How to find and hire C1/proficient Dutch experts

If you’re searching for an advanced Dutch speaker for your project or organization, you require an effective hiring model to find the best language professional. Assessing a candidate’s Dutch language proficiency can be difficult, especially if you don’t speak the language yourself.

First, it’s essential to understand the different levels of language proficiency according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) standard to understand what to expect from advanced Dutch language speakers.

In this article, we explain the Dutch C1 level of the CEFR and list the steps you can take to find and hire advanced Dutch experts. We’ll also recommend using TestGorilla’s Dutch C1 proficiency test to bolster your hiring process.

Overview of the Dutch C1/proficient CEFR level

The CEFR (Common European Framework Reference for languages) is a global standard for language proficiency established by the Council of Europe. It consists of six levels that are grouped under the categories of A, B, and C, representing beginner, intermediate, and advanced language proficiency, respectively.

Each level focuses on the four core aspects of language learning: speaking, reading, writing, and listening. However, each level is associated with a different degree of language proficiency in these areas.

For example, a person with Dutch C1 proficiency can understand long articles written in Dutch and decipher implicit meanings in written and verbal communications.

They can also speak fluent Dutch and converse flexibly in private, professional, academic, and social settings. Read the following descriptions of Dutch C1 speakers’ abilities in five areas of language learning to know what to expect from candidates when hiring:

• Listening comprehension: Dutch C1 professionals can comprehend complex speech even when it lacks a clear structure or contains implied meanings. For example, they can understand Dutch TV shows and movies with minimal effort.

• Reading comprehension: Proficient Dutch speakers can comprehend long, complicated texts and appreciate the distinctions between literary styles. For example, they can understand long, specialized articles and technical instructions written in the language.

• Spoken interaction: Those at a C1 level can speak fluently and flexibly in social and professional settings and use a wide range of expressions. They can accurately express their ideas and exchange information with other Dutch speakers.

• Spoken production: C1-level speakers should be able to provide clear and precise descriptions of complicated concepts while integrating sub-themes in Dutch. They can also develop relevant points and provide a logical conclusion.

• Grammar and vocabulary: Dutch C1 candidates can write clear and well-structured text and express their opinions and viewpoints in various writing styles and formats. For example, they can write letters, essays, or reports on complex subjects in Dutch.

How to find and hire advanced Dutch experts

Hiring an excellent candidate for a language proficiency role may be difficult, especially if you need an advanced speaker. Here are five steps to find and hire exceptional Dutch C1 speakers:

1. Create a job description

The first step in any recruitment process is creating an ideal candidate profile and a corresponding job description. A job description should contain the duties of the role, required skills, the company’s vision, salary, and other elements based on the candidate profile.

You can also list other details depending on your requirements and expectations from employees. You should also specify the language you want candidates to use in their resumes, cover letters, and other specified documents in the job post.

By creating a good job description, you can grab the attention of Dutch language speakers who are suited to your open role. You can create your own description from scratch or use our job description template to help you get started.

2. Post the job opening

The next step is to choose the platforms and professional spaces on which to post your job opening and description. Depending on your target demographic and geographical location, you can write the post in English, Dutch, or both.

You can use credible job boards to tailor your search and find readily available candidates for hire. Depending on your recruitment budget, you can also use online platforms, social media channels, or print media to increase awareness.

Additionally, you can explore job fairs and scout talent on university and college campuses. This method gives you a chance to discover candidates’ skills in person.

3. Use a prescreening test to shortlist candidates

As soon as you start receiving applications, you can use a prescreening test to evaluate candidates’ language proficiency and identify the most skilled applicants. You can also use prescreening tests to assess candidates for any other abilities you require.

With TestGorilla’s Dutch (Proficient/C1) test, you can determine how well candidates can communicate and understand Dutch at the C1 level of the CEFR.

This pre-employment test evaluates candidates in the four core areas of language learning: reading comprehension, sentence composition, listening comprehension, and writing grammar and vocabulary. 

TestGorilla uses a practical approach to evaluate applicants by presenting them with real-life scenarios that require them to use their Dutch language skills.

4. Interview successful candidates

Based on the results of the prescreening test, you can invite the most qualified Dutch experts for a virtual or in-person interview.

Virtual interviews help you assess candidates’ interest in the role and their confidence when discussing the position and their experience. Virtual interviews can also be useful if you’re hiring remotely, which ordinarily requires no physical meeting.

However, if you’re conducting remote interviews, consider possible time differences, especially if the candidate is in a different time zone.

In-person interviews are equally useful for learning about a candidate’s personality, confidence, ethics, and work attitude.

Whether you choose to conduct virtual or face-to-face interviews, remember to find out about candidates’ relevant soft skills. Soft skills are as important to professional work as technical expertise. For instance, language experts must be patient, calm, courteous, and polite when carrying out their duties.

5. Finalize your hiring decision

After finishing the interview stage, choose the candidate you want to hire for your project or business. Once you select the most suitable candidate, send them an employment letter with the proposed contract.

Remember to entice them with attractive employment benefits and a flexible work environment. To ensure you make a competitive job offer, you can check the average remuneration for language experts at the C1 level in your location. 

Once the candidate agrees to the employment offer, onboard them by introducing them to your company and discussing its culture, values, and goals.

Finally, you can remind them of their expected duties for the role and how they can positively impact your organization. If you haven’t done so already, ensure you agree on other vital work conditions, like payrolling and work schedule, and sign a legal agreement.

Assess language proficiency with prescreening tests

Hiring candidates for unique roles like language proficiency requires a more reliable recruitment method than the traditional approach of reviewing resumes and cover letters. This outdated recruitment strategy may mislead you into hiring candidates with promising resumes but inadequate skills.

Instead, use prescreening tests to conduct practical evaluations of candidates’ language skills. Credible skills-testing platforms like TestGorilla also offer cognitive-ability tests and situational-judgment tests so that you can assess candidates comprehensively.

Pre-employment tests also eliminate bias from the hiring process, ensuring that you evaluate applicants objectively.

TestGorilla offers several language proficiency tests for languages like Spanish, Dutch, German, English, and French. It also enables you to test applicants based on their CEFR level of proficiency.

Sign up for TestGorilla today to start using a skills-based hiring process.