Meet the Branch Manager - Ilse Bakker

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 the Branch Manager of our office in Amsterdam, Ilse Bakker. Enjoy!

1. How did you end up at Undutchables?

I was approached for the Branch Manager position by someone in my network. I found out later that after following a sales training that was given by Ilse Visser's husband, he had recommended me for the role.

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

I enjoy being able to help colleagues develop further and grow in their job. Contact with clients, and actually building a relationship with clients and candidates, is also satisfying.

Less fun are the disappointments you face when candidates/clients withdraw.

3. What is the biggest challenge of the job?

Right now the biggest challenge is the current tight labor market.

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

The trip to Austria to celebrate 15 years of Undutchables with everyone. What has also stayed with me is the Corona time, when everyone suddenly started working entirely from home and we explored a different way of working together.

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

Asking the right questions and checking commitment levels. Plus, always keeping it personal.

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

I would run a bed and breakfast. Preferably somewhere near the beach in Italy or Portugal.

7. What's your guilty pleasure?

I really like mayonnaise. At home they call me mama mayo. 😉

Quickfire questions

Q: Coffee or tea

A: Coffee

Q: Sun or snow?

A: Sun

Q: Are you a morning or a night person?

A: Morning

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

A: I would travel to Africa with my family.

"Just call, it's faster and more personal."

Ilse Bakker