Many internationals in the Netherlands spend hours applying for jobs online without receiving responses. They carefully tailor their CV, write a motivation letter, and submit applications through LinkedIn or company websites – yet still struggle to get interviews.
One strategy that can dramatically improve your chances in the Dutch job market is surprisingly simple: call before you apply.
As someone working in career coaching for international talent in Groningen and across the Netherlands, I have seen how transformational this approach can be. It helps internationals stand out, gather valuable information, and apply more strategically.
I also use this strategy in my own applications. Certainly, it can feel nerve-wracking in the beginning. Calling a recruiter or hiring manager directly is outside many people’s comfort zone. However, every time I did it, I gained valuable insider information that I would never have discovered from the vacancy alone. It also immediately gave me a feeling for the organisational culture and the people behind the role.
Why Calling Before Applying Works
The Dutch work culture values initiative, direct communication, and proactivity. Calling before applying immediately helps employers remember you among dozens – sometimes hundreds – of candidates.
A short phone call gives you insights that are often missing from the vacancy itself:
- what the employer is actually looking for
- what the team currently needs most
- whether Dutch language requirements are flexible
- what kind of personality fits the organisation
- which requirements are essential versus optional
Instead of sending a generic motivation letter, you can directly connect your experience to the employer’s real priorities. You can also mention the conversation in your application, which immediately makes your motivation letter stronger and more personal.
I noticed this from the employer side as well. When I was looking for an intern for my own company, only one candidate called me beforehand – and he was Dutch. I remember feeling genuinely happy that someone showed real interest in both the company and the internship role. Unfortunately, none of the international candidates contacted me before applying.
That moment made me realise again how much internationals may underestimate the value of proactive communication in the Netherlands.
Especially Important for International Talent
Many international professionals have strong qualifications but may not perfectly match every requirement listed in a vacancy. Sometimes they lack direct Dutch work experience, industry-specific experience, or the confidence to apply when they do not meet 100% of the criteria.
Recently, I spoke with a recruiter from Hanze University of Applied Sciences, and he emphasized this point as well. He mentioned that especially when candidates do not have the exact experience a vacancy asks for, it is always valuable to call first and get a better understanding of the role and the expectations behind it.
A vacancy text rarely tells the full story.
Often, employers are more flexible than internationals assume – but you only discover this through direct contact.
What Questions Should You Ask?
The goal of the phone call is not to convince someone to hire you immediately. The goal is to gather insight and position yourself strategically.
Some useful questions include:
- “Could you tell me how this position came into existence?”
- “What are the biggest priorities for the team right now?”
- “Which skills are most important besides the formal requirements?”
- “Could you tell me a bit more about the team and the company culture?”
- “What results would you expect someone in this role to achieve after 6 months?”
These questions help you better understand the role while also demonstrating curiosity, motivation, and professionalism.
Career Coaching for Internationals in Groningen
Navigating the Dutch job market as an international can feel overwhelming, especially when you are unfamiliar with Dutch application culture and networking expectations.
At Thrive Coaching & Consulting, I help international talent in Groningen and across the Netherlands learn how to:
- approach employers strategically
- improve CVs and motivation letters
- networking with confidence
- communicate effectively with recruiters
- position themselves more strongly in the Dutch labour market
Sometimes, one phone call can completely change the direction of your application process.
Are you an international professional looking to grow your career in the Netherlands?
Schedule an intake with Thrive Coaching & Consulting today and discover how career coaching can help you navigate the Dutch job market with more confidence, strategy, and clarity.
