Human Resources

"Credit Quirks" (Creditkronkels) is a regular column in the professional journal of the VVCM (Dutch Association for Credit Management). Written by Ultimoo Incasso's Managing Director, Arjan Stigter, the column explores trends, news, and other compelling topics from the world of credit management.

Before I could join Dun & Bradstreet back in 1989, I had to write a letter in response to a job advertisement in the local newspaper. It required a handwritten letter and a CV; if you were lucky enough to have a PC or a typewriter at home, the CV was typed or printed. The letter, however, was written in that classic primary school cursive. My handwriting was atrocious—truly painful to look at—and to make matters worse, finding a job wasn't exactly easy at the time. After completing my military service, I must have written more than 100 of those letters.

Just imagine that: writing 100 letters by hand. It felt like a school punishment. That specific letter to D&B was rushed more than you can imagine, with my signature barely squeezed in at the bottom... Not exactly a professional calling card, nor did it scream "I desperately want to work here." It wasn't that I didn't want to, but rather that I had no clue what D&B actually did. Credit management? Sure, whatever. Google didn't exist yet. I just wanted a job. To my absolute surprise, I was invited for an interview.

During that interview, it became clear why I—despite the ugly letter and complete lack of experience—was asked to introduce myself. During my education, I had learned how to operate a computer; in fact, I had learned to program. D&B was on the verge of placing a computer on every single desk, so having someone who knew how to use one was incredibly handy. And that is how my 36-year career began. All because of a small detail that had nothing to do with what I actually do today.

When I see how "human capital" applies to "human resources" today—often with a simple click on Indeed or other sites—I frequently see that same seemingly disinterested way of acting. I didn't know what I was doing either; I sent an ugly standard letter but still landed a job. When we evaluate the CVs that come in now, I always try to remember the opportunity I was given in 1989. It’s not always about ticking every single box or having a specific degree. It’s about the person you meet and whether that person has the right mindset.

We’ve been doing this for a few years now with vocational (MBO) students and interns—Gen Z, and by now, Generation Alpha is starting to appear as well... I can tell you, I am impressed. Behind those seemingly casual emails and CVs, there is often a hidden gem. So, look a little further and realize that these youngsters have truly never heard of credit management before—but you can help them find their home in it.

Give them that chance!

Arjan Stigter
Managing Director, Ultimoo Incasso