1. careers
2. resume writing and advice

Go the extra mile!
The ins and outs of getting an
internship in the Netherlands
www.rug.nl/feb/career
Content
1. Introduction
4
2. Working in the Netherlands
4
Cost of living
5
Salaries
5
Working hours
6
Holiday and leave
6
Taxes
7
Work Permits
7
Health care insurance
7
3. Working while studying
8
Internships
8
Work Permit (tewerkstellingsvergunning, TWV)
9
Income Tax and BSN
9
Paid traineeships
9
More information
9
4. Five steps to find an internship
10
Step 1 What do I want and what can I do?
10
Step 2 The search: 9 ways to find an internship
12
Step 3 Writing a CV/resume
14
Step 4 Writing an application/motivation letter
16
Step 5 The interview
18
5. Example of CV’s
20
6. Sources and contact information
26
References
26
Recruitment agencies for non-Dutch speakers:
26
University of Groningen Internship coordinators
26
1.
Introduction
This guide is for international students who want to gain work experience by means of an internship
or a job.
The Dutch labour market is interested in young and enthusiastic specialists who wish to work
here during their studies or after graduating. Nevertheless, it may be difficult to find a job. Many
jobs require you to speak Dutch. International candidates should know that most employers in
the Netherlands will highly favour those with fluent Dutch language skills, unless communication
is secondary to the skill required (e.g. many IT specialists are non-Dutch speakers). It is good to
demonstrate this in the job application.
Also, there are restrictive regulations regarding employing foreigners (non-EU/EEA citizens).
However, for international students in the Netherlands who want to gain work experience by doing
an internship within the framework of their studies, or who seek work as a ‘highly-skilled migrant’,
the Dutch labour market regulations become more flexible.
In some cases, our international students have experienced that initial contact with Dutch employers
might not be overly warm. This may be explained by employers’ unfamiliarity with your cultural
background and customs. Usually, this initial standoffishness will fade and employers will warm to
you once you have shown them your competence, positive personality and eagerness to achieve good
results during your internship.
This guide tries to help you to find the right placement i.e. a placement that matches your skills,
education background and ambitions. The guide offers you tips about finding an internship and
about work regulations, work permits and Dutch working practices.
We hope you find the information in this guide useful. If you need any further assistance, please refer
to the internship coordinators’ and career office contact information at the end of this brochure.
Wishing you all the best with job-hunting,
Elise Kamphuis
University of Groningen
Faculty of Economics and Business
Career Office
Careeroffice.feb@rug.nl
www.rug.nl/feb/career
+31 50 363 7182
4
2.
Working in the Netherlands
Did you know that the Netherlands has nine public holidays and its neighbour country Belgium
twelve?
Cost of living, salaries, working hours and vacations differ between most countries. This paragraph
provides you information about some specific features of the Dutch labour market.
Cost of living
Compared with much of the rest of Western Europe, the Netherlands can be an affordable place to
live. Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, was rated as the 45th most expensive city in a global
expatriate cost of living index of 2010 (check http://www.xpatulator.com). In this index of 276 global
locations, prices were found to be lower in Amsterdam than in several European capitals, including
Zagreb, Helsinki, Vienna, Oslo, London, Copenhagen, Paris and Rome. Compared to Amsterdam,
Groningen is even less expensive. Room prices are usually 25% lower.
Salaries
Net starting salary for university Master’s graduates (€ per month, per industry, 2009)
Agricultural
€ 1,975
Industrial
€ 1,975
Energy
€ 1,775
Construction
€ 1,800
Trade
€ 1,500
Transport
€ 1,850
Financial Institutions
€ 2,025
Business Services
€ 1,800
Government
€ 1,800
Education
€ 1,600
Public Health Care
€ 1,900
Cultural, sport and recreation
€ 1,400
Source: SEO/Elsevier, Studie en Werk 2009
The above table displays the starting salary for university Master’s graduates. For internships,
the compensation may vary. Usually it ranges from €250 and €500 a month, but a compensation
ranging from zero to €800 is possible.
5
Working hours
Under recent changes to Dutch labour law, employees can work no more than an average of 48 hours
a week in a 16-week period. In any individual week, an employee can work 12 hours a day and 60
hours a week. Collective bargaining agreements exist in most industries that make the number of
hours worked significantly less.
Work is sometimes permitted on Sunday, but it is usually a day of rest. An employee in the Netherlands
is allowed to work a maximum of four Sundays in every 13-week period. Flexi-time is becoming
more popular in the Netherlands. In 2000, flexi-time was legislated in the law on the Adjustment of
Working Hours.
Holiday and leave
Under Dutch law, an employee is entitled annually to a number of paid days off, totalling a minimum
of four times the number of specified working days a week. Full-time employees in the Netherlands
are entitled to a statutory-minimum of 20 days leave annually. Part-time employees are entitled to a
pro-rata percentage of leave based on the 20-day minimum.
There are nine public holidays, which are usually days off and do not count as annual leave. They are:
1st January (New Year’s Day), 30th April (official birthday of the Queen), Good Friday, Easter Monday,
5th May (Liberation Day), the sixth Thursday after Easter (Ascension Day), the seventh Monday after
Easter (Pentecost or Whit Monday), 25th December (Christmas Day) and 26th December (Boxing
Day).
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Taxes
Generally, persons who live in the Netherlands are considered to be resident taxpayers. Those who
receive income from the Netherlands, but do not live there, are considered to be non-resident
taxpayers. Foreign employees working for Dutch employers may be eligible for special tax treatment,
the so-called ‘30 percent ruling’. For more information, please see www.expatax.nl.
Work Permits
Dutch employers that want to employ foreigners in the Netherlands on the whole require work
permits for these people. Only residents with an EU, EEA or Swiss nationality, except for Bulgarians
and Romanians, can work without their employer requiring a work permit for them.
Health care insurance
In certain situations, for example when you take on a part-time job next to your studies, or when you do
a paid internship(1) , you have to take out Dutch public health insurance (in Dutch: zorgverzekering).
You are free to buy insurance from any Dutch public health insurance company. Ask your school,
employer or internship provider if they can refer you to an insurance company that will give you a
discount.
You are advised to take this into consideration before starting a job, because Dutch public healthcare
insurance may be more expensive than the insurance you otherwise use. This rule also applies to
EU citizens who are covered by an EU Health Insurance Card. From the moment you start working,
you need to take out Dutch public healthcare insurance. If you are obliged to take out Dutch public
health insurance it is likely that you are eligible for compensation for your insurance costs. This
compensation is called healthcare allowance.
Finally: Don’t take the obligation to take out Dutch public health insurance too lightly. If you fail to
comply with the rules you may end up having to pay a hefty fine.
(1): If you are a trainee and you only get paid a basic traineeship allowance (onkostenvergoeding or stagevergoeding), you
will be treated as a student and will therefore not be required to take out a public healthcare insurance. If you are unsure,
contact the human resources department of the company providing your training place. If necessary, they can check the
situation with the local office of the tax & customs administration.
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3. Working while studying
Are you aware that international students in some cases need a work permit for an internship and in
some cases a traineeship agreement?
This paragraph provides you insight in which cases you need a work permit and in which case you
can do without a work permit.
Internships
•
Foreign students (non–EU/EEA): if you have a valid Dutch residence permit with the aim to study
you can work as an intern if the internship is part of your study. In this case a so called special
‘trainee agreement’ is compulsory. In other cases your employer will need to have a work permit
for you. To find out in which case a work permit or ‘trainee agreement’ is applicable, please see:
www.nuffic.nl/international-students/living-in-holland/working-while-studying
•
EU/EEA/Swiss student: you don’t need a traineeship agreement or work permit (2).
•
Foreign graduates in the Netherlands: you can apply for a change in the purpose of your stay
from ‘study’ to ‘seeking work as a highly skilled migrant’. During the year after graduation
you are permitted to accept any job, traineeship or placement you wish in order to gain work
experience. You can check the conditions on www.nuffic.nl/international-students/alumni/
working-after-yourstudies.
•
Graduates from abroad: you are allowed to get practical work experience as a ‘practitioner’, or
practicant, in the Netherlands. In that case, you must already have a job in your home country
and your employer abroad must provide a guarantee that you will be able to resume your duties
upon returning from the Netherlands. This means that you would be coming to the Netherlands
specifically for the internship.
(2): Except for students from Bulgaria or Romania in the possession of a Dutch residence document or a sticker in the
passport to prove that you have lawful residence. They need a traineeship agreement.
8
Work Permit (tewerkstellingsvergunning, TWV)
•
Foreign students (non–EU/EEA): if you have a valid residence permit with the purpose of
studying, you may work while studying (either full-time seasonal work in June, July and August, or
a maximum of 10 hours’ part-time work a week). In this case, your Dutch employer does require
a work permit for you, but this is an easy process as the employer is not required to demonstrate
that there are Dutch or EU nationals capable of doing the job.
•
Bulgarian and Romanian nationals: the rules are a bit different for these nationals (at least until
2012). You are allowed to work as many hours as you like while studying. However, the employer
does need a work permit and needs to show that there are no Dutch or EU/EEA/Swiss nationals
capable of doing the job. This is a difficult process. Therefore, we advise you to work no more
than ten hours per week outside the summer period, or full-time during the summer months
June, July and August. If you adhere to that, the process to obtain a work permit will be easier.
•
EU/EEA/Swiss students: you are permitted to work as many hours as you wish while studying.
Your employer does not require a work permit for you.
Income Tax and BSN
Whether or not a foreign national has to pay income tax on a scholarship or salary may depend on
the bilateral agreements between your home country and the Netherlands. It is advisable to discuss
your individual situation with your local tax office.
Paid traineeships
Student-trainees from other countries i.e. foreign students doing a traineeship in the Netherlands
are exempted from paying Dutch income tax if all of the following applies:
1. you will be staying in the Netherlands no longer than six months
2. you will be doing a traineeship (work placement) for educational purposes only
3. you will be receiving money that is intended only to cover your expenses.
More information?
•
•
about work permits, please contact the CWI, telephone: +31 (0)79 750 2903.
about applying for a visa or residence permit, contact the Immigration and Naturalization
Department, telephone: + 31 (0)20 889 3045. If you are already in the Netherlands, you can call
the following number: 0900 123 4561.
•
contact the mobstacles team at Nuffic, www.nuffic.nl/contact or on+31 (0)70 426 0340 (Monday
to Thursday, from 9.30 am to 12.30 pm).
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4.
Five Steps to find an internship
Did you know that it is possible and even quite common to apply for a position even if there are no
vacancies available?
The search and the internship itself are the ultimate learning experience to search for the appropriate
job. This paragraph offers you five steps to get the right internship, starting with the definition of
your internship aim and ending with the job interview.
Step 1What do I want and what can I do?
To find the right internship or job, thorough preparation is required. Depending on the situation and
personal circumstances, internships at home require a preparation period of several weeks to six
months, and internships abroad several months to a year. The search and the internship itself are the
ultimate learning experience to search for the appropriate job.
Before you start searching, you should first ask yourself why you want to do an internship. The aim of
your internship can give direction to the form and content of the internship. For example, if you only
want to gain work experience you will probably search for a hands-on internship. If you want to put
theory into practice, then a research-oriented internship is more likely. Moreover, an internship that
fulfils your aim will ensure you remain motivated to carry out your internship assignment. If you are
aware of your main goal, you can search more specifically for the right internship.
Try to answer the following two questions: what do you think you will learn and which goal do you
wish to achieve? The answers can vary per person. Perhaps you want to:
•
learn how to deal with colleagues
•
gain work experience
•
take a break from your studies
•
better understand your own interests
•
discover which skills and knowledge you have
•
bridge the gap between studying and learning and put theory into practice
•
increase your chances of finding a job.
Before starting to look for an internship or a job, find out what you are good at and what you want.
So spend some time on self-assessment. Self-assessment is a process by which you learn more about
yourself - what you like, what you don’t like, and how you tend to react to certain situations. You should
be able to formulate preferences and identify your skills, talents, interests, personality, potential and
motivation. This process can help you determine which occupations and work situations are more
suitable for you.
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Tips for self-assessment:
1.
Identify the skills and knowledge you have acquired during your time at university and from any
other life experiences, such as student jobs, internships or activities in student associations.
Write down your strong and weaker skills (five each). Examples of such skills are: critical
reflection, time management, self-discipline, flexibility, analytical skills and communication.
2.
Ask yourself what you liked about the job, internship or other activities. For example:
cooperation, advising, organising, management, coaching and writing.
3.
For a few weeks, collect job ads that appeal to you, without looking at the requirements. By
sorting them later on, you will get quite a good picture of your preferences and interests. Ask a
friend or relative to discuss this with you.
4.
Visit our university’s Talent & Career Centre, www.talentcareercenter.nl.
5.
Do some online tests, for example via Internet. www.quintcareers.com/career_assessment.
www.rileyguide.com/assess.
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Step 2The search: 9 ways to find an internship
Self-assessment and insights into the type of companies you prefer help to confine your search and
to prepare you for networking. Networking is one way to find an internship. Below are 8 more ways:
1.
Networking: many jobs are never advertised and we can assume that there are also many
internships that are never advertised as well. Networking helps us to discover those hidden
possibilities. Three tips:
• Prepare an ‘elevator pitch’ or ’30-Second Pitch’. An elevator pitch consists of a 30-second
overview of your knowledge, skills, and accomplishments and is worth memorizing. It is the key
to networking and to getting noticed and is remembered when the right opportunity presents
itself. In 30 seconds, you can let those you come in contact with know what your skills, interests
and future goals are in terms of internships and/or why you would be a good candidate for
their organization.
• Talk to people you already know (friends, alumni or relatives) and who have jobs in the
companies of your choice. Find out about: the job content; what their daily activities are; what
responsibilities they have; what career prospects there are, etc.
• Networking can be done in various places, such as career fairs, parties, conferences, coffee
breaks, etc.
2.
Speculative application: it is possible and even quite common to apply for a position even if
there are no vacancies available. Companies tend to keep a CV on file in case a suitable position
arises in the future. Such speculative applications should clearly state the motivation for
choosing the particular company and should show very clearly why the applicant would be an
asset to that company.
3.
Subscribing to the Career Office mailing list and receiving internship and job offers via your
email.
4.
Surfing the internet, examples of websites are: www.europlacement.com, www.iagora.com,
www.stageplaza.com, www.entrypark.com; see also internship links on the career office’s site.
5.
Checking the websites of interesting companies and institutions
6.
Visiting career fairs, Business and Economics conferences, recruitment days, the Energy Career
& Internship Plaza and other events where you can have direct contact with companies. These
are announced on the Career Office’s career events calendar. So check this calendar regularly.
(www.rug.nl/feb/careercalendar)
7.
Preparing for recruitment days and career fairs:
• Don’t eliminate companies because they are recruiting for positions outside your field; take
the time to network with the recruiter and get the name of a hiring manager for your particular
career field.
• Do attempt to research basic information about each company you hope to have an
interview with at the job fair. A common career fair question from recruiters is, “Why do you
want to work for our company?”
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• Do bring enough copies of your resume to the career fair and do bring different versions of
your resume if you are searching for different types of jobs.
• Don’t waste the opportunity to network, not only with the recruiters, but with fellow jobseekers and other professionals attending the career fair.
• Ask each recruiter the best way to follow-up; get their business card. Call them after the
fair and don’t wait for the recruiters to call you. If you get their voicemail, leave a message
explaining the nature of your call and that you will follow-up with more details in an email.
Attach your resume to that email.
• Write letters of thanks to all employers that you have met, especially those you most want
to pursue. In your letter of thanks, remind the interviewer about your key qualifications for the
job and reiterate your interest in the position. Mail your letter of thanks as soon as possible, so
it arrives in a timely manner.
8.
Creating a profile on LinkedIn and join LinkedIn’s network of 43 million professionals to build
relationships with alumni and employers. They can help you with your career. Next, join the
University of Groningen’s official LinkedIn group and upload your contact lists from webmail
or Outlook to LinkedIn. Join also the Netwerk Noord group for a placement in the North of the
Netherlands. Check www.linkedin.com.
9.
Using the faculy’s library databases containing financial data and adresses of Dutch and
European enterprises, like.
- Amadeus: financial data of the most important European companies
- Bankscope: information on banks and financial organisations worldwide
- Reach: financial data and adresses of the most important Dutch companies (in Dutch)
Go to www.rug.nl/bibliotheek. Click on <English>. Go to the <Catalogues and databases>
and click <Databases>. You will find Amadeus Top 250.000 and Reach in the alphabetical list.
Bankscope is available through the network of Economics and Business / Spatial Sciences. Go
to the <start> menu.Choose the <Rug menu> and <library services>.
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Step 3Writing a CV/resume
A CV is your first ‘marketing tool’. Your CV has to be appealing to read, with clear sections, ample
spacing and a design that looks professional and original. A Dutch CV has a direct factual style,
dates are stipulated in reverse chronological order and it is ideally no longer than one page. Choose
decent quality A4 paper, a modern typeface, an attractive layout and use a template. Although Dutch
employers value work experience and positions of responsibility, Dutch CV’s primarily focus on
facts and figures – you can outline your skills, qualities and reasons for applying in your cover letter.
However, UK and US-style personal resumes are increasing in popularity.
Recruiters (and companies who provide internships) use CV’s to make a selection and they use it as a
basis document for their interview questions. Given that employers screen resumes for between 2.5
and 20 seconds, a resume should show the employer at a glance what you want to do and what you’re
good at. Employers want resumes to show a clear match between the applicant and a particular job’s
requirements. Adapt your CV to the job you’re applying for and so only mention the features that are
relevant to the job or internship.
CV tips
•
Include personal details, education, work experience and relevant leisure activities.
•
Focus on responsibilities, not accomplishments.
•
Always send a CV with a letter of application.
•
Instead of listing job responsibilities on your resume, demonstrate how each responsibility
contributed to your company’s objectives. For example, anyone can plan the company fundraiser, but if you note that your fund-raiser earned 50 percent more money than the previous
year’s event, the hiring manager will take notice.
•
If you have little or no full-time work experience, your educational, extracurricular and personal
achievements are particularly important. Part-time and summer work experience is an
additional and significant way to demonstrate skills and accomplishments.
•
Don’t bury the best parts of your CV by hiding them at the bottom of the page or in the middle
of a lengthy paragraph. Decide what’s important and give it some prominence.
CV Sections
Use each of these areas to create an image of a talented achiever who stands out (even on paper)
from other candidates
Personal details
1.
Name
2.
Date and Place of Birth: not required, but it is common in the Netherlands
3.
It is essential that a potential employer can reach you. Therefore, this section should include
your name, address, phone number(s) and e-mail address. It might also include a school
address and a permanent home address such as the address of your parents.
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4.
Email address
5.
Marital status: not required
6.
Photo: not required.
7.
Statement or job objective such as ‘•Obtain a position at XYZ company where I can maximize
my management skills, quality assurance, programme development, and training experience.’
is not common in the Netherlands, but it can be a good idea.
The education section
This section should include a list of universities and colleges you have attended, degrees obtained,
specialisations or majors, academic honours and high schools.
1.
Start with the most recent degree and continue in reverse chronological order.
2.
List the university, followed by town and country.
3.
Do not abbreviate your degrees earned, but write for example: Master of Science in…, Bachelor
of Arts in …, Master in Law
4.
Be specific about which field(s) of studies you focus(ed) on.
5.
Describe honours, scholarships or awards.
6.
If applicable, mention your exchange period: University of Michigan, School of Business
Administration, Ann Arbor, Michigan USA – exchange student.
7.
In the Netherlands, it is not necessary to state grades or results. But if you received high grades,
do state them. If the CV is to be used internationally, you must realize that each country uses
a different system.
8.
Projects. You may include special (study-related) projects. This is a way to express your career
focus and to show you have some ‘work-experience’ in that field e.g. in-company projects.
However, mention only the relevant ones.
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The work experience section
The work experience section of your CV should summarize significant full-time and part-time work.
You may include your summer jobs. Your description of work experience should be achievementoriented. If you don’t have much career-related job experience, consider using transferable skills to
better highlight your work experience.
(see www.quintcareers.com/transferable_skills_set.html).
The following recommendations can help you with this section:
1.
Provide relevant details. Include dates of employment, company name, town, country and a
job-title, followed by a statement of responsibilities and accomplishments using action verbs.
2.
Emphasize achievements versus writing mini job-descriptions. Prospective employers want to
know what you have done!!
3.
Support your career goal. Your work experience section should directly relate to your career
goal by highlighting relevant skills.
4.
Use active rather than passive language e.g. “Created direct-mail marketing campaign..” versus
“responsible for all direct mail marketing….”
Other information
1.
The language section, for example: Fluent: Dutch (native language), English; Intermediate:
French, German; Beginner: Spanish
2.
Extracurricular activities: mention only the relevant activities.
3.
Publications: state briefly any publications you have written if they are not relevant for the job
you are aiming for. If the publications are relevant to your career objective, be more specific.
You can choose to add the publication list in the appendix.
4.
Special skills: indicate which special skills and capabilities you have. Do not generalise e.g.
Proficient in Basic, Fortran, Pascal, Word Perfect; attended a number of communication skills
workshops.
5.
Personal: here you can include all facts you think would help a recruiter to complete his/her
picture of you.
6.
References are not usually listed and the phrase ‘references available upon request’ is not
necessary. Prospective employers use the CV for initial screening and to structure interviews.
Companies are not interested in checking references at this initial stage.
Step 4Writing an application/motivation letter
The application letter in the Netherlands:
1.
2.
The style should be short, direct, active and professional. Be clear and focused.
Structure of a cover letter
• Salutation: address the letter to a specific person. Try to find out to whom the letter has to
be addressed. Do not write ‘to whom it may concern’.
• First paragraph: start with the reason for applying. Try to be original and try to captivate
the reader.
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• Second/third paragraph: Next, explain why you consider yourself the right candidate for
the job and highlight relevant experience, but don’t repeat your CV. Choose words that show
enthusiasm and passion for the position you seek. If you want to do an internship or write
your thesis, mention the research topic in the letter or add a separate (research) proposal. Be
as specific as possible, so don’t say ‘I’m looking for an internship in the field of International
Business and Management’ or ‘I’m a very flexible person, I can do anything you like’. The
recruiter will probably think that you don’t know what you want, while by presenting a concrete
proposal, you may give the recruiter an idea and create an internship for yourself! Besides,
you prove that you are capable of coming up with ideas and that you are aware of the new
developments in this field or this branch.
• In your closing paragraph, suggest an interview. For example ‘I would really like the
opportunity for a personal interview this week’ or ‘I look forward to being interviewed at your
earliest convenience.’ State how and when you can best be contacted. ‘Thank you very much
for this opportunity.’
3.
It is not necessary to include copies of official documents, unless specifically requested or when
you apply for a position in Germany. In the German application process, copies of school and
university diplomas or leaving certificates (if possible translated), proof of any professional
training or further training courses, references from previous employers and a passport
photo placed in the upper right corner of the CV is generally required. You should put all the
paperwork in a folder.
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Step 5The interview
In the Netherlands, the interviewing parties may engage in a little small talk, but this is usually very
minimal. The actual interview begins almost immediately. The interviewer will probably ask very
direct and personal questions. This is not meant to be impolite. The Dutch are known for being frank
and to the point.
In general, questions should be answered assertively but not conceitedly. Being able to clearly express
one’s goals with the company is important. The job-seeker should demonstrate accomplishments in
such a way as to show independence as well as the ability to be a team player.
An applicant may be asked to provide examples of situations in which specific qualities were applied,
his or her role in that particular situation and things learned through the experience. Answers should
be phrased diplomatically.
It is wise to ask several questions about the company and position. This shows initiative and interest.
Interview Conduct
1.
Arrive on time. In fact, you should arrive 10 to 15 minutes early just to be safe.
2.
Dress suitably for the interview. Men generally wear dark suits, plain ties and white shirts to
interviews, particularly for professional positions. Women typically wear suits as well. However,
some businesses are very casual. If you think that the company tends to dress casually, it is
appropriate to enquire directly with the HR department before the interview.
3.
Upon entering the interview room, shake hands with everyone present.
4.
Don’t sit until invited to do so and make eye contact when speaking with someone.
5.
Look interested, ask questions and ask for clarification if you don’t understand the question. In
the Netherlands, it is common to ask questions at the end of the interview.
6.
If business cards are offered to you, it is not necessary to provide one in return.
7.
Be prepared to express your reasons for applying for the position, as well as to discuss strengths
and weaknesses and demonstrate how you can contribute to the company.
8.
Remain courteous and polite with everyone present.
9.
Don’t talk negatively about current or past employers/managers.
10. Demonstrate competency and knowledge of the industry without being conceited. This can be
done by citing specific examples of specialized skills or abilities.
11. Bring a list of references and two or three extra copies of your resume, but do not offer them
unless requested.
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Interview Questions
Some typical interview questions include:
1.
Tell me about yourself. Use the ‘Picture Frame Approach’
Answer in about two minutes. Avoid details, don’t ramble. Touch on these four areas:
• How many years, doing what function
• Education – credentials
• Major responsibility and accomplishments
• Personal summary of work style (plus career goals if applicable).
Secondly, help the interviewer by focusing the question with a question of your own: “What
about me would be most relevant to you and what this company needs?”
2.
How would you describe yourself? Keep your answer short and relevant to the job and the
organization’s culture.
3.
What are your strengths/qualities? 4.
What are your weaknesses/qualities? • Present three. Relate them to the particular company and job opening.
• Don’t say you have one, but give one that is really a ‘positive in disguise’ e.g. “I am sometimes
impatient and do too much work myself when we are working with tight deadlines.”
5.
What experience do you have? • Try to state experience relevant to the company’s concerns. Also, try answering this
question with a question: “Are you looking for overall experience or experience in some specific
area of special interest to you?” Let the interviewer’s response guide your answer.
6.
What do you know about our organization? Research the target company before the interview.
Basic research is the only way to prepare for this question. Do your homework and you’ll score
big on this question. Talk about products, services, history and people, especially any friends
that work there. “But I would love to know more, particularly from your point of view. Do we
have time to cover that?”
7.
Why do you want to work for us? You feel you can help achieve the company’s objectives,
especially in the short-term. You like what you’ve learned about the company, its policies, goals
and management: “I’ve researched the company and people tell me it’s a good place to work.”
8.
Why should I hire you? This may sound suspicious, negative, or just plain harsh. Actually, it’s
a call for help. The employer wants you to help him/her hire you. Keep your response brief.
Recap any job requirements the interviewer may have mentioned earlier in the interview,
then, point by point, match your skills, abilities and qualifications to those items. Relate a past
experience which represents success in achieving objectives which may be similar to those of
the prospective employer.
19
5.
Example of CV’s
[Dutch factual CV example]
Personal Details:
First name:
Surname:
Address:
Postcode:
Tel.:
Email: Date of birth: Nationality(ies): Robert
de Vries
Peppelweg 80
9704 BV Groningen
0031 (0)10 ………
R.de.vries@hotmail.com
9th April 1984
Dutch
EDUCATION:
Sept. ’04 – present Autumn 2003 University Groningen, The Netherlands
Master: of Science in Business Administration/ Business Development
Relevant courses: Organisational change
Fudan University, China Shanghai
Business Administration
Master: Investment Analysis and International Accounting
PROJECTS
Mar. ’06 –June ’06
Sept. ’01 – Dec. ’02
International Business Research project in India
Developing export strategy for a firm
Sports R42, Paterswolde, the Netherlands
Writing a business plan for a medium-sized company
WORK EXPERIENCE
Feb. ’07 – May ’08 Jan. ’04 – May ’07
Internship Gas compatibility at Gasunie, Groningen, the Netherlands
Gentle, Haren, the Netherlands
Part-time salesperson and carried out some purchasing and marketing activities
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
May ’06 – present: Study Association EBF, Groningen
Organised the recruitment days for EBF
June ’05
Participated in the BNP PARIBAS adventure banking game
ADDITIONAL SKILLS
Languages:
Computer skills: Dutch (native speaker), English (intermediate), German and French
(beginner)
ACCESS, MS Word, MS Windows, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint
PERSONAL
Hobbies: Running, playing soccer, squash, fitness and travelling (South America).
20
[Dutch factual CV example]
Personalia
Achternaam Driessen
Voornaam
Peter
Adres
Groningenweg 20
Tel. Nummer
06-1111122222
E-mail
Peterdriessen@hotmail.com
Geboorte datum
07-08-1985
Nationaliteit
Nederlandse
Opleidingen
2005- heden
Bedrijfseconomie, Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, verkort doctoraal,
afstudeerrichting Management en Organisatie.
Verwachte afstudeerdatum: december 2007.
2000 – 2005
HEAO BE (bedrijfseconomie), Fontys, Eindhoven.
1999 – 2000
HEAO BM (bedrijfskundig management), Fontys Tilburg
1998 – 1999
Schakeljaar MEAO.
1992 - 1998
HAVO, Maartensollege, Haren.
Werkervaring
2005
Afstudeerstage Zuidelijke Accountantsunie Tilburg. Onderzoek naar de behoefte van een nieuw op te zetten relatiebeheersysteem.
2003
Stage (6 maanden) bij Stork installatietechniek Hengelo. Medewerker afdeling administratie. Onderzoek naar nieuw offerte verwerkings
programma.
2000 – heden
Verschillende bijbaantjes.
Aanvullende informatie
Nevenactiviteiten
Actief lidmaatschap studentenvereniging Cleopatra.
Verschillende commissies.
Talenkennis
Actief: Engels en Frans
Passief: Duits
Hobby’s
Zeilen, hardlopen.
Rijbewijs
B
21
[Dutch factual CV example]
Personalia
Naam:
Visser
Voornaam:
Annemarie
Geboortedatum:
1 mei 1979
Geboorteplaats:
Hengelo
Nationaliteit:
Nederlandse
Adres :
Moesstraat 17a
Postcode en woonplaats: 9711 KH Groningen
Telefoon privé:
050-1234567
E-mailadres:
annemarievisser@gmail.com
Opleiding
1998- heden
Technische Bedrijfswetenschappen, Rijks Universiteit Groningen,
2002- 2003
Erasmus student aan de universiteit van Zaragoza, september-februari
1999 - 2002
2e Studie Romaanse Talen en Cultuur Spaans,
Rijks Universiteit Groningen
1996 - 1997
Uitwisselingsprogramma naar Peru
1991 - 1996
VWO Pius X college, Almelo
Werkervaring
2001-heden
Medisch secretaresse RSMB (Reilman Sociaal Medische Beoordelingen)
2001
Enquêteur Steda research, onderzoek naar efficiency van medewerkers bij ANWB
1999-2000
Medewerker copyshop
Nevenactiviteiten
1997-2000
Voetbal: 1e Heracles, hoofdklasse, te Almelo
1999-2000
Damescommissie en sponsorcommissie Heracles
1994-1995
Medezeggenschapsraad: Pius X college
Talen
Engels
Vloeiend
Spaans
Vloeiend (Ecuador, Spanje)
22
Personal Details:
Name: Date of Birth: Nationality: Address: Email: Home Tel: Mobile Tel: Bernadette Green
26th November 1975
British
12 Green Street London NW2 3RG bernadette.green@coldmail.hjjj
0181 555 5550
0771 222 2222
Education & Qualifications
1994 – 1998:
University of London, London
BA(Hons) Languages & Business Administration. Main Subjects included: German, French, Accounting, International Relations, Marketing.
1996 - 1997 Universität Frankfurt, Germany Exchange Year
1994 - 1996 Glasgow College of Commerce, HND in European Trade with Business German Credits include: Marketing, Economics, European Law, Imports and Exports, Logistics.
1992 - 1994 Burns High School, Edinburgh, Higher Grades include: French (B),
English (B), German (B), Biology (B), Modern Studies (C).
1987 - 1992 Burns High School, Edinburgh
Work Experience
Sept 99 – Present
Oct 98 - Sep 99
Jan 94 – Oct 98 Best Performance Ltd, Glasgow
Marketing Account Handler: responsible for all aspects of account management, including marketing and sales support and client relation
ship development. Other roles include promotion and distribution
control. Products include all marketing support services, database
management, response handling and storage and distribution.
Brand New Technologies, Glasgow Call Centre Agent. Responsibilities: taking customer calls and order processing using AS400 system, dealing
with customer queries, enquiries and complaints, setting up new
customer accounts, invoicing.
Flowers, London, Florist, responsibilities included: Design of all floral displays, stock-purchasing and control, implementation of innovative designs for shop displays, window arrangements and outside events, organisation of arrangements for local charity events, coordination of exhibitions and promotions.
Additional skills
Languages: Computer Knowledge:
English - Native language; German - Fluent written and spoken; French Fluent written and spoken
WinNT - 4 years working knowledge, XP Pro - 2 years working knowledge
Experienced user of Microsoft office products, keen user of the internet.
23
[personal resume example]
Personal Details
Name: Nicolai Patou
Date of Birth: 30th March, 1983
Nationality: Romanian
Address: Steenstilstraat 50, 1011EG, Groningen
Phone number: +31 6 XXXXXXXXX
E-mail: NPatou@gmail.com
Education
2007 – 2009 University of Groningen
• MSc in Business Economics – Specialization Finance
• Thesis: Did the US financial system anticipate the sub-prime crisis in mid 2007? Evidence from the Bear Stearns hedge funds collapse
• Courses: Corporate Finance, Derivatives, Advanced Investment Theory
2004 – 2007
University of Groningen
• BSc in Economics and Business – Specialization Finance
• Exchange: one semester at University Upsalla, Sweden
• Thesis: The Impact of EU Accession on Romanian Emigration
• Courses: Financial Statement Analysis and Real Estate Finance
(master’s
• courses in SDA Bocconi), Investments and Portfolio Theory
Work Experience
July 2009 – present
TKP Groningen, Intern in the Equity Research Department
- IFRS knowledge, especially IAS 39
- Excellent analyzing skills of company’s B/S, I/S, C/F statements
- Developed first-class quantitative, analytical and communication skills
Dec. 2007 – Sep. 2009
Atos origin, Quantitative analyst
- Provided statistics and market trends data on several consumer
markets in the EU
- Analyzed relevant risks and opportunities within the EU
- Developed complex excel spreadsheets to analyze Eurostat database information
- Utmost attention to details under strict deadlines.
24
Summer 2007
National Bank of Romania Bucharest,
RO Intern in the Department of Financial Stability
- In charge of upgrading the Early Warning System using Excel, Matlab
Nov. 2005 – Mar. 2006
BothENDS Amsterdam,
Intern in the International Capital Flows and Trade Department
Researcher on the impact of international trade tariff barriers and EU trade policies on developing countries
Summer 2004 Raiffeisen Bank Arad, Romania,
Intern in the Corporate Division
- Helped regular employees asses and rate new clients, and presented
service packages offered by Raiffeisen Bank
Summer 2003 ABN AMRO Bank Arad, Romania, Intern
Awards Received
2003 Economics Competition: third place at county level
1998 Mathematics Competition: third place at local level
Languages
English, Italian and Romanian (native language) – fluent
Computer Skills
Highly-skilled in MS Office Excel, Word and PowerPoint
Knowledge of MatLab, WIRE, Stata and Eviews statistical software
packages. Experienced in using Eurostat, DataStream, WRDS and other databases
Activities and Interests Activities:
Participant to Taize international youth meetings in:
2003 Paris (France)
2002 Taize (France)
2002 Budapest (Hungary)
Captain of basketball team, head-organizer of the freshman’s ball,
member of a debate club, member of rowing club Nereus, Amsterdam
Interests: Skiing, cooking and wine-tasting
25
6. Sources and contact information
References
•
Elsevier Thema carrière, juni 2008
•
RSM Erasmus University, Career Services Application guidelines,
•
Nannette Ripmeester, Looking for work in the Netherlands, Expertise in Labour Mobility.
•
Chase Career Center, Isenberg School of Management, University of Massachusetts/Amherst
•
www.quintcareers.com/career_assessment.html www.labourmobility.com/individuals/ tools_tests/self-assessment.php
•
www.intermediairforward.nl
•
www.goingglobal.com
•
www.techinterviews.com
•
jobsearch.about.com
•
www.nuffic.nl/international-students/living-in-holland/working-while-studying
•
www.expatax.nl
•
www.talentcareercenter.nl
Recruitment agencies for non-Dutch speakers:
•
Undutchables: www.undutchables.nl
•
www.career-abroad.com
•
Careers in Holland: www.careersinholland.com
•
Kelly Services: www.kellyservices.com
•
www.dutchisnotrequired.nl
•
Manpower: www.manpower.com
•
ElanIt: www.elanit.nl
•
Sykes: www.sykes.com
•
Unique: www.uniquemls.com
•
Blue Lynx: www.bluelynx.com
•
IWS: International Search & Recruitment www.iws.nl
•
www.importexpat.nl
University of Groningen Internship coordinators
Science, Policy & Business Master’s programme, A.J. abma@rug.nl, 050 363 2263
Faculty of Economics and Business, E. Kamphuis, careeroffice.feb@rug.nl, 050 363 7182
Computer science, R. Smedinga, r.smedinga@rug.nl, 050 363 3937
Faculty of Arts, E. Haag, e.e.haag@rug.nl, 050 363 5844
Faculty of Law, C. Coolsma, j.c.coolsma@rug.nl, 050 363 5680
Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, S. Doolaard, s.doolaard@rug.nl ,050 363 6660
Faculty of Theology and Religious studies, J. Broekhoven, j.w.boekhoven@rug.nl, 050 363 5597
Faculty of Philosophy, H. Harbers, J.A.Harbers@rug.nl, 050 363 6155
Faculty of Industrial Engineering and Management, F. Brustolin, F.Brustolin@rug.nl, 050 363 8497
Faculty of Medical Sciences, j.r.huizenga@med.umcg.nl, 050 363 2877
26
Colophon
Go the extra mile! Is published by the University of Groningen,
Faculty of Economics and Business, Career Office. The
edition is part of a series of guides for international students
published by members of the Employability and Career
Guidance Task Force of the Coimbra Group,
www.coimbra-group.eu.
Authors: Elise Kamphuis and Henk Panman.
English Correction: Aart Beunderman,
www.newlifecoaching.nl.
Layout: Niek de Boer
Address:
University of Groningen
Faculty of Economics and Business
Careeroffice
P.O. Box 800
9700 AV Groningen
+31 (0)50 3637182
E-mail: careeroffice.feb@rug.nl
Information: www.rug.nl/feb/career