undutchables: job hunting advice
DESCRIPTION
These are the slides to Undutchables presentations on Job Hunting in The Netherlands at such events as Expatica's International Job Fair on Saturday, 5 April 2014. Searching for an international job in the Netherlands? Are you fluent in other languages than Dutch? Do you reside in the Netherlands or plan to? Are you highly educated and seeking a job with international scope? Or are you an ambitious native-Dutch speaker, proficient in English and other languages, and do you want to pursue an international career here in the Netherlands? Undutchables Recruitment Agency can help you find the ideal position. During this workshop we will guide you through the process of preparing for a job interview; the do’s and don’ts, practical tips and the Dutch business culture. For more information on Undutchables, please go to http://www.undutchables.nl/ .TRANSCRIPT
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