Netherlands - 12 month rolling contract?

[Pulse]

I've applied for and almost got a job in Amsterdam, but they've now told me their standard practice is an initial 12 month contract. It's an American company.

Anyone know if this is standard everywhere or if I should be wary? I was initially of the understanding it was a perm role.

[TEKNOPUG]

Pulse said:

I've applied for and almost got a job in Amsterdam, but they've now told me their standard practice is an initial 12 month contract. It's an American company.

Anyone know if this is standard everywhere or if I should be wary? I was initially of the understanding it was a perm role.

If it was a permanent position and they then made you redundant after 11 and a half months, would you any better off than if you were on a 12month contract? What job security does a permanent position offer over a rolling 12 month contract?

[Pulse]

You have a very good point!

I'm currently in a job that is likely to be made redundant, so at the moment I'm permanent and will be eligible for redundancy. I'm wondering if it's worth leaving for this new job.

[MrAdaam]

Could possibly be seen as a 12 month probationary period and they will review you at the end, seeing if you are fit for the work or not?

That'd be my guess at it, but I only have limited experiences..

[Bec]

I've lived and worked over here for 5 years now, and it seems relatively normal to have a probationary period on your contract (mine was 6 months). The way the company dealt with it was to give you a 6 month contract, and then extend it "indefinitely" - all the terms and conditions as agreed during your interview are included, but you can walk away (and they can get rid) if it's not the right position for you at the end of the initial contract term.

[shirt]

can i ask what the job/industry is? would kill for a job in amdam.

[Pulse]

It's a job as a Project Co-ordinator. I'm a Project Manager at the moment, but my job is going.

[TEKNOPUG]

shirt said:

can i ask what the job/industry is? would kill for a job in amdam.

Have you tried looking? It's an EU City and everyone speaks English. I'm pretty sure that you could get one if you tried.

[shirt]

awesome response, well done.

actually had 2 interviews over there, but there doesn't appear to be much on the engineering side at present.

[Pulse]

I'm going for my interview there on Monday, so we'll see how that goes. I actually have very little interest in working in Amsterdam but needs must.

[Pulse]

I'm going for my interview there on Monday, so we'll see how that goes. I actually have very little interest in working in Amsterdam but needs must.

[shirt]

is it engineering or related? always good to know people in the know

just steer clear of damrak and it's a superb city, have many friends there myself. you can live anywhere in the ranstad and commute in. really nice atmosphere and way of life in the smaller towns imo. try haarlem.

keep us posted.

[Pulse]

shirt said:

is it engineering or related? always good to know people in the know

just steer clear of damrak and it's a superb city, have many friends there myself. you can live anywhere in the ranstad and commute in. really nice atmosphere and way of life in the smaller towns imo. try haarlem.

keep us posted.

Sorry, no - It's in IT. I've been a couple of times before, and I have friends who live there. They live on Ijburg as I understand it's a lot cheaper. Unfortunately my whole life is here, so it'd just be a job.

[TEKNOPUG]

shirt said:

awesome response, well done.

[shirt]

you may change you mind about 'just a job' if you hit ijburg beach in summer

[Pulse]

Oh I've been on the hippy beach! It's moved now though. I've sat at the beach bar with a cool beer and it's great. If it was a few hundred miles west it would be perfect!

[shirt]

no fat girls, a beach, a country fond of volleyball.

[5potTurbo]

Pulse said:

Sorry, no - It's in IT. I've been a couple of times before, and I have friends who live there. They live on Ijburg as I understand it's a lot cheaper. Unfortunately my whole life is here, so it'd just be a job.

OP: Please, do not go into an interview for what may be a lifechanging experience and think that!

After 12+ years living away from the UK, when I return I still see mates stuck doing the same st for the same pay, moaning about the same things .... working in the Dam, of all places, would be a great experience.

I've friends who moved to the Dam then moved to Luxembourg, and others that went the other way. They don't regret it at all.

I do, however, understand the issue of a 12 months contract rather than a 'permanent role'. It's certainly a point worth discussing with the potential employer as 12 months is not a probationary period.

Good luck!

[fido]

shirt said:

no fat girls, a beach, a country fond of volleyball.

+ commuting by bicycle is an absolute joy.

[Pulse]

Life changing, but maybe for all the wrong reasons?

We'll see what they offer!