DistantNews
Support us
Extra job application with a traditional Dutch name led to an invitation
🇳🇱 Netherlands /Culture & Society

Extra job application with a traditional Dutch name led to an invitation

From NRC Handelsblad · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • The Central Bureau for Driving Licenses (CBR) rejected a job applicant of Syrian origin, citing insufficient motivation and Dutch language proficiency.
  • The same applicant, using a fictional Dutch name "Paul Westerkamp" and altering his CV, received a job invitation from the CBR for the same position.
  • The Human Rights Board ruled that the CBR discriminated against the applicant based on race, as the bureau could not adequately justify the initial rejection.

A man of Syrian descent applied for a position as an Examiner B at the Central Bureau for Driving Licenses (CBR) in July 2024. The CBR rejected his application in August, stating that his motivation letter did not show sufficient alignment with the job requirements. This initial rejection came despite the applicant's qualifications.

After a careful assessment of your application, we have unfortunately decided not to invite you. Unfortunately, we do not see sufficient common ground in the motivation letter with the function of Examiner.

— CBRexplaining the initial rejection of the applicant

Shortly after, the applicant reapplied for the same position, this time using the pseudonym "Paul Westerkamp." He submitted the identical motivation letter but made several changes to his CV. These included altering his marital status and removing references to his native languages (Arabic, Kurdish, Persian, Turkish) and foreign work experience. With this revised application under a traditional Dutch name, the CBR extended a job invitation.

The application process was not sufficiently transparent and controllable. On its own, that is not a reason for the judgment that prohibited discrimination has occurred, but it means the CBR has more to explain.

— Human Rights Boardcommenting on the CBR's flawed recruitment process

The applicant subsequently filed a complaint with the Human Rights Board, alleging discrimination. The Board found that the CBR's application process lacked transparency and adequate justification for the initial rejection. While the CBR denied discrimination, claiming insufficient Dutch language skills and motivation were the reasons, the Board noted that the applicant's qualifications appeared more favorable under his own name.

Moreover, there is a presumption of discrimination based on race, the Board judges. Under his own name, the result of the e-assessment and the relevant work experience on the CV were more favorable. Yet, only 'Paul Westerkamp' was invited for an interview.

— Human Rights Boardexplaining the basis for suspecting racial discrimination

Ultimately, the Human Rights Board ruled that the CBR had discriminated against the applicant based on race. The bureau failed to provide sufficient evidence to prove that the rejection was based on factors other than the applicant's origin. The Board recommended that the CBR improve the transparency and documentation of its selection processes, particularly concerning language requirements for job roles.

Because of all those circumstances, it is up to the CBR to demonstrate that the institution rejected the applicant for reasons other than origin. However, that does not succeed, the Board notes.

— Human Rights Boardstating the CBR's failure to prove non-discriminatory reasons for rejection
About this summary

Originally published by NRC Handelsblad in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

More Stories

From Our Blog