Two people step into an elevator at the same time and bump shoulders. One expected courtesy based on seniority. The other assumed equal standing. Neither was wrong, they just operated from different professional assumptions. That moment explains a lot about why qualified people struggle to get hired in the Netherlands.

The "myth of the rusty returner" is dead. In 2026, a career gap isn't a hole in your resume. It’s a period of intensive skill acquisition. Whether you’ve been parenting, caregiving, or navigating the justice system, the professional landscape has shifted in your favor. From the rise of high-conversion "Returnships" to new legal protections, discover how to flip the narrative and position your gap as a competitive advantage.

Transitioning to a new chapter should be exciting, but stalled interviews can be draining. Learn how to bridge the gap between your readiness and a job offer.