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Marjan Stoit on The Coaches Next Door Podcast: There Is Talent and Companies Need to Stay Open to It
The labor market is constantly evolving. From talent shortages and AI developments to changing expectations from both employers and candidates, recruitment today is about much more than simply filling vacancies.
In a recent podcast, our Commercial Manager Marjan Stoit was invited to join Ligia Koijen Ramos from The Coaches Next Door to discuss the current state of work, employment, and recruitment in the Netherlands. With more than 26 years of experience at Undutchables, Marjan shared valuable insights on international talent, inclusive hiring, labor market trends, and the importance of human connection in recruitment.
To listen to the full podcast click here, or continue reading below for the highlights and video version.
30 years of connecting multilingual talent and Dutch employers
The subject of international recruitment is near and dear to both Marjan's and Ligia's hearts. Marjan explained how Undutchables started 30 years ago as one of the first agencies in the Netherlands focused on multilingual recruitment. What began as a small team helping call centers searching for professionals that could speak a variety of languages has grown into a specialized recruitment partner connecting international talent with organizations across many industries.
According to Marjan, the need for international talent is only increasing:
“The Netherlands needs talent, and that talent is available.”
She emphasized that multilingual professionals bring not only language skills, but also fresh perspectives, international experience, and valuable expertise that help companies grow in an increasingly global market.
Looking beyond language barriers
One important topic discussed during the episode was the role of language requirements in recruitment. Marjan encouraged employers to critically evaluate whether Dutch is truly necessary for every role.
Many international professionals already living in the Netherlands are highly educated, motivated, and eager to work, but can struggle to access opportunities because they are still learning Dutch. As Marjan explained, language skills often develop fastest within the workplace itself.
Her message to employers was clear: focus on potential, skills, and motivation, not only on perfect language fluency from day one.
Recruitment remains people work
The conversation also explored the growing role of AI in recruitment. While technology can help automate administrative tasks and improve efficiency, Marjan stressed that recruitment ultimately remains about people.
“If you want talent, you need to talk to people.”
At Undutchables, technology is used to support recruiters, not replace human interaction. By automating repetitive, administrative work, time is freed up so recruiters can spend more time speaking directly with candidates and clients to better understand motivations, potential, and cultural fit.
Supporting both clients and candidates
Another key point from the discussion was that Undutchables goes beyond traditional recruitment services. In addition to matching candidates and employers, we want to share our expertise and be a true partner for those we work with. That is why we also provide webinars, workshops, labor market guidance, and practical support for companies and international professionals navigating the Dutch job market.
Staying open to international talent
Throughout the podcast, Marjan repeatedly emphasized the importance of remaining open to multilingual and international professionals, especially in a market where many sectors continue to face talent shortages.
She encouraged employers to look beyond rigid job descriptions and focus more on skills, growth potential, and diversity within teams. According to Marjan, diverse teams often bring stronger ideas, broader perspectives, and better long-term results.
At Undutchables, we strongly believe that international talent continues to play a vital role in the future of the Dutch labor market. And as this podcast conversation showed, successful recruitment is not only about finding the right CV, it’s about understanding and connecting with people to create opportunities for growth.
Interested in learning more about international recruitment or hiring multilingual talent? Get in touch with our team, we are happy to help!
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