Employees who put forward candidates for a position at APG play an essential role in bringing in talented employees. A good example of this is the successful referral of Thomas Brouwer by his former classmate and current colleague Anke Cornelisse. What started as a chance meeting in Groningen eventually led to a spot in APG’s traineeship. A conversation with Anke and Thomas shows how valuable and authentic these connections can be.
“Thomas and I knew each other through the student union in Groningen,” Anke starts. “We had some common connections, and that’s how I knew who he was. One day we ran into each other again at a recruitment event in Groningen. During a chat over drinks, I asked him about his plans and ambitions. That conversation stuck because it sounded like his future plans were a good fit for APG.”
That chance meeting was the beginning of a series of conversations. “We talked on the phone three or four times after that,” Anke says. “I shared information about the traineeship and tried to give him a good idea of what it entailed without pushing. I wanted Thomas to feel attracted to the organization himself.”
There and back from Taiwan
And that attraction happened; Thomas is now working at APG. His work especially appeals to him because he can make an impact. “I was looking for a place where you not only work for shareholders but also do something good for the world,” he explains. “And the broad opportunities within the traineeship really appealed to me. During my application, I was in Taiwan for an exchange. Still, Anke and I kept in touch, which helped me to be well-prepared. I even ended up flying there and back for the final round of interviews.”
Anke remembers that phase well. “I thought it was pretty amazing that he returned from Taiwan especially for this interview. It really had to be the right choice for Thomas. I wanted to be completely honest and not give him the wrong idea.”
Well-informed
Honesty is essential to both of them. “I always talk openly about what working at APG is like,” says Anke. “It’s a big organization, very different from a small start-up with a youthful workforce. I don’t want to leave any misconceptions about that. Openness ensures that people start their adventure well informed.”
Thomas agrees that Anke’s information helped him, and he appreciates her honest approach. “I knew what to expect. That makes a difference, especially in a traineeship where you have to actively network to choose your next rotation. That honesty also makes your choice more conscious. Getting some practical tips about APG as an employer was also very helpful.”
Thomas shares one of those tips: “Anke told me that everyone dresses formally for an occasion like the Match Day (the last round of the application process, ed.) but that casual is fine for the work day. Those little things make a difference.”
