A day in the life of recruiter Ismaël Salem

Explaining that everything at Schiphol has an overlap with IT is one of his most important missions. ‘We organise special events, for example,’ he says. ‘We talk about how our IT professionals make applications for all kinds of processes. Whether that concerns the travellers’ process in the terminal, the offices, the baggage basement, the runways, you name it. Schiphol is one of the few airports worldwide that is utilising digitalisation in such a broad way. That means a lot of options and opportunities for development. We like to be ahead of the curve. And there’s a lot of room for innovation and your own ideas.’

Products that make an impact

An important basis for the products are the many data-collecting beacons at Schiphol. Ismaël: ‘Our IT people use them to develop a wide range of applications. These include reserving time slots for security, the information kiosks and the forecasting model for waiting times. We also developed Wilbur, a dashboard with all kinds of data that increases the efficiency of the traveller and airline processes. All examples of tangible products that make an impact. You see immediate results from your work.’

Striving towards an autonomous airport

Schiphol has good reason to deploy IT and data so broadly. Quality improvement is a significant driver. But an autonomous airport is what we’re striving towards. Schiphol will then be self-running and making maximum use of technology and data. Besides making products, Schiphol has an extensive cybersecurity department. Schiphol is part of the Netherlands’ vital infrastructure and must remain operational at all times.

Think carefully about what you want beforehand

Ismaël recommends that IT professionals and data specialists interested in working at Schiphol check the vacancies page first. However, it is also possible to request an introductory meeting. He emphasises: ‘Whether you’re applying or looking for an introductory meeting, think carefully about what you want beforehand. This makes it easier for us to identify which position suits you and to put you in contact with the right people within Schiphol.’

Personalised guidance is paramount

Applying for a job is exciting, but it can also be a little bit intimidating. However, once you’ve made the first step, Schiphol does everything it can to guide candidates as well as possible. Ismaël: ‘That’s what I like most about my job. I always put a lot of effort into getting to know someone, to discover their motivations and what their needs are. Want an additional meeting with a team leader? No problem. Want to shadow someone for the day, to gain insight into the culture at Schiphol or into your future position? That’s possible too. Each candidate is treated in the most personal way possible. That produces the best results, for both parties.’