Header Faq

Frequently Asked Questions

Below is a list of frequently asked questions by candidates and clients. If your query isn’t satisfactorily answered, then please don’t hesitate to contact us directly.

Candidates

What are the benefits of registering with Madison People?

When you contact us you will find that our recruiters offer a reassuring blend of market awareness, business savvy and a strong determination to succeed. We believe this mix of attributes gives us our competitive edge! One of the biggest advantages of registering with us is that you will have complete access to our international client base, many of whom are leading household names. This means that you can work at many different places giving you career diversity. Our team of experienced industry consultants has the network and the motivation to help you in your job search.

Is there any charge for your service?

No, our services are completely free to candidates.

What happens when you send us your CV?

Your CV will be assessed against all open positions and if you have applied for a specific advertised role your profile will be reviewed by the managing consultant. We retain all CVs for future reference and encourage candidates to maintain contact and build long term links.

What happens if I’m rejected for a position?

If you do not hear from us within 4 working days you should assume that your CV has not been matched against a current live vacancy. If, following an interview, our client does not wish to proceed with your application then we will provide you with clear feedback outlining the reasons for rejection.

Do I need to speak Dutch to work in the Netherlands?

It is not mandatory to speak Dutch for all open positions as many of our clients function in English. However, it will greatly improve your chances of securing a position and furthering your career if you make an effort to learn the language.

What types of positions does Madison People handle?

We handle permanent and interim positions both full and sometimes part time and we work across a diverse range of industry sectors and skill specialism’s within the commercial and engineering domains.

How does a temporary contract operate?

Under the Dutch law for temporary workers in The Netherlands, contracts operate on what is called the Phase system. You will be issued with a temporary contract based on Phase A (with a temporary employment clause) and because unlimited contracts can be issued during this phase you will gain ultimate flexibility in your access to different employers and opportunities within the market place. During the various employment phases different rules and regulations apply regarding notice periods, probationary periods and statutory rights. For more information on the contracts process contact a member of the Madison Parker team who will be happy to answer any questions.

What can I expect as a temporary employee?

As a temporary employee of Madison People you will have very similar rights to those if you worked directly for a company. You will accumulate holidays days pro rata, will be entitled to sickness pay when the rules are followed and you will also be paid on a monthly basis like direct workers for companies. One of the biggest advantages of working on a temporary assignment is that you will have complete access to our international client base, many of whom are leading household names. This means that you can work at many different places whilst getting the best of all worlds and expanding your resume and experience. Additionally, as a temporary worker you will be paid for any extra hours you work which is something direct workers rarely get compensated for.

My work permit is about to expire – what should I do?

You must provide a copy of your work permit to your employer before you start work and inform your employer about 10 weeks prior to expiry date so that your employer can apply on time for an extension of your work permit.

How do I apply for a working permit?

In the Netherlands, your employer has to apply for a work permit for you, as you cannot apply yourself. However, it is your responsibility to make sure that you have a valid residence permit stating you are allowed to work. The work permit procedure takes about 5 to 10 weeks. You are not allowed to work for your employer as long as your employer does not have a valid working permit for you. Your working permit is linked to your employer which means if you change jobs and start work with another employer, your new employer has to apply for a new work permit for you.

Where do I obtain a BSN number?

The Burgerservicenummer (BSN) – citizen service number – is a unique personal ID number of every citizen who is registered in the GBA. As per November 2007, the BSN has replaced the old fiscal SoFi number and is initiated by the Municipal Authorities. You will automatically obtain a BSN number as soon as you register with the GBA. The BSN indicates that you are registered in the Dutch tax and social security system. Your employer will deduct tax and social security contributions from your salary and pay the amounts to the tax authorities (Belastingdienst). Therefore, you will need to have a BSN before you can start to work. You will also need the BSN to open a Dutch bank account.

Am I required to have Dutch Health insurance?

Since 1st January 2006, the new Health Care Insurance Act (Zorgverzekeringswet) is applicable. Anyone living or working in the Netherlands is obliged by law to take out basic health insurance with a care insurer. If you are already insured for healthcare costs in your home country, it is still compulsory for you to have a Dutch insurance whilst you live and work in the Netherlands. Keep in mind that non-coverage is subject to a fine!

How does the Dutch health insurance system work?

The basic health insurance is covered by private health insurance companies. You can choose your own health insurance provider and you are free to change your insurance company once a year. The health insurance includes a standard package of essential healthcare, which is the same with every insurance company. However, as coverage is quite basic, an additional insurance might be useful. The insured pay a nominal monthly premium to the health insurer. The premium payable may vary, depending on the health insurance company. The employers make a compulsory payment towards the income-related insurance contribution of their employees. You must also pay a contribution for any registered family members over the age of 18.

Do I need a bank account?

Yes, you need a Dutch bank account before you start work. You will need a valid passport/ID/ residence card, GBA registration and your BSN number in order to open a Dutch bank account. A copy of your actual employment contract or recent salary statement may be required as well.

What is the 30% tax rule?

The 30 percent ruling is a beneficial fiscal facility for foreign employees who come to work in the Netherlands and who also meet certain requirements. Your employer can pay you 30% of your salary as a (tax-free) allowance for additional costs of your stay in the Netherlands. This facility requires you to have specific expertise which is not available or scarce on the Dutch labor market. If you are classified as Highly Skilled Migrant by the IND (Immigration and Naturalization Service) you may be regarded as having specific expertise and may then be entitled to the 30 percent ruling. Application for the 30 percent ruling needs to be made with the Tax and Customs Administration (Belastingdienst), it is usually done as a joint request with your employer.

Clients

What makes your service different to your competitors?

At Madison People, we have developed a simple set of values to which we attach great importance and which have held us in good stead for many years (see our home page). We have an industry experienced and results-driven team offering cultural diversity and a strong will to succeed. And we always strive to go the extra mile to find a quality recruitment solution.

How do I start working with Madison People?

You can either call us directly or send an email outlining your requirements or expectations. Or you can register a position directly on the website. Once we have agreed terms of business we are geared up to respond swiftly against any requirement you give us.

What are your key services?

We can offer a one-stop service range including permanent & temporary staffing, specialist search, interim consulting, third-party pay-rolling and on-site recruitment support.

How can you ensure quality candidates?

We ensure quality through the thoroughness of our pre-selection process which includes CV screenings, telephone and face to face interviews, reference checking and competency-based assessments.

How do you find candidates for your clients?

We use a variety of methods, often in combination, including our own in-house developed Skills database, our website, on-line and off-line advertising, targeted, direct and indirect search, networking and referrals.

What are your main areas of focus?

We have both specialist and generalist recruiters within our teams. Our areas of focus include; Sales, Marketing, Customer Services, Supply Chain, Human Resources, Engineering and Office Support. You can see the range of assignments we have handled by going to the Assignment Successes section of our website.

What are your fees?

Our fee scales are discussed and agreed in advance of any search assignment. We always strive to remain market competitive whilst fully reflecting the urgency, importance and complexity of any search or assignment.

What if your candidate leaves us?

Within an agreed time period and depending upon the circumstances we will undertake to replace the candidate, free of charge, in a timely and efficient manner.

How can we be sure your method of working is fully compliant?

We are certified under the NEN 4400-1 process which ensures that our procedures for payroll, accounting and tax are fully compliant under the required Dutch fiscal and employment regulations. Audits are carried our normally twice per year and you can see confirmation of our certification on the Stichting Normering Arbeid (SNA) website.