During National Open House Day, the Gak Institute is throwing its doors wide open to anyone who wants to learn more about the organization. Project Advisor Klaas-Jan Gorter can’t wait: “It’s really great to connect with people who are interested in your company.”
by Thomas Braun
Open House at the Gak Institute
When we ask Klaas-Jan Gorter (52) what exactly the Gak Institute does, he explains that it is an independent foundation that funds projects that contribute to improving the functioning of the labor market and social security in the Netherlands. “The foundation supports initiatives that help people find or maintain sustainable employment, and promotes the development of knowledge about work, income, and participation.”
A partnership with JobOn
And what does Gorter himself do within the organization? “Generally speaking, I receive requests for financial contributions from organizations on my desk, after which I conduct research and issue a recommendation to the board, which decides whether a project will receive that contribution or not.”
Gorter is a seasoned veteran who has been in the world of charitable foundations for 25 years. In his role as a project advisor, he once crossed paths with the JobOn Foundation—but don’t ask him when. Even before Gorter joined the institute, there was already a synergy between the organization and JobOn. “A year before I started here, the Gak Institute had already participated in the Work Visit Day,” he recalls. “And since I’m in charge of JobOn’s grant applications, I got in touch with director Josée Blanken last year. We funded a JobOn project that included networking during theWork Visit Day, and when we got in touch about that, Josée asked if I’d like to participate myself. I said yes right away. It sounded like a lot of fun. And it was.”
Opening the gates
Participation means opening the company’s doors to everyone. “Yes, we do that both literally and figuratively. People are welcome to stop by our office in Hilversum. But online or by phone is fine, too. Last year we had five sign-ups, and one person actually came to the office in person. Three called us, and one spoke with us via Teams. As far as I’m concerned, all five could have stopped by—I would have really enjoyed that, too. It depends on the person: some prefer to stay home because it’s a long drive for them, others are used to communicating via Teams—it’s all fine. The main thing is that such a day is accessible to everyone; that’s why JobOn organizes it.”
The Importance of an In-Person Working Visit
Still, Gorter is a proponent of in-person visits. “That’s ultimately what yields the best results. It’s nice to be able to look each other in the eye in person, and it’s just a little easier to talk when you’re sitting across from each other at a table with a nice cup of coffee.”
The five signed up, and Gorter conducted the interviews. His conclusion: “It’s really great to talk to people who are interested in endowment funds or the world of charities. And there are also job seekers among them who simply want to step off the beaten path and explore something completely new. They’re looking for an answer to the question: Is this something for me? They’re just curious.”
No job openings, but valuable conversations
Some of the visitors were a bit disappointed when it turned out that Gorter didn’t have a job for them. “Not every participating organization has job openings. The JobOn Foundation does tell job seekers this, but many participants are simply looking for work.” So the Gak Institute doesn’t have any job openings—but why are they participating, then? Gorter: “This event is organized for JobOn. The FutureLab program, which we support financially, focuses primarily on people aged 50 and older who are looking for work or a different job. That’s a target group we also focus on, and it’s just nice to talk to that group outside of our existing projects and find out what challenges they face and what matters to them.”
A Day Full of Meaning
It really is a win-win situation. For employers, this event is a very accessible way to connect with people who are interested in your company. In turn, the people who visit your company don’t have to go through an application process, write a cover letter, submit a resume—they don’t even have to explain why they want to stop by. By stopping by, you immediately get a feel for the company. And you’re under no obligation. You can drop by, ask a few questions, look around, and leave. But you’re also welcome to ask me to take a look at your resume, if you’d like. Or I can explain what other funding opportunities are available. You can make the most of it however you like on a day like this. You can get a lot of information, and then you’ll go home feeling completely recharged. A meaningful day for everyone!”
Would you like to participate in the Work Visit Day on November 19, 2025?
National Job Fair Day is the day when job seekers and employers across the Netherlands come together! Hundreds of employers open their doors to speak with interested candidates during a no-obligation (online) networking session or open house. Meet talented people!
