Mon, 25 May 2026 05:40:43 +0200 Mon, 25 May 2026 05:40:43 +0200 ContentFeeder 2.0 Jobseekers’ Diaries: “Paying your dues” at Entry-level

“There’s a fine line between putting in the time and staying too long. How do you know when you’re paying your dues or wasting your work? It all depends on how you define and interpret the phrase.”

A traditional work motto I consistently use as a mantra is: “You gotta pay your dues.” Typically, when weekdays are long and tough, I repeat this to myself. However, this motto can be perceived differently depending on your mindset. Those who blame others for their problems, or those who tell others they are “lucky” in life...]]> Fri, 28 Sep 2018 15:01:09 +0200
In previous jobs, and now in my role as a content writer, I have made a lot of mistakes. I have seen the good, the bad and the ugly during dozens of conducted job interviews, and I am consistently amazed at how basic the things are that usually go wrong.

My first job interview is one of those awkward events in life that keep me awake at night. I was eager to make a good impression, so I decided to go there at least 30 minutes in advance. It was not something unusual for me – I am well-known among...]]> Wed, 19 Sep 2018 13:36:19 +0200
The word ‘openness’ often carries with it a strong positive connotation. Being open is seen as a beneficial characteristic, especially in a societal context. Think about how often we encounter phrases such as: “open governments”, “open data”, “open societies”. Nonetheless, what exactly does the word “openness” entail? It can be defined as the attitude necessary to learn new things, to encounter new people, and to embark on new adventures. It is the ultimate attitude that gives all other attitudes a meaning.

Many people are afraid of being open and transparent. I used to be quick to think others will judge...]]> Mon, 19 Feb 2018 17:30:24 +0100
If you want to succeed, you need to set goals. Goal setting allows you to take control of your direction in life and it provides you with a benchmark for determining whether you are actually succeeding. To accomplish your goals, however, you need to know how to set them in the first place. It is a process that starts with careful consideration of what you want to achieve and ends with a lot of hard work to actually do it. In between, there are some very well-defined steps that transcend the specifics of each goal. Knowing these steps will allow...]]> Fri, 12 Jan 2018 21:37:48 +0100
My first job as a research assistant taught me many things, including that achieving quality time with the boss requires a lot of self-discipline. Self-discipline is a key aspect of effective management. In order to achieve it, I need to be clear about my boss’s priorities, have empathy for their challenges and, above all, know how to make myself easy to manage – this is where the self-discipline comes in.

If I want a happy boss, then I need a high level of self-awareness ¬– knowing my strengths and my potential blind spots. It is also helpful to be mindful...]]> Fri, 17 Nov 2017 10:19:53 +0100
Being a mind reader would certainly come in handy during a job interview and make the whole getting-a-job process a lot easier, right? It would take away all the pressure of saying the right thing and allow you to fix any verbal blunders. One can only wish...

Since I am not a mind reader and I doubt anyone is, I had to prepare for my first job interview. The job I wanted was in a famous Dutch research-training consultancy, so I made it my goal to predict the unpredictable and to be prepared in the best way possible. I started...]]> Thu, 21 Sep 2017 14:42:04 +0200

First impressions are really important. When I started my first job, I was nervous because I felt that the first impression people would have of me may turn into long-term perceptions and opinions. I wanted them to have the ‘right’ impression.

My first task was to help in recruiting participants for a social research project. I learned how to organize my time in a fast and efficient way, so I could talk to as many people as possible within a short period of time. The experience made me more familiar and confident with learning new skills, being punctual and dressing...]]> Thu, 24 Aug 2017 13:31:57 +0200  

The workplace culture sets the tone of the environment you will be working in, and it can be either easy or difficult. Coming from the UK, it was no surprise to discover the Dutch working culture functions on egalitarianism. However, in the Dutch workplace the communication style is rather informal. Whilst the job is to be taken seriously, it is the friendly atmosphere and the usually calm environment that enable high productivity. My manager’s enthusiasm was often so high that I became eager to match it. Her natural, friendly nature combined with strong leadership made her a great manager.

We...]]> Tue, 01 Aug 2017 12:27:01 +0200
Jobseeker's Diary serie: Being Brave

Applying for jobs can be tiresome at times. But generally speaking, the hardest part is getting a response. Employers are often unable to respond to each and every application, assuming they have even read your application.

I had tried my luck at applying for a job at a local bar where I usually study. The environment was always lovely, as were the staff, and I could easily see myself working there. A couple of weeks had passed and I began to give up hope. Maybe it was not the job for me. Then a few...]]> Sun, 18 Jun 2017 16:02:42 +0200
Nowadays, the proper construction of the online professional persona is significantly crucial for job seekers, as most companies and recruiters use professional platforms, and especially LinkedIn, to find the best candidates. Thus, people who want to find a job online join LinkedIn, try to create effective online profiles, build a circle of business contacts, and market themselves.

If you fit this category, then let us see how to best present your online profile.

1. Picture, Headline and Summary

To begin with, a LinkedIn profile has a specific structure that resembles a traditional resume, starting with a single (formal) photograph of...]]> Thu, 08 Jun 2017 15:57:43 +0200 Moving to The Netherlands was a culture shock in itself. However, successfully searching for a job here was an even bigger culture shock. For some time I did not even have to try. Jobs seemed to fall into my lap. I had not even been searching for a week when I was offered a job at Lush Cosmetics in November of last year. Once that contract ended, I was swiftly hired at a call centre in Rotterdam. From my perspective, my interview and trial shift skills were enough to get me a job.

I decided to leave the call centre...]]> Thu, 11 May 2017 11:20:58 +0200 As my MBA program moves into the last few months of classes, I find myself faced with a debate concerning employment. I am required to choose a company to base my thesis upon, and a certain amount of hours spent with that company is required in order to acquire the data needed to write the paper. Should I find an internship for myself? As an MBA student with several years of work experience, am I overqualified for an internship? As an expat with a need for a visa, do I have a right to be picky?

Internships are a little...]]> Thu, 23 Mar 2017 11:00:55 +0100 As I come to the end of my Master’s program at the University of Amsterdam, my focus turns to the daunting task of the job search. Job hunting is never easy,but for expats, it becomes even more difficult. Not only do we need to convince a company that they should hire us, but that they should also fund our visa to stay in the country. As expats, what do the chances look like for us to find jobs and continue the stay in the Netherlands?

First, a little good news. By being associated with a local university and living in...]]> Tue, 28 Feb 2017 15:22:51 +0100 Unless your background is in contract law, looking through an employment contract is a very overwhelming experience, especially if you are coming from a different country. Inundated with legal jargon and seemingly useless details, navigating through contracts can be a daunting task for which you just want to sign and get it over with. But before you sign your life away on a bad deal, it is good to know what to expect and what is up for negotiation in an employment contract in the Netherlands.

Employment contracts typically beginwith the details of the job description as well as working...]]> Mon, 13 Feb 2017 10:27:33 +0100 One of the most nerve-wracking things we must do in the process of finding a job in the Netherlands, or anywhere for that matter, is the dreaded interview process. It is exhausting, anxiety inducing, and requires a great amount of work in preparation. You must always be on your game during these interviews and be the best version of yourself. There are the usual no-no’s to be reminded of before going on an interview: no chewing gum, no answering your phone, be nice to EVERYONE. But during these times, in order to go even further than those and be as...]]> Mon, 14 Nov 2016 11:20:24 +0100 Unemployment in the Netherlands!
I’ve been wondering lately if it’s possible or, let’s be more accurate, if it’s responsible to be dreaming about having holidays when you are unemployed?

As I had already mentioned in one of my previous posts, the fact that I don’t have a full time contracted job, doesn’t mean that I don’t keep myself busy (and I’m not saying busy like watching tv or painting my nails). My attempt to be proactive and keep myself engaged in different activities makes my head be spread all over, and sometimes trying to keep focused in various non-related projects each...]]> Tue, 17 Jul 2012 12:30:20 +0200 Always looking, always searching. Double-check your CV, write your cover letter. After a point it turns into a routine. I don’t want to admit it, but I think an application written by a bored person definitely shows. The recipe is known – copy and paste the company name, change a few things here and there- even better, don’t change anything apart from names because who cares anymore? I got the same suggestion several times: Don’t bother. It’s not going to be read anyway. I do not think this is good advice, though, because it is self-defeating in the first place.
...]]> Wed, 17 Dec 2014 09:59:27 +0100 Rejection: It’s the first shock. Gradually, you get used to it. But the more it happens, as I wrote last week, it slowly gets to you. I know it’s a dreadful topic because it can unsettle you to the core, making space for unwanted thoughts: What is going on? Am I not good enough?
During my job-search I’ve come across three types of rejection: Rejection after interview
Anticipation is high. Yes, there’s a lot of stress involved, but it’s the positive kind of stress. Even when faced with the most unexpected results, there is the satisfaction that you made it...]]> Mon, 08 Dec 2014 10:58:40 +0100 'Have you seen any job descriptions lately? It’s scary.
“3+ years of experience, advanced [insert languages], advanced writing skills, advanced coding skills, advanced in [insert list of software skills], advanced [walking on sticks and juggling three balls at a time].”

I can’t get my head around how many skills they need people to have. I know, practice makes perfect and I have to present something substantial. Otherwise, how to prove I can actually do it? It reminds me of the well-known chicken and the egg story: experienced to get experience, like a dog running after its own tail. I add...]]> Wed, 26 Nov 2014 17:16:37 +0100 My week has been quite hectic, as I found my way out of daily obligations, part-time jobs (in take it or leave it situations) and an upcoming, hopefully soon, relocation. In the midst of being busy I stopped by the International City Podium in The Hague last Tuesday. For those who don’t know what it is about, the ICP (International Community Platform) summarizes its mission as “Improving the work & living environment for the (international) employees and families in The Hague and surrounding municipalities and thereby, the working environment for employers themselves.” Events organized by the ICP are a great opportunity...]]> Mon, 17 Nov 2014 14:56:56 +0100 This is a new series of Jobseekers’ Diaries by Andromachi, an expat, job seeker and recent graduate with a Master’s degree in English Literature and Culture.


I can’t recall how many times I’ve been posed with the same question in the past few months while job-hunting: Why did you pursue a degree in the Humanities? Why did you study English?

To me, the answer is pretty obvious: I chose to follow a discipline that truly inspired me to do my best and not half-heartedly drag my feet to its completion. However, this question comes from a well-meaning place, given the...]]> Tue, 04 Nov 2014 11:26:33 +0100

Hire me! A Diary Series

I find it hilarious when speaking to my grandpa (who is 94 years old and, as you can expect from a man of his age, is spending his days at home with no mayor occupations) and asking him to do me a favor he replies – ‘mmm I’ll see I don’t know if I can find the time to do that’. Ahh!? How is it possible that he comes up with this when we both know he spends his days doing ‘nothing’? I’m used to tease him by replying ‘ahh well, off course, doing nothing...]]> Fri, 11 May 2012 00:27:32 +0200 Many of you, dear readers, might not have a clue of what getting a tourist visa means for a person that doesn’t hold a EU, USA or Canadian passport. Well, it is a nightmare. I guess it varies by nationality, but I’m Colombian and unfortunately we have quite a negative reputation associated with drug trafficking, therefore international travel policies are harsh on us. The average bureaucratic procedure requires a long series of letters, stamps and certificates that demand time, money and specially energy. The appointments at embassies and consulates have never made me feel comfortable at all, there is something...]]> Tue, 17 Jul 2012 12:32:50 +0200 A couple of months ago, in a moment when I was feeling hopeless but determined to find a job regardless if it was something that I was passionate about or not, I applied to vacancies for jobs that don’t require academic qualifications such as cleaning offices and delivering post. Once again I was rejected: I didn’t have experience as a cleaner (naively I thought that keeping my house tidy and shiny was enough) and I was not able to speak Dutch. I remember a remarkable phone conversation with the hiring manager of the post service that drained away my determination....]]> Mon, 04 Jun 2012 09:25:20 +0200
So we hear all the time and everywhere about the importance of networking. I do believe in its relevance, specially in a case like mine that I’m not only trying to find a job but also to grasp and get involved with this place that is now my ‘other’ home (last time I went ‘back home’ to visit my family it felt weird, when filling out the immigration paper I got in the airport, to write under the country of residence field ‘The Netherlands’, followed by providing a Dutch address).

It’s definitely not going to happen much if I just...]]> Thu, 24 May 2012 09:32:30 +0200 Have you notice how relatively easy is for a recent graduate to get an internship in The Netherlands, in comparison to how hard is to find a JOB (yes in capital letters, just to emphasize the distinction)? At least that is the impression that I have after months of drifting thought the finding-a-job process. I don’t restrict my job searching to job listing websites and recruitment agencies, I also visit companies’ websites because is very common that they have their own vacancy page where you can find job posts that are not anywhere else advertized. And while I often come...]]> Mon, 23 Apr 2012 08:16:45 +0200 In between of the ups and downs of my job hunting the idea of starting my own business has been constantly present. People around me have also been very encouraging about it; I even got as a present for my last birthday a book with ‘100 sales ideas’. I keep a little notebook where I write all my entrepreneurial thoughts and possible business projects but I still haven’t managed to figure out what exactly my company should offer and sell. With the aim of taking-charge of this fuzzy dream instead of waiting for the ‘great idea’ to come, I decided...]]> Tue, 17 Apr 2012 08:57:44 +0200 I’m Laura, a visual artist with a Master in Arts. I came to The Netherland almost 3 years ago to pursue a Masters degree and after I finishing my studies I decided to stay (due to different reasons, but yeah, I admit it, love was the ultimate motivation). Since then I have found it difficult to find a position that matches my experience and aspirations.

Despite this, I have been extremely pro-active and have involved myself in many different activities, helping me to both expand my network and also create new opportunities for myself. I’m starting a diary to share with...]]> Thu, 12 Apr 2012 17:57:10 +0200