Why Dutch Interviews Feel So Different

The value of a debrief? It’s not just for the candidate, it’s the bridge that allows us to share insights with the client and keep everyone aligned.

Yesterday I had a debrief call with a candidate who interviewed for a role in the Netherlands, and wow, the energy was contagious.

Here’s what he shared with me:

✨ “I felt the interview went really well. In the Netherlands, they dig much deeper than in South Africa! They really want to test if you know your stuff. The good news? I could answer every single question.”

In South Africa, interviews often stay higher level, checking experience and fit.
In the Netherlands, they go into a whole other class of detail, testing how you think, how you reason, and how you solve problems.

What stood out most for him:
👉 They weren’t just testing knowledge, they were testing problem-solving mindset.
👉 He left the interview feeling honored and excited, convinced this is the kind of environment he wants to grow in.

Of course, it’s not just about the role. He and his wife have been Googling everything they can about life in the Netherlands, she’s just as excited as he is. The big questions on the table?

Notice periods, start dates, housing, and making the family move seamless – (Tomorrow I will share some insights to this process 😊)

The dream? A fresh start in the Netherlands, together as a family. 🧳