Dutch job interviews (sollicitatiegesprekken) have specific cultural characteristics. Dutch interviewers value directness — they expect you to clearly state your achievements and goals without false modesty, but also without excessive self-promotion. The phrase geen valse bescheidenheid (no false modesty) is culturally understood as a prompt to genuinely sell yourself. Prepare concrete examples using the STAR method: Situatie, Taak, Actie, Resultaat.
Essential interview vocabulary: de sollicitatie (job application), de vacature (vacancy/job opening), het cv or curriculum vitae (CV), de motivatiebrief (cover letter — very important in the Netherlands), de functieomschrijving (job description), de arbeidsvoorwaarden (employment conditions/package), het salaris (salary), de secundaire arbeidsvoorwaarden (secondary benefits — pension, lease car, travel allowance), de proeftijd (probationary period), de cao (collective labour agreement).
Key interview phrases: Wat trekt u aan in deze functie? (What attracts you to this position?) — answer specifically about the role and company. Wat zijn uw sterke punten? (What are your strengths?) — be concrete and give examples. Waar wilt u over vijf jaar staan? (Where do you want to be in five years?) — show ambition within the company context. Heeft u nog vragen voor ons? (Do you have any questions for us?) — always prepare two or three questions about the team, culture, or challenges. Asking salary questions is normal and not taboo in the Netherlands — the Dutch find salary transparency healthy.