Job Hunting 101: Some Insights

My FIRST job interview in the Netherlands was quite interesting, that is, if you can even call it an interview. To begin with, I did not even apply for a specific position. I was just exploring possibilities. A month ago, an ex-colleague of mine sent me an email about a conference she attended in London. I just read the report last week, only to realized that attached to it was a list of organizations (with contact persons) in Europe. Since I haven’t started the actual job hunting (just building my database), I decided to try and email one of the organizations based in the Netherlands-- explaining my situation, what I’m looking for, and likewise attaching my CV. After a day, I was pleasantly surprised that the contact person responded: “I would like to meet you and see if I have any good position for you”. Admittedly, I was a bit confused about the word “good”. I mean what is a good position anyway? So the interview was set last Wednesday. To cut it short, I did NOT get a job offer. Surprisingly, I was not disappointed, in fact even quite hopeful. I realized that such a short meeting (an hour) can lead to many possibilities that I didn’t even know existed. The lady (who is Dutch) was more than helpful, if not even encouraging. She intially suggested a short-term job (six months) as they need to fill in a particular position, immediately (as in now). We discussed about my residency status and concluded that the short-term job is not a possibility . From then on, our discussion led to the field/industry that I am interested to pursue. She gave so many inputs about the industry, who are the players, and what other possibilities I can explore. At one point, I asked her if the language will be a hindrance to finding work in my field. She responded that my problem in fact is I won’t be able to practice my Dutch if I work for an international organization like theirs. Upon opening my email that night, I saw that the lady already sent me an email! I was just going to write her the usual “post-interview thank you” email. I realized the Dutch lady's offer of help was genuine: 1) i got an invitation to a conference; 2) she offered to introduce me to some people during the conference; 3) sent me 2 names for me to contact for possible networking; and 4) she mentioned about possible opportunities for the project next year. At the end of the lady’s email, she said something that made me feel very good. For the FIRST time since I moved to the Netherlands, I really believed that perhaps I will eventually find my own SIGNIFICANCE in this country (yes, I can be a productive immigrant!). For the first time, I also saw a completely different face of the Dutch, who are commonly perceived as cold and indifferent. For the first time, I felt that SOMEONE in this country (besides my Dutch family and friends) is particularly interested in what I am capable of doing, and believing that my work experience can contribute something to the Dutch society. I have been LOOONGING for this kind of validation since I moved here! Although I didn't get a job, the interview was a learning and uplifting experience. I am glad to be in touch with the industry again, and it also helped boost my confidence to go around on my own (with my limited Dutch), beyond the areas that I am familiar with (the interview was in another city and the office was outside the centrum). Let’s be realistic, I know job hunting is like a roller coaster ride. I am even a bit rustic since I haven't been job hunting for quite some time. I don’t expect that all my interviews will end up as pleasant experiences. However, I just want to remain positive...I want to convince myself that there are reasons to hope and believe that I will find something in due time (perhaps after my 99th job interview!!)