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Tip From a Recruiter - Camila Gademan
Job hunting can feel like a full-time job and figuring out the best moves to make can be confusing, especially in a new labour market. Getting a peek inside the mind of a recruiter can make this process a bit easier. So, let us help with that! In this blog series our experienced recruitment consultants share their top tips to help you succeed in your job search. Learn how to make your application stand out, impress recruiters, and move through the job application process smoothly by following the advice of our experts. This month’s tips are brought to you by our recruitment consultant from Utrecht, Camila Gademan.
TIP 1 - Research and Understand the Job Market
It’s been a difficult time all around lately and that’s something you notice everywhere. Companies are more hesitant to embrace the hiring process fully and candidates are hesitant to make the step they want toward their dream career. It’s a market of caution and doubts at the moment. Still, there are enough developments to justify a leap of faith on both sides. For candidates, it’s good to know that the need is still there! Companies are hungry and in serious need for talent, regardless of their hesitations. You may have to work a bit harder to fulfill requirements, committing to extra courses and education, for example, in order to be able to offer a higher level of professionalism and expertise, but if you show the effort most companies will be happy to get you on board.
There is also some movement in the types of benefits being offered. Part of this comes from many companies still feeling rather certain that it is a candidate’s market, which prompts them to be more lenient concerning the extra benefits they offer, such as: working from home, allowances, and extra perks. While I don’t fully agree it is still 100% a candidate’s market, as candidates also tend to need to put in a solid effort to land a position in the current market, I do agree that the standard benefits are no longer enough. In my opinion, this is more related to a current societal awareness striving for a better work-life balance. People seem to understand now that work is essential for our functioning and happiness, but it is not everything. Extra days off, mental wellness support, and hybrid working policies are all items that are relevant in improving employee’s happiness and, consequently, talent retention.
TIP 2 - Be Assertive and Highlight Your Strengths
Being prepared is key to any job application process. Start by outlining the kind of career/roles you want to pursue and tailor your CV for that. You don’t need to make up experience, of course, but focus instead on better highlighting your relevant roles and skills you already have. As you learn to showcase the strengths you possess in a way that best fits your targeted field you will see that your application gains more traction. And, if you notice a skillset gap between where you are and where you want to go, do not hesitate to take extra courses, educate yourself, and start networking with people in your desired field.
Now a specific tip for the Netherlands – be assertive! Show proactiveness but in a way that works effectively. Calling an agency and saying, “I’m looking for a job” might be proactive but not assertive enough. Sending your CV to the relevant recruiter for reference, and then calling them to make sure you establish that connection and are available to clarify any questions and give extra info, is for sure a valid (and perfectly assertive) approach.
TIP 3 - Engage Actively and Listen to Feedback
One thing that I have noticed gets in the way of successfully finding a new job for some candidates is insufficient active listening skills combined with a disregard for the recruiter’s opinion. I appreciate proactive candidates, but when a candidate ignores feedback, insists on arguing against every rejection, or continuously applies to roles without meeting even the basic requirements, it is difficult for a recruiter to help them. Listening and aligning with guidelines makes the process smoother for everyone.
Candidates who are well-prepared and who show a genuine interest and appreciation for our time and work as a supporter in their path win a special place in my heart. They are the ones that give meaning to my job and, therefore, are the ones that make me want to go the extra mile. It is also easier to find a match for someone who is actively engaged in the process themselves and is willing to accept and adjust to the feedback they receive.
Camila is an experienced recruitment consultant from our Utrecht office. You can find contact information for Camila, and our other recruitment consultants here. Feel free to reach out to them if you have any questions about finding a job in the Netherlands. In the meantime, you can also read more great tips from our recruiters here. Happy job hunting!