Hundreds of professionals work on our airport’s IT systems and infrastructure every day. Specialists such as strategy consultant Ioana, often have a large network of IT professionals. ‘I’m proud of my work at Schiphol. What’s more, I can develop here in an energetic, innovative environment with a good work-life balance. I want others to have that too. So if I know someone who’s the perfect fit for a role, I’m happy to make a referral.’
Making the most of your network
At Schiphol, we’re almost always on the lookout for experts in a wide range of IT fields. So it’s no surprise that Ioana has already put forward six people from her network. ‘Not all of them were hired, but most were invited for an interview. You see, as a consultant, you quickly build a large network. If I see a challenging vacancy at Schiphol and I know someone who definitely has the right qualities, I’ll check if they’re interested and put them forward. I see my referral as a pre-check for the recruiters and hiring managers.’
Great additions to the team
According to Ioana, a referral is above all a win-win situation. She sees it as a natural way for professionals to find a new, suitable challenge. And for employers to connect more easily with suitable candidates. ‘As an employee, you know the organisational culture, you know what the job entails, and you have a good idea of what someone from your network can bring to the organisation. I am convinced that the referral programme really does bring in excellent new recruits for Schiphol.’
Career moves through recommendations
Ioana herself also ended up in the right place at the right time in her career thanks to recommendations from others. ‘I studied Business and IT Management at the University of Twente. Partly thanks to a recommendation, I found a graduation placement at Deloitte. I then worked there for three years. I used my expertise to advise various companies on fuel and sustainability. Great work! But even before I could see the results, I was already moving on to the next project. Now at Schiphol, I’m involved in projects from start to finish. That way, I really get to experience how I’m contributing to the outcome.’
How did she end up at Schiphol? ‘With a bit of help from my network,’ she smiles. ‘I found aviation really interesting. When I saw the vacancy for my current job at Schiphol at the end of 2023, I thought, that’s really something for me! The only thing was, I didn’t meet the experience requirements. So I approached someone in my network who worked at Schiphol. He advised me to get in touch with the hiring manager and gave me tips on how to go about it. The result: my current job!’
Successful referrals
Ioana has now become a real ambassador for IT-roles at Schiphol. Since we launched the referral programme, it has already paid off handsomely for her. ‘Like a few gift vouchers for the people who came in for interviews.’ An added bonus: the former colleague who helped Ioana secure her internship at Deloitte is now her colleague again. ‘I recommended him to Schiphol through the referral programme.’
Chances are you know someone who would be a great fit for Schiphol. If you refer someone for a vacant position and it’s a match, you’ll receive a nice reward. Read more about our referral programme.