Vol.16 – Finding Fulfilment Abroad: Work, Life, and Culture in the Netherlands
Today we met with Mayuko Furuya, a Recruitment Consultant who is coming up on her 2-year anniversary at our Netherlands office. Taking on business development and hands-on recruitment, Mayuko is a key member in strengthening Centre People’s presence on the European continent.
Briefly, how did you get started in recruitment?
“I think it’s the same as other consultants to be honest, after I moved to the Netherlands I thought I would work in logistics, as I did that in Japan. But after a registration interview with one of the CPA consultants, she told me they had an open vacancy and yeah, and I was very interested in the job. I had a really positive experience speaking with her, so I think that played a big role in my decision, and I thought like, maybe I would like to do the same role helping people find jobs when they come here.”
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
“In my free time, it’s pretty basic but I like to read a lot, it’s something I enjoy when I have time. Especially in the darker seasons like Autumn and Winter, it’s the perfect time of year – especially in Amsterdam when it gets very dark here. Mostly I read in Japanese, but I know I should read in English more!”
What’s something your clients and candidates might be surprised to learn about you?
“I really had to think hard about this question, so it’s not a big thing but I’m looking at adopting a cat here in the Netherlands! It’s very exciting for me, I love cats and have two in Japan, but I feel bad for my cats at home like I’m cheating on them or something!”
What’s the best thing about living in the Netherlands?
“There are a couple of things, but something I particularly like is that people drink coffee a lot here. I like that people go to coffee shops very casually, so I really like going to cafes in the morning on the weekends, and people there meet up with friends and family to chat and catch up, even showing up in their pyjamas! It’s a nice habit I’ve got into in the morning, and it brings peace to my mind.”
Is there a moment from your career that you’re proud of?
“What’s really cool about our job is that we get to see the full 360 recruitment, from meeting with companies to introduce our company, to placing the candidate in the role. When I get to do the whole process from start to finish, I feel very satisfied, and I feel really proud of myself.”
What do you think are the key differences in working culture from Japan and the Netherlands?
“I feel like people here have a more balance in their lives – life is not just about work. In Japan I saw people very focussed on work, and it’s everything for them. That’s definitely not the case here, people have their own lives outside of work, and know how to enjoy their own time. This is one of the main differences in work culture I think.”
“Luckily my company in Japan wasn’t like this, I think logistics is quite hectic, but my company was more relaxed – I think the Netherlands way is a lot healthier though.”
What’s the most rewarding part of working as a recruiter?
“What I find very rewarding is seeing our candidates enjoying the position after we placed them. Maybe after 6 months or a year, and I hear from them about how well they’re doing, it’s a really good feeling. Since Centre People focusses on “sustainable recruitment”, we aim for our candidates to stay for the long-term. Sometimes when we visit the client site, we can see them there and it’s really rewarding to know they’re enjoying their new career.”
We’re lucky to have Mayuko on our team, it’s good to see the new office thriving! Feel free to connect with her here on LinkedIn, and follow us to meet more of our fantastic consultants!
#Recruitment #MeetTheTeam #TalentExperts