Founder’s story

Recruiters that are only in it for the quick money (also known as ‘sharks’), job descriptions that ask for ninja’s and superhero’s, and being ghosted after having submitted your resume. We are all familiar with it, and we can probably all agree that these recruitment clichés do not work for anyone. Therefore, our founder, Michiel de Graaf, decided that enough is enough and founded DIQQ.

It all started in 2017, with one employee in a tiny office in the south-east of Amsterdam and a vision to make recruitment more efficient, more transparent, and more innovative. Today, DIQQ is one of the biggest IT recruitment companies in the Netherlands. Having recently relocated to a new office in the city centre of Amsterdam and with 15 – 20 dedicated and skilled employees ready to face any challenge ahead, Michiel is ready to continue DIQQ’s success.

‘... I believe that candidates are people, not a product like an Uber which you can order online’

But what determines success? Success cannot be measured in the number of placements, or yearly revenue only. Rather, Michiel believes that we can only be successful when both the client and candidate are satisfied. Not only with the placement but also with our process; ‘We are consistent, whether it is winter or summer, Monday or Friday, our clients and candidates can always expect the best quality’. Therefore, DIQQ’s mission is delivering quality placements and a pleasant and transparent process for everyone. This way, we can guarantee the best quality.

Another reason why Michiel founded DIQQ is that he believes that people are still vital to the recruitment process: ‘Automatization has been a discussion since I started in recruitment eight years ago; however, I believe that candidates are people, not a product like an Uber which you can order online’. Nevertheless, Michiel also admits he thinks innovation to improve the quality and speed of recruitment is essential: ‘We continue to innovate our work with the latest technologies. However, only by staying in touch with our clients and candidates daily, we always know who is available when’. Human connections, that personal touch, is for us the best way to work efficiently and guarantee quality placements.

‘I believe that if employees have fun and collaborate, and if there is generally a good vibe in the office, people will excel at their jobs’

This personal touch is also present in DIQQ’s company culture. At DIQQ, the team values teamwork above anything else. Michiel admits this is another reason why he founded DIQQ; ‘I believe that if employees have fun and collaborate, and if there is generally a good vibe in the office, people will excel at their jobs’. So rather than competing against each other, at DIQQ everyone works together towards a common goal. This way, we can ensure that the needs and wishes of clients and candidates are always put first. DIQQ can, after all, only be
successful if you are too. And Michiel’s end game? To become the biggest and the best IT recruitment agency in the Netherlands.

Want to know how DIQQ can help you? Contact us, we are happy to help!