The Blue Lynx Blog - Career Tips and Hiring Advice

Whether you are a candidate who wants to take their career to the next level or a hiring manager in search of the best employment practices, we have something for everyone. Get comfortable and read on.

Navigating Disagreements at Work

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 Within an organisation, employees with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives interact with each other daily. As a result, the collision of ideas and opinions is not just commonplace but essential…

Understanding high employee turnover

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Employee turnover, the revolving door of talent in and out of organisations, poses significant challenges to maintaining a stable and productive workforce. In this article, we will explore the root…

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9 Things That Can Ruin Your Career

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Our actions, habits, and mindset play a profound role in shaping the trajectory of our careers. Self-sabotaging behaviours often impede our progress and potential.  This article aims to shed light…

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Constructive feedback: How to create a flourishing work culture

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The significance of company culture has transcended its traditional role over the past decade. Beyond mere office aesthetics and casual Fridays, a robust company culture now is one of the…

Code-Switching in the Workplace: Balancing Communication Dynamics

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Code-switching is the practice of switching between different languages, dialects, or communication styles. It is a powerful tool that helps professionals handle multilingual and multicultural interactions. In this article, I’m…

Job Disruption or Destruction: Adopting AI at the Workplace

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Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the way we work. It allows us to automate repetitive tasks, improve decision making and optimise operations. This allows employees to focus on creative…

Executive Search and Recruitment: 7 Key Differences You Need to Know

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The pursuit of top-tier talent is a strategic imperative for organisations that seek sustained growth and success. The global executive search market size was valued at $23.5 billion in 2022…

Text about phishing attacks and a megaphone

Recruitment Scams: 6 Ways to Spot a Phishing Attack and Protect Yourself

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Recruitment scams have become increasingly prevalent lately, targeting various talent acquisition agencies in the Netherlands, Blue Lynx included. Scammers have been exploiting various online platforms to deceive unsuspecting job seekers. …

Rainbow and text about empowering LGBTQ+ colleagues at work

Leadership in Action: Empowering LGBTQ+ Colleagues through Allyship

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In today’s diverse workplaces, leaders have a crucial role to play in creating a safe and supportive environment for their employees, including members of the LGBTQ+ community.  Did you know…

European Mental Health Week 2023

Celebrating Mental Health with European Mental Health Week 2023

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To address the growing concerns surrounding mental health, European Mental Health Week (EMHW) has emerged as a significant campaign to raise awareness, educate the public, and promote mental well-being across…

Job requirements-education vs experience

Job requirements: education or experience?

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  The question of whether education or experience is more important for landing a desired job is a common concern among job seekers.  Possessing a strong educational background can exhibit…

5 Reasons To Build Strong Employer Branding

5 Reasons To Build Strong Employer Branding

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Before diving into the reasons why building a strong employer brand is essential for recruitment, it’s important to define what an employer brand is. An employer brand represents the way…

Unlocking the Connection between Sleep, Work, and Productivity The Importance of Quality Rest for Optimal Performance

The Connection between Sleep, Work, and Productivity

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Sleep, work, and productivity are all interconnected and have a significant impact on each other. Lack of sleep can lead to decreased work performance and productivity, while a productive workday…

Attracting Talent and Driving Innovation: The Role of Sustainability in Modern Business

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  Sustainability has become a buzzword in modern business and for good reason. Аccording to the International Energy Agency, global CO2 emissions from energy use rose by 1.5 billion tonnes…

7 most common interview questions in 2023

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  Job interviews are an essential aspect of the hiring process, and they can be a daunting experience for many job seekers. But what if we told you that there’s…

Toxic productivity

What is toxic productivity and can we overcome it

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What is toxic productivity? Productivity is often seen as a positive attribute, one that is essential for success in both personal and professional life. It is a measure of how…

Things that can go wrong in a job interview

Things that can go wrong in a job interview

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Job interviews can be nerve-wracking experiences, and even the most qualified and prepared candidates may encounter unexpected challenges. An astonishing 98% of job applicants fail in their interviews. On average,…

5 questions to ask yourself when choosing a career in 2023

5 questions to ask yourself when choosing a career in 2023

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According to the Chinese calendar, this is the Year of the Rabbit. However, it might as well be considered the year for new job opportunities. A recent report by Monster.com…

5 mistakes to avoid in your LinkedIn profile

5 mistakes to avoid in your LinkedIn profile

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Tip #1: Missing the Аbout section Your title and the first two lines of your summary section will be the first things readers see. Adding a summary of your experience,…

How to stand out on LinkedIn: 5 tips

How to stand out on LinkedIn: 5 tips from a Talent Sourcer

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Based on the latest research, over 80% of employers claim that employee referrals offer optimal candidate quality and are decidedly more cost-efficient. Still, according to a LinkedIn report, over 77%…

Make the Perfect Curriculum Vitae: Design your CV like a Pro and Land Your Dream Job

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In order to own the perfect CV, you must focus on several strategical points, which for sure include distinctive design, nice layout, well-structured and organised content and don’t forget to…

Exit Interviews: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

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Here’s a situation: one beautiful morning, an employee hands over their resignation letter. Maybe you saw it coming, and maybe you didn’t. It’s perfectly normal to start questioning why –…

5 Productivity Tips: How to Make the Most of Your Workday

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“If there are nine rabbits on the ground, if you want to catch one, just focus on one.” – Jack Ma. It’s probably one of the most concise statements about…

Blue Lynx is Growing

Blue Lynx is Growing

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We won’t hide it – the last few months have been quite busy. But the energy and resources invested have definitely paid off. Here’s an update on what’s been happening…

Dutch Law & Regulations: What's Changing in 2022

Dutch Law & Regulations: What’s Changing in 2022

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It's January - the exciting month of new beginnings and fresh starts. The new year brings our hopes up, but it also brings change. If you live or work in...
How to Ace an Online Interview: Guide & Tips

How To Ace an Online Interview: Guide & Tips

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As a result of the global pandemic, more and more employers prefer to interview their candidates via Skype or Zoom - and that’s perfectly understandable. The tricky part? Digital interviews...
Podcast: Job Application & Interviews

Podcast: Job Application & Interviews, Tips & Tricks

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Our CEO Tina Evans and CCO Toine Diters have been honourable guests of the University of Economics Varna’s Career Academy podcast. They shared insightful advice on topics like job applications,…

How Recent Graduates Can Stand Out to Employers

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Graduating from college is a big achievement, especially when getting a job is next on your list. Millions of students move on from the classroom and into the workforce. It…

How to negotiate a better salary in the Netherlands

Win Your Worth: Your Guide to Salary Negotiation in the Netherlands [2024]

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The question ‘What are your salary expectations for this role?’ often sends shivers down the spine of job seekers. Unsure of how to leverage it in your favor? Explore our winning salary negotiation strategies.

Woman working from home with laptop on the window sill

Between Slacking and Burnout: How to Master Working from Home

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Pijamas on weekdays. No commute. Home office. The pandemic stripped normality from our daily lives, catching us by surprise. But, we’ve adapted. We embraced the work from home life as…

Beach party

What Is Holiday Allowance (Vakantiegeld)? [2024]

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Understanding Holiday Allowance in the Netherlands In the Netherlands, the concept of holiday allowance, or ‘Vakantiegeld’, plays a significant role in the financial landscape for both employees and employers. This…

LinkedIn login screen on a phone. A cup of coffee, pair of glasses and a succulent on a pink background.

LinkedIn Tips: 10 Ways to Make Your Profile Stand Out

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With 740 million users in over 200 countries around the world, LinkedIn is the largest melting pot for those who are looking for work and those who are hiring. As...
Learn how to write a Thank You Email after your job interview

How to Follow up With a Thank You Email After Your Job Interview

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Why you should write a Thank You email after every job interview and how to do it – all in this article, plus a free template to make it even easier.

People coming to the Netherlands, Airport Arrivals

30% Tax Ruling in the Netherlands: What You Need to Know in 2024

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Are you an expat coming to work in the Netherlands? Did you just receive a job offer from a Dutch employer which made you consider moving? If so, the Dutch…

Will UK citizens be able to work in the Netherlands after Brexit?

Brexit and the Netherlands: Are Dutch Jobs Still Available to UK Citizens?

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The Brexit transition period ended on 1st January 2021. What does that mean for UK citizens currently living and working in the Netherlands? What about the ones who want to relocate here? Find out in this article.

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How to Tell If Your CV Is Good Enough [Checklist + Free Template]

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Not sure if your CV is good enough to impress your dream employer? See if it ticks all the boxes in this article.

Blue Lynx's NEN 4400 Certificate

Blue Lynx Is NEN 4400-1 Certified

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The NEN 4440 is a well-established mark of quality. We put a lot of effort to keep the certificate. It is our promise and commitment to doing things the right way. The NEN 4400 certificate means that we meet industry standards.

Health Insurance in the Netherlands [Expat Edition]

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Whether you have just moved to the Netherlands or you’ve lived in the country for a few months, health insurance is a topic that needs careful consideration by everyone living and working here. This article covers all the essentials so read up to learn more about Dutch health insurance.

Company culture is a vital element when welcoming a new team member

How to Know if They’re a Good Company Culture Fit

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Hiring for a culture fit is a winning strategy. How to know if your prospect candidate will fit within your company culture? Read up to find out.

3 Reasons to Use Both In-House Recruiters and a Recruitment Agency

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Can you use a recruitment agency if you already have in-house recruiters? The answer is yes. Here are 3 reasons why.

A man sitting at a table holding his head in his hand. Coronavirus layoffs have left many feel a bit desperate.

What to Do If You’ve Just Been Laid off in the Netherlands

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After a layoff, you need a lot of optimism and a plan. Here are 3 things to do if you’ve just been made redundant.

Why Start Learning Dutch Today?

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Wondering whether you should start learning Dutch? We have 5 great reasons to do so and a number of resources to get your started.

Infographic outlining the steps job seekers can take to a better mental health

Job Searching and Mental Health: How to Take Care of Your Wellbeing

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The process of finding a job could be a real rollercoaster of emotions. Here’s how to stay sane while searching for the dream job.

How to keep virtual teams well knit

How Lockdown Brought Our Team Together

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Communication is key. Companies with offices in more than one country know how important it is to create and keep a good team bond.

How to Solve Common Technical Issues From Home

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Work from home often comes with tech issues. Some of them are easy to fix. Check out our infographic.

How to write a good cover letter? A ginger man in a pink sweatshirt looking confused.

How to Write a Great Cover Letter for Your Job Application

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Cover letters only look scary when you don’t know how to write them. Learn some good practices and the ones you should avoid in this article.

Interview Tips and Etiquette For Dutch Natives and Expats Alike

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Learn how to ace a job interview in the Netherlands – our tips and tricks for expats and Dutch natives alike.

Colleagues sitting around a table and a table football, Employee Benefits: What they really want

Employee Benefits – Extra Cost for Employers or Extra Motivation for Workers?

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From games and in-house gyms to unlimited vacations, employers and HR managers are trying hard to come up with the best benefits program. But what do employees really want?

Open laptop on a neutral background. What you should know about onboarding employees in the new COVID-19 reality

A Start to Remember: Onboarding During Corona

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How does new employee onboarding work in this new reality?

Man wearing face mask in front of a business building

People Management in Times of Crisis: How a Good HR Strategy Can Save Your Business

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There are many ways to navigate the coronavirus crisis. Which one will you choose?