job and the organisation

Preparation is essential

Be aware of the do’s and don’ts

It is not what you say that counts, it is how you say it

Thank you and good luck! WWW.UNDUTCHABLES.NL