Meet the Recruiter - Irina van Halen

We have shared a lot with you about our company, our events, the Netherlands as a country and their traditions. We feel like it is high time you got acquainted with some of our colleagues. This blog will give you more insight into the life of a recruitment professional, the challenges they face, their most memorable moments and their guilty pleasures. This week we will introduce our recruiter from Amsterdam, Irina van Halen. Enjoy!

1. How did you end up at Undutchables?

In 2014, I moved from Mexico to the Netherlands and, like anyone starting fresh in a new country, I needed a job! Since I’m bilingual in Spanish and Dutch, I registered with Undutchables, hoping they could help me find the right opportunity. And they did.. and here I am still!

2. What are the most enjoyable aspects of your role?

Most enjoyable: The joy of helping someone land an exciting new job.

Least enjoyable: Cold calling for new business—not a favorite of mine!

3. What is the biggest challenge of the job?

Managing moments of disappointment, whether from candidates or hiring companies, can be challenging. I always make an effort to understand the perspectives and reasoning behind decisions, such as not accepting an offer or turning down a strong, enthusiastic candidate. Still, having to deliver the message is a difficult aspect of the role for me.

4. What has been your most memorable moment in the job?

There are so many great memories and success stories of happy hires and satisfied clients, but to be totally honest, the trip to Valencia for Undutchables’ 25th anniversary really stands out. It was an unforgettable and super fun experience, spending time with amazing colleagues from all our offices.

5. What do you think is key for a successful recruiting process?

A good recruitment process really comes down to clear and honest communication. Everyone should know what to expect and how things will move forward. When people feel informed and respected, they’re more comfortable and involved. Keeping things moving at a steady pace also helps keep everyone on the same page.

6. If you were to have a job outside an office environment, what would be your dream job?

I spent many years working on film sets (behind the camera!) and while I truly enjoyed it and would happily do it again, I’ve always had a strong desire to work in theater scenography and production.

7. What's your guilty pleasure?

Devouring true crime podcasts or documentaries and shedding tears over period drama films.

Quickfire questions

Q: Coffee or tea

A: Coffee AM and Tea PM!

Q: Sun or snow?

A: Sun, always!

Q: Are you a morning or a night person?

A: Night person, definitively!

Q: If you could go anywhere in the world where would you go and why?

A: Japan! From the food and people to the history, nature, fashion, and cinema—I'd love to experience it all on a roundtrip adventure someday.

"Adventure is out there!"

Ellie, from Pixar's UP!