Availability of vacanciesWhat type of job are you looking for? My main area of expertise lies within the financial and administrative sectors. However, I also have experience working in customer services and maintaining cleansing within the public sector. What nationality are you? I am British. What languages do you speak (and at what level)? At the moment, I can only speak English but on a very advance level. I am in the process of learning Dutch in my spare time. What country or area are you looking to work in and why? The Netherlands, in any area. I decided to visit the country in February this year and felt as if I belonged from the start of my trip! I felt really comfortable, welcomed and long to relocate there to offer my skills and experience in return. What countries have you worked in? Only in Scotland, UK. What countries do you have a visa to work in? Any that are part of the European Union. What field do you currently work in? I work as an Income Controller in a Financial Department within the Public Sector. What fields have you worked in before? I have worked in the public sector within both Financial and Housing departments. I have also completed numerous temporary contracts within various areas of Administration, such as Reception, Secretarial and Data Input. Previously, I have worked within customer services and have cleansed in strict Health facilities. What qualifications do you hold? I obtained a BA in Business Administration. I also have a certified qualification using Accountancy Software (SAGE) as well as Higher Levels of education in English, Mathematics and Computer Studies. Which do you consider more valuable? Formal education or skills and why? I believe both are required to an employer. From my experience, I would not hold some skills today if I did not obtain the best education I could and vice versa. Good education levels show a willingness to learn from someone else. A good set of skills shows a good use of initiative. Describe the benefits of working with others Working with others increases the number of skills you have, and also gives a chance to strengthen other ones you already hold. It is a chance to interact with new people and work as a team to focus on achieving the common goal. Describe the benefits of working alone Working alone gives you the chance to use your own initiative and to think on your feet. Also when tasks are completed, the employer can establish more easily your capabilities. What was your worst working experience? I was giving a temporary contract for a few weeks and when I went to the employers, they did not know why I was there! They tried to contact the recruitment agency all morning while I helped clean their office and make cups of tea for all the workers! I hoped I would leave a good impression but unfortunately, after discovering the mix up, they did not need me to come back! What is the most important lesson you have learnt throughout your career? Never be scared to ask questions! Being available for temporary working contracts meant I had to familiarise myself with the company and its objectives fairly quickly. I would rather ask questions on their procedures instead of guessing them and causing more inefficiencies. What unique skills do you have? I am patient, conscientious, realistic, self motivated and well driven. What would you consider as your 'dream job'? I would really enjoy a job within a busy office environment and the main responsibilities are within administrative/financial areas. Also, a position that offers more opportunies to expand my knowledge and skills would be very attractive to me. What are the most interesting aspects of your field(s)? I enjoy problem solving and the self-learning aspects in Finance. I like the professional manners required within the Administrative fields. Within Customer Services, I was comfortable interacting with the public. And I welcomed the responsibility given to me while Cleaning public health areas. What are the least interesting aspects of your field(s)? I would say the lack of interaction with people and clients while cleaning for the health service. And prehaps the double-checking of figures within Finance if figures do not reconcile. When am I available to start working in The Netherlands? I will be re-locating to The Netherlands by the end of June 2010. I will be able to travel to any area within the country. How can potential employers contact you? My email address is dundee_joanne@hotmail.com | 
