Now, assuming the interviews go well and you get the job—gefeliciteerd (congratulations)! You still need to have a grasp of the Dutch labour market.
The average working week in the Netherlands is 40 hours, and in many companies your lunch breaks are not part of your official working hours (therefore they are not paid for). So if you work 8 hours a day, you are expected to be present between 8.5 and 9 hours, depending on the length of your breaks.
Part-time employment is very common in the Netherlands, with more than half of working women and 15% of men in a part-time job of 32 hours per week or less. The Netherlands has an egalitarian society. Status and respect are obtained through study and work, and not through family ties or old age. Every person is equal and should be treated accordingly, which may be difficult for foreigners to understand. Instead of giving orders and being served bythe lower level personnel, the managers/directors (in most of the companies) try to make a pleasant and productive sphere where everyone can givetheir opinions equally.
In the Western world, the Dutch are famous for the many hours a week they spend in meetings. Decision-making processes are complex, partly because everyone involved needs to be heard. In the end, a compromise will be reached withwhich everyone generally agrees.
The Dutch are open and direct, so they expect you to be as well. They will tell you what they think of you and criticise your work,regardlessof your status—whether you are a superior or a subordinate.They can appreciate when you inform them of a mistake and do not necessarily feel ashamed. Instead, they see itas an opportunity to improve themselves. Being very organised and time conscious, one may have to plan business appointments up to four weeks in advance with bosses, clients and colleagues. The Dutch may have great work relationships with their colleagues, but they rarely invite them to their homes. Work and private life are strictly separated. Many companies in the Netherlands have Friday afternoon drinks and relaxed gatherings in the office, or close by to relax from the busy week.
Lastly, the Dutch often work very hard, but they also love to have time off to spend with their partner, children and friends, or to go on vacation, or to pursue a study or hobby.
Sonja vos Ralevska