Work · English-guided Dutch speaking

Have a job interview in Dutch

Practise a first job interview. The result you need is to explain your fit and ask a useful question. This lesson turns that one real-life task into Dutch phrases, two answer models and a recording routine.

Read the situation like the listener

An interviewer needs evidence of relevant experience, a realistic start date and a sign that you understand the role. The immediate difficulty is that you have limited work experience in the Netherlands. The useful fact that changes the conversation is this: you have three years of relevant experience in another country. Do not apologise for international experience. Connect one previous responsibility to the Dutch vacancy and ask about onboarding rather than ending with no question.

Six Dutch phrases and their meaning

1. 01 Deze functie spreekt mij aan.
   This position appeals to me.
2. 02 Ik heb drie jaar ervaring met klantcontact.
   I have three years of experience in customer contact.
3. 03 In Nederland heb ik nog niet lang gewerkt.
   I have not worked in the Netherlands for very long yet.
4. 04 Ik leer snel en vraag actief om feedback.
   I learn quickly and actively ask for feedback.
5. 05 Ik kan vanaf volgende maand beginnen.
   I can start next month.
6. 06 Kunt u iets vertellen over de inwerkperiode?
   Could you tell me something about the onboarding period?

Choose two core lines and make three versions: for somebody you know, for a service employee and for a formal conversation. Change address form and directness, not the underlying goal.

Choose information that earns a response

For this work conversation, combine a direct work message with a relevant reason and a proposal that remains workable for the other person. Avoid giving background without naming the affected shift, task, decision or follow-up date. If one Dutch word disappears, describe it more simply and continue; the listener still needs the problem, the decisive detail and a next action.

Two Dutch answer models to adapt

Use the model as a route map with pauses after the message, evidence and proposal. Those pauses reveal which part disappears when you speak under pressure.

Make the task harder without changing its purpose

Four recording rounds

1. Round 1: Record one informal and one formal opening.
2. Round 2: Explain one missing Dutch word with simpler Dutch.
3. Round 3: Add a clarification question from the listener and answer it.
4. Round 4: Repeat the strongest version with calmer pace and clear sentence endings.

Change the facts and answer again

Change the role from customer service to logistics or care, then replace the experience example and availability date. This second version tests whether you can transfer the message instead of reciting it. Add one plausible listener question and answer it without restarting.

Check the outcome

• My address form fits the listener.
• I can explain a missing word without switching languages.
• The answer remains logical after a follow-up question.
• Pace and pauses support the meaning.
• I included this required detail: you have three years of relevant experience in another country.
• I finished the message before correcting pronunciation.

Compare two recordings; do not turn this checklist into an official score or pass prediction. For an exam, practise the official interface, timing and instructions separately.