Which employer is right for you?

Small, medium, large or multinational?

• Do you like to have a lot of different tasks, even outside your current work? And would you like your influence to be noticeable throughout the organization? Then take a look at vacancies in smaller organizations. 
• Also pay attention to the personal aspect: do you think it is important to work in a small, trusted team? Or do you need the buzz of a larger company? 
• Would you like to move up the ladder and get promoted? Then it is better to look for the larger organizations that actively mention that there is room for development. 
• Have you always wanted to work abroad? Start with a multinational with a branch here in the Netherlands and who also trade in the country that appeals to you. 

Commercial, non-profit or government? 

Also consider to what extent you want to be commercially active. Below we give you a few very general descriptions. Of course, any organization is primarily shaped by the people who work there. 

Commercial employer 

Does it give you a kick to achieve targets? Are you interested in consumer behavior and customer focus? Then a commercial company is right for you. You often have less certainty than with the government, for example. You have to continuously show that you continue to grow and perform. 

Non-profit, such as a foundation 

Is it important to you to work from convictions or principles? Then see if you can find a non-profit organization that is committed to that direction. Then you have a better chance that you will go home with a satisfied feeling at the end of the working day. 

Working for the government 

Do you find that you like structure? Do you think meetings are not a necessary evil, but an interesting way to get different parties to go in one direction? Then you may find the process-oriented employer that suits you at the government. 

Which industries suit you? 

National Vacancy Bank has a filter with all branches in which we have vacancies. Give the filter a try and note branches that stand out for you: 

• What kind of vacancies are there in these sectors – and do they suit you? 
• What kind of company culture does the vacancies express? 
• Which industry have you had an affinity with from an early age? Fashion – or the navy? 
• Do you see industries where your talents are needed? 

Also Read: A good CV in five steps

Interview

When you are invited for an interview, you as a candidate can ask a number of questions that will help you determine whether the company is right for you: 

• “How would you describe the company culture?” Some companies have a clear corporate culture and express this, for example, on social media or on their website. This is not the case everywhere. Ask questions about this in a job interview to clarify this. For example, ask what kind of people make careers within the company or ask how this company would deal with a particular dilemma. 
• “How do you measure success and how do you deal with goals that are not met?” Ask this question to find out how results-driven an organization is. 
• “What does growth and development look like for someone in my role? And what are the biggest challenges for someone in this position?” You ask these questions if you want a more detailed job description. From this you can determine what is expected of you and you know better what you might run into. 
• “Are activities organized here outside working hours?” When a short drink is organized where not many colleagues go, work and private life are often more separated than when it is a weekly party for the entire office. 
• “Is there an option to work more or less in the future?” A good question to ask for your future perspective and to gauge how flexible an employer is.