The interview consisted of two stages: the first focused on assessing technical expertise and problem-solving abilities, while the second evaluated professional values, work ethic, and compatibility with our organizational culture and lifestyle.

It was virtual and very thorough. They spent the time reviewing the job description, skills needed for the position, and compared my experience against the position. I felt they did a good job of explaining what they were looking for and whether or not I would be a good fit for the position.

I was contacted on a Saturday (Summer 2020) by a recruiter in England for a role in the Netherlands, requesting to be contacted asap, even within that weekend. I arranged a call later within the week. No details about the project or team - only my skills background and salary was brought up. Since it would be a freelance role, they suggested me a tax company based in the Netherlands to take me “under their wings” for a monthly fee, to arrange my finances and tax. The proposed monthly fee for their service was absurdly high and would make sense only for a yearly similar service provision in the Netherlands – definitely not a monthly basis. After researching the proposed tax advisor company, I discovered it was not even a small tax firm (led only to a house address / home office) – something that raised my suspicions. When I stated that I could proceed with my own tax advisor and get my freelance number myself, the recruiter discouraged me since I would strictly need my own company at that very moment to even consider moving forward. However, after I insisted the story changed and they were able to wait for a few days. They would request for detailed work experience documentation which created additional work, however would speed-up the interviews later. Once the papers were sent, the recruiter would frequently contact me even in late evening hours for additional details, or to ask if I had already started my own company for the role, all while for two weeks already never having brought me in contact with any hiring manager / client that I was intended to work with. The recruiter had used all typical aggressive sales / closing techniques – like creating the sense of urgency of a “once-in-a-lifetime” role, countering any argument for a market-conform salary, requesting information even during strange hours. However, the weirdest was the suggestion for the third party tax advisor. Then, when it appeared that my profile would not get through the managers due to details in my background (lacking some specific software experience), the recruiter immediately dropped all contact with me, without informing me or even thanking me for my time. All the above made this interview experience look completely un-professional to me - leading to this review. I would suggest to be careful when interviewing, more especially when 3rd parties are suggested.