The people behind Werkvolk
Werkvolk didn't come from a whiteboard session—it came from real conversations with people on the ground. Listen first, build second.
Niels Evans
Co-founder
Niels spent months at job fairs and companies across Limburg, notebook in hand. He listened to what HR managers, business owners, and workers had to say about hiring, culture, and why people leave. His focus is on company culture, matching, and making the hiring process more human.
Warre Dreesen
Co-founder
Warre turned research insights into a working product. He builds and maintains the platform, connecting matching algorithms, data, and user experience. His goal is straightforward: build a tool that does what it's supposed to do and that both employers and candidates actually want to use every day.
What we kept hearing
We started by listening. At job fairs, in companies, in one-on-one conversations. With workers who've been searching for months and employers who can't find the right people.
Candidates shared stories about vague salaries, unclear job descriptions, getting ghosted after applying, and jobs where the culture just didn't click. Employers talked about sifting through piles of CVs, never having enough time, candidates who look good on paper but don't fit, and losing people within the first few months.
After enough conversations, the pattern became clear. The problem isn't just finding candidates—it's how jobs and companies are presented, and the lack of focus on whether people actually fit the culture.
What Werkvolk is today
Werkvolk is a platform with two sides: a mobile matching app for jobseekers and a straightforward platform for employers.
Jobseekers only see positions that match their skills, preferences, and personality. They get a real look at the company through video or images, a clear job summary, and their match score. One swipe to apply or pass. Everything happens right from their phone.
Employers manage everything in one simple platform. They showcase their company culture, see exactly who's viewing their jobs and where candidates drop off, and chat directly with applicants. No juggling separate emails or phone calls.
Why culture matters
During our research, we found that almost every mismatch came down to culture and expectations. It's not about whether someone can do the job—it's about whether they fit how the department actually works.
That's why we built a culture assessment based on OCAI. Employers get a clear, honest picture of their company culture and how employees actually experience it. Not just company-wide, but department by department and department by department.
We use that culture data in our matching. This means people are more likely to not just accept the job, but stick around because the role, the department, and the company actually align.
Straightforward and honest
We don't do hype. If something isn't working, we'll tell you. And we only build features that people actually use.
Transparent with candidates. Clear salary ranges, clear expectations, and an application process that doesn't waste anyone's time. Transparent with employers. No hidden fees, and real insights into what's working and what isn't.
We're always learning. Feedback from workers and employers flows directly back into the product. So Werkvolk gets better every month, not just once a year with a big update.