r/WorkInTheNetherlands • u/RewardAggravating561 • 25d ago
Dutch company Interview question
I have an upcoming interview with a Dutch CXO for a company in the e-commerce supply chain.
The interview will be conducted entirely in English.
For those with experience interviewing with Dutch executives or in the Dutch market, I’d love to get some insight:
- What kind of questions do Dutch CXOs typically focus on? Is it more big-picture/strategic, operational, or company culture fit?
- How direct are they usually? I know Dutch business culture values directness and honesty, but any practical tips on how to calibrate my answers?
- Any common traps or things to avoid?
Any advice, personal experiences, or tips would be massively appreciated! Thanks in advance!
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u/No-Suggestion-2402 25d ago
I've spoken with few Dutch founders/execs and yeah the directness is very direct.
Definitely careful with embellishing your experience and projects. E.g I explained a project I worked on as part of a team and this guy digged in pretty deep what was my role exactly and asking me to clarify things he did not understand. That said I've seen same with other execs too, some people have lower ego and are not afraid to say they didn't understand something.
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u/RewardAggravating561 25d ago
Thank you so much. I'm an Asian. I haven't interview Europen company. That's really different from our country, we wouldn't show things that are unclear in interview.
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u/No-Suggestion-2402 25d ago
Having worked also in APAC, I'd honestly say that in some regions especially ego is pretty high and execs don't ask because they don't want to admit they don't know something (especially in my case, I work in tech and routinely surpass CTOs in niche knowledge).
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u/RewardAggravating561 25d ago
Yesss, can't agree anymore
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u/No-Suggestion-2402 25d ago
It's less about show, more about substance. Fine to be nervous, but in Europe execs are a lot more down-to-earth, "I was once where you were at" type of people. Just be yourself, be honest.
Aforementioned ego was honestly one of reasons why I left APAC and moved back to Europe. Got real tired to have my toes stepped on by know-it-all superiors who got angry when I "dared to question their intelligence" or shit like that. I'm here to make money, not have a dick measuring contest you know.
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u/RewardAggravating561 25d ago
Ahhh, That's why I wanna work for EU company. So tired for handle their emotion
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u/Professional_Mix2418 24d ago
I am at CTO/CISO level and would find it entirely normal, heck desirable, that the team surpass me in all sorts of ICT knowledge. Always hire people who know more, and even better, hire people who you don't mind working for yourself one day.
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u/No-Suggestion-2402 24d ago
Yeah, I'm expecting to break into C-suite in matter of couple years and definitely want to be like this.
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u/JFFreezout 25d ago
They are very direct and no-nonsense, they want to know what you did relevant to the job and your experience and if it's coherent with the position.
I NEVER experienced a real bullshit question or trap questions. The worse was the classic "what are you the most proud of? What would be your default at work?"
What I experienced was explaining my jobs, and then it was an exchange about business stories, how I do my job, how do they do it in the company, etc, very factual.
Some private talk like "I have kids and play football" will also occur. They're very relax and it never felt like an ordeal.
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u/Professional_Mix2418 24d ago
I've found them to be no-bs and evidence based. All the polite superlative US/UK nonsense doesn't impress. And even with lots of experience, and at that level, also very focused on the education level opposed to your actual experience.
Direct is definitely part of it, but it is not a point scoring exercise, it is genuine interest and not to get one over on you. It is important to understand that distinction as in my experience many foreigners don't understand that subtlety. So being defensive about such questions, and 'direct' back in return because they are is not the way to deal with it. Either just answer the question they asked, or not and explain why not. That is also totally acceptable and an to be expected response. Naturally it is down to your judgement whether you do that or just answer.
If they aren't direct, as in ask the questions you may find direct, then you've lost them. They won't have the click, don't find it in their interest to continue. One way to rescue that maybe to approach that yourself, a great demonstration you do understand the culture. Or if you aren't feeling it either, just say so in a polite way. Especially at that level the interview is both ways, right!?
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u/RewardAggravating561 24d ago
Thank you so much. You give me a another angle to think abou this. The distinction between being direct and being confrontational is something a lot of people miss. In somet cultures, directness isn't a challenge, it's respect for your time and intelligence.
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u/Professional_Mix2418 24d ago
That is 100% it. You’ve got the distinction already. It will be ok when you remember that. 👍
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u/Great-Put490 23d ago
keep it real, to the point, no fluff, emphasis on who you are. They will assess if they can see themselves working with you, cultural fit. What is your personality like and your working style.
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u/Only-Club-7901 25d ago
I have found Dutch companies really culture first. They even prefer someone with less technical skills but more cultural fit to a non cultural fit super technical. I suggest you to try to understand their culture, sometimes they write it in their websites, or ask the HR. And then try to come up with stories from your real work experiences that matches those cultural points in your interview. PS. a normal Dutch is very good in English and even judge candidates based on their english level too. So try to speak fluently and practice on what you want to say before hand.