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Prepare for your interview

A job interview is your opportunity to bring your CV and letter to life. Show not just what you have done, but who you are and how you work. Preparation makes the difference: know the organisation, understand the role, and think about your answers in advance. 

How to prepare for a Dutch job interview

Preparation is essential. Re-read your CV, cover letter and the job description, research the company and industry, and think about answers to common interview questions. During the interview you will be expected to show enthusiasm, detailed knowledge of the company, and a clear sense of what you bring to the table. Dress professionally, arrive on time and know the interviewer's title and name. A firm handshake and good eye contact go a long way.

  1. 1

    Research the company

    During the job interview the hiring manager will want to know that you are genuinely interested in working for the company. 

    • Learn about the background of the recruiter or hiring manager as it is the first person you need to persuade to get the job. Check a LinkedIn profile, do a Google search or look at the company's website to find out shared interest to create familiarity and prepare talking points. 

    • Research your future team. Try to find out information about the team members, position in the company and important milestones. You can use this information to ask informed questions and impress the interviewer. 

    • Research the company's history, products, funding, structure and latest news. Prepare well to demonstrate you have done your homework for the interview. You could ask questions about the company, but may also be asked questions to show your knowledge and preparation. 

    • Understand the company's culture, mission and values to be able to show you are a good fit for the long-term. Important is to find out how the company sees itself as there are different values to create a connection with in start-ups, multinationals, academics or international organizations.  

  2. 2

    Prepare your personal sales pitch

    Prepare your pitch to introduce yourself and why you are the best candidate for the job. In most interviews you will be asked similar questions so you can prepare your asnwers beforehand. 

    • Tell me about yourself?
    • Why did you apply for this job?
    • Why are you the best person for the job?
    • Why do you want to leave your current role?
    • What are your strengths?
    • What are your greatest weaknesses?
    • What is the most difficult situation you faced and how did you tackle it? 
    • What experience do you have in (element or tool listed in the job description)?
    • Where do you see yourself in five years?
  3. 3

    Prepare questions

    Always prepare questions you intend to ask the interviewer. The interview is about input and feedback from both you and the interviewer. If you ask the right questions, you can look interested and engaged, but also know if this is the right company or opportunity for you. 

    • Why has the position become available?
    • What are the objectives and responsibilities of the position?
    • How do the first days on the job look like? 
    • How many colleagues will I work with?
    • How would you describe the company culture and management style?

    • A final question would be: What are the next steps in the recruitment process?

       

    For most jobs in the Netherlands you will do at least two job interviews, often with different people. During your first interview you can ask about the employment contract, sponsorship possibility, expected working hours, work from home and salary range if this is not indicated in the vacancy. You do not go into detail on the salary, bonuses and holiday leave until a later interview.

  4. 4

    Practice for interviews

    Job interviews are often stressful on job seekers. Especially when you are applying for entry-level or graduate jobs. The better you are prepared, the more self-confident you will be during the interview. Practice with friends or family by doing mock interviews. Prepare questions for you, about the company and job requirements. Use career fairs or workshops to practice your personal sales pitch and ask feedback. Interviews for part-time jobs, volunteering and jobs you did not get, prepare you to do better in your next job interview. 

Two girls talking at The Hague Humanity Hub

Tips for job interviews

  • Punctiality is important in the Netherlands so arrive on time.
  • Preparation is essential if you want to perform well during the interview.
  • Prepare for direct questions from the Dutch. The Dutch prefer straight answers, examples and little context. 
  • Dutch companies have egalitarian organisations and limited hierarchy. Companies value constructive feedback and independent work. 
  • Job interviews are often as much about if you fit the company culture than if you can do the job. 
  • Do not speak negatively about current or former employers. It reflects poorly on your professionalism. 
A man on a digital call

Tips for video interviews

Virtual meetings are used more often nowadays for first interviews for graduate jobs and international hires. 

  • Treat a video interview the same as an in‑person meeting. 
  • Test beforehand if your computer is set up to use the right programme, often MS Teams, Zoom or Webex. 
  • Practice on camera beforehand, especially maintaining eye contact with the webcam. 
  • Speak clearly and at a steady pace, and remove background noise such as pets or phones.  
  • Choose a professional background that keeps the focus on you. 
  • Check your lighting so your face is well lit without harsh brightness or shadows. 
  • Dress professionally, just as you would for an on‑site interview.Â