Insights
From inside the financial services talent market
What we see across hundreds of conversations with insurers, banks, brokers and the people who work for them — in Belgium and the Netherlands. Written by the partners, not a content agency.
Hiring insight1 July 2026 · 6 min read
Why underwriters and claims specialists are so hard to hire in Belgium — and what actually works
The Belgian market for technical insurance talent is structurally tight. Here is why job ads fail for these profiles, and what a search that actually closes looks like.
Hiring insight24 June 2026 · 6 min read
Retained vs. no-cure-no-pay: choosing the right search model for a financial services hire
Contingency and retained search solve different problems. An honest comparison of both models, including when each one is the wrong choice, and a framework for deciding.
Market guide17 June 2026 · 6 min read
Hiring across the Belgium–Netherlands border: a practical guide for insurers and financial institutions
The BE–NL corridor is one of the most underused talent routes in European financial services. What actually differs — law, pay, benefits, culture — and how to hire across it well.
Career advice10 June 2026 · 6 min read
The actuarial career path in Belgium: from junior actuary to chief actuary
How actuarial careers actually progress in Belgium: qualification, the fork between technical depth and breadth, what employers look for at each stage, and when to move.
Market insight9 September 2025 · 3 min read
How Employers Can Retain Talent in a Market Where Frequent Moves Are Common.
In today’s job market, the concept of loyalty between employees and employers is being redefined. HR leaders face a paradox: even as talent is always on the move, organizations still need committed
Market insight8 September 2025 · 3 min read
Clarifying Misconceptions Around the Dutch Pension Reform (Wtp Transition)
On 1 July 2023, the Wet toekomst pensioenen (Wtp) came into effect. By 2028, all Dutch pension funds must transition to this new framework. The reform was designed to address key pressures on the old
Market insight4 September 2025 · 3 min read
8 Trends Reshaping Recruitment in 2025.
HR in 2025 isn’t just different from 2020; it’s a whole new game. The rules of recruitment flipped almost overnight. Technology, shifting employee expectations, and a changing global workforce are
Market insight29 August 2025 · 3 min read
Upskilling & Reskilling: The New Currency of Work
In today’s economy, learning new skills is no longer optional, it’s survival. AI, automation, the green transition, and hybrid work are reshaping jobs faster than ever. The World Economic Forum
Market insight2 August 2025 · 3 min read
Why Unrealistic Job Descriptions Are Worsening Europe’s Skills Gap
In today’s European job market, demand for talent is soaring, but so is the mismatch between posted requirements and candidate reality. Many recruiters face pushback when crafting job descriptions
Market insight1 August 2025 · 2 min read
Pay Transparency in Europe 2025: What Employers and Candidates Need to Know
In recent years, pay transparency has moved from being a buzzword to becoming one of the most important trends in the workplace. Across Europe, and especially in the Netherlands and Belgium, the
Market insight31 July 2025 · 5 min read
The Hidden Cost of Talent Burnout in 2025
Burnout has become one of the defining workplace challenges of our time. What was once seen as an individual issue, something a stressed employee had to manage alone, has now been recognized as a
Market insight16 July 2025 · 2 min read
AI in Recruitment: Powerful Tool or Risky Shortcut for Hiring? | By Amir Tab, Managing Partner at Linkrs
Artificial Intelligence has embedded itself into recruitment. From parsing job descriptions to screening CVs, it’s hard to imagine today’s hiring process without it. But as efficiency grows, so do
Market insight11 July 2025 · 2 min read
AI In Hiring
“We shape our tools and thereafter our tools shape us.” Marshall McLuhan
Career advice23 June 2025 · 3 min read
How to Advocate for Yourself at Work (Without Feeling Pushy)
Speaking up for yourself at work can feel awkward, especially if you’re used to keeping the peace or crediting the whole team. Yet silence rarely leads to raises, promotions, or new projects.
Career advice17 June 2025 · 3 min read
Why Rejection Isn’t the End: What Every Job Interview Can Teach You
Rejection in the job search is tough, especially when you’ve made it through multiple rounds and had your hopes high. But a “no” doesn’t mean failure. It can be a valuable step forward, if you know
Hiring insight11 June 2025 · 4 min read
Interviewing for Remote Roles: What You Should Really Be Asking
Remote work is no longer an exception, it’s becoming the norm. But not every candidate is equipped to succeed outside the office. A strong resume doesn’t always translate into strong remote
Hiring insight5 June 2025 · 3 min read
When Candidates Ghost: Why Hiring Managers Are Losing Talent Mid-Process
In today’s highly competitive job market, companies aren’t just fighting to attract top talent—they’re struggling to hold onto them throughout the hiring journey. A growing and often overlooked
Hiring insight5 June 2025 · 3 min read
When Candidates Interview You: How to Prepare for the Reverse Interview
The traditional dynamic of job interviews is changing. It’s no longer just about assessing candidates. Today’s top talent is evaluating you too. In competitive markets, candidates are not only
Hiring insight29 May 2025 · 3 min read
No More ‘Tell Me About Yourself’: Smarter Opening Questions That Get Real Insights
For years, interviews have opened with the same tired prompt: “Tell me about yourself.” It feels like a logical place to begin, easy, familiar, and straightforward. But in today’s highly prepared
Career advice20 May 2025 · 3 min read
Ace Your Interview: The Etiquette That Can Make or Break Your Job Offer
Landing an interview is an important step toward your next job. But no matter how impressive your experience or qualifications are, how you present yourself in the interview can determine whether you
Hiring insight30 April 2025 · 3 min read
How to Conduct Interviews That Attract Top Talent
In today’s competitive talent landscape, conducting a job interview is far more than just a checklist formality. It’s a strategic opportunity to evaluate both the professional capabilities and
Hiring insight21 April 2025 · 3 min read
5 Red Flags to Watch for During Candidate Interviews, and How to Respond to Them
Interviews go both ways. Just as candidates are trying to put their best foot forward, hiring managers need to stay sharp and pay attention to the little details that might signal a deeper issue.
Career advice17 April 2025 · 3 min read
Video Interview Tips: How to Prepare, Perform, and Impress
Whether you're applying for your first job or making a career move, video interviews are now a standard part of the hiring process. From Zoom calls to pre-recorded sessions, employers are embracing
Career advice26 March 2025 · 2 min read
How to Build a Fulfilling and Sustainable Career as a Senior Professional
For senior professionals, career development is about cultivating a career that’s sustainable, fulfilling, and adaptable to life’s changes. Here’s a guide to building a long-lasting career that
Hiring insight26 March 2025 · 3 min read
How to Unite a Remote Team: Strategies for Connection, Culture, and Collaboration
Remote work is here to stay, but that doesn’t mean team unity has to suffer. In fact, with the right strategies in place, remote teams can be just as connected and collaborative as those in the same
Hiring insight26 March 2025 · 3 min read
Mastering the Phone Interview: Techniques to Identify Top Talent Faster
In today's fast-paced recruiting landscape, phone interviews are still one of the most efficient means of screening candidates prior to face-to-face interviews. But to truly benefit from this method
Hiring insight26 March 2025 · 3 min read
The Skills Every Modern Leader Needs to Succeed
In a rapidly changing world of work, one thing remains constant: the need for strong leadership. But what defines a great leader today? It’s not just about making strategic decisions or managing
Career advice25 March 2025 · 4 min read
Mastering Salary Negotiation: Secure the Compensation You Deserve
Negotiating salary during a job interview is a crucial step in ensuring you are fairly compensated for your skills and experience. Yet, many professionals feel uncertain or hesitant about this
Career advice17 March 2025 · 3 min read
Acing Your Job Interview: The Ultimate Guide
Preparing for a job interview is no longer just about rehearsing answers and showing up on time it’s about strategic preparation, adaptability, and professionalism throughout the process. Whether
Career advice17 March 2025 · 5 min read
How to Set Up a LinkedIn Profile That Gets You Noticed
LinkedIn is one of the most powerful tools for building your professional brand, networking with industry peers, and unlocking job opportunities. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to
Career advice17 March 2025 · 4 min read
How to Write a Professional CV That Stands Out
A well-structured CV is essential for making a strong first impression on employers. Whether you're applying for your first job or looking for a career change, your CV should clearly highlight your
Career advice17 March 2025 · 3 min read
How to Write a Standout Cover Letter That Gets You Hired
A cover letter is your first opportunity to make an impression on a potential employer. While many job seekers find writing one daunting, a well-crafted cover letter can set you apart from other
Career advice13 March 2025 · 4 min read
How to Write a Resignation Letter in 2025: Tips and Templates
Resigning from your job can be a challenging decision, but doing it the right way is essential for maintaining your professional reputation and ensuring a smooth transition. In this article, we'll