Get to know our professional: Derk Klomp

Sometimes recruitment processes run smoothly, but other times they take longer than expected. That was the case for Derk Klomp. After a reference check from his former employer, things seemed to take a negative turn. However, Derk successfully started last month as an IT Administrator at BrabantZorg. Our colleague Sjoerd caught up with him to discuss his experience with this (rather unique) recruitment process.

How did you first come into contact with G-Nius?

“I saw a vacancy posted by G-Nius on LinkedIn. At the time, I hadn’t heard of G-Nius before. I applied online, and soon after, I received a call.

From the beginning, I found the interaction very pleasant. I immediately had the impression that we were dealing with each other in a human way. You don’t know each other beforehand, so you have to figure out what kind of conversation it will be, but the contact felt familiar and natural right away.

Before my CV was presented to a potential client, I received some tips. I feel that this definitely contributed to the overall process and my eventual placement.”

Did you find those tips confronting or uncomfortable?

“No, it was presented in a positive way. When you’ve read a text five times, you stop seeing your own mistakes. Having a fresh perspective was really helpful.”

Derk was then introduced to BrabantZorg by us. Unfortunately, this process took much longer than usual—around two months—due to several factors.

How did you experience that?

“There were some developments in the background that made the process more difficult than you hope for. However, clarity was provided during that time, and we stayed in touch. G-Nius was always transparent.”

You had your first interview—how did that go?

“It was new for me to have an interview where both the client and someone from the recruitment agency were present. I found it positive; you could guide the conversation when necessary. Critical questions were also asked by you, but that’s part of the interview process. Sometimes getting a critical question from a different perspective is good.”

After the first interview, we quickly got the green light. However, the reference check didn’t go as expected. What happened?

“I was quite shocked by the negative reference from my previous employer. When you informed me, I was getting emotional because I hadn’t anticipated that at all. We talked openly about it, and you investigated the negative reference further.”

How did we handle that situation?

“You handled it well. I was almost ready to drive straight to my former employer to find out where that negative reference came from. It was good that you held me back. In that moment, you acted as a neutral party, which was helpful for everyone involved.”

In situations like this, we believe it’s important to stand up for our professionals. We want to ensure the integrity of our professionals is maintained with current or potential clients, even if the outcome may not change.

Fortunately, the situation was thoroughly investigated and discussed, and Derk was able to start with his new role.

“It didn’t go as I expected. There seemed to be a gap between reality and how it was perceived, and you stepped in to address that. I really appreciated it. I’m also glad that BrabantZorg decided to look past the reference and give me a chance.”

You’ve now been in the role for a month. How has your first month been?

“I feel like I’m really in the right place here. After my first week, my wife even commented that she’s never seen me come home from work so happy. That’s exactly how I feel. It shows that the right match was made for me.”

How would you describe your overall experience with G-Nius so far?

“I would describe it as a living room—a place where we interact with openness, clarity, and kindness. If something isn’t right, it can be discussed, but in a human way.

I’ve worked with other agencies in the past, but it didn’t feel the same as it does now. The difference lies in the personal touch. I genuinely feel like we did this together, and that’s what stands out to me.

The contact is pleasant. I have a dedicated contact person, so I don’t need to call a general number and hope someone is available. I can reach my contact person, Sjoerd, directly, and if he’s not available, I know who else to call.”

Would you recommend G-Nius? Why or why not?

“Yes, I definitely would. I like and value the personal touch. Over the summer, we even received a surprise gift—like a summer version of a Christmas package—which was personally delivered. Those small things are a nice, positive surprise.

I also don’t feel like I’m left on my own after being placed. During my first week, I spoke to you every day to give a small update on how things were going, and I felt that you appreciated that. It was helpful for me to have those quick check-ins, especially at the start of a new job, which can always feel a bit nerve-wracking.”