Interview Anna Nasonova: The hidden power of multilingual professionals

In today’s competitive and globalised job market, Dutch companies are discovering a unique edge: Multilingual Professionals. But while their language skills are valuable, their impact goes far beyond just fluent French or native-level English. According to Anna Nasonova, International Recruitment Consultant at Exactpi, multilinguals offer an indispensable mix of adaptability, cultural intelligence, and innovative thinking that can transform teams from the inside out.

Anna, who joined Exactpi almost two years ago from Russia, has seen firsthand how international professionals enrich Dutch workplaces. “Yes, they speak multiple languages, but their value lies in much more than that”, she explains. “They are extremely adaptable. The job market in the Netherlands is competitive for internationals, so they’ve had to learn quickly how to pivot, to hustle, and to stay resilient. That mindset brings fresh energy into every team.”

It’s this resilience that often sets multilingual professionals apart. Having navigated different education systems, job markets, and often immigration hurdles, they bring with them not just hard skills, but a resourcefulness that’s hard to teach.

Beyond adaptability, international professionals excel at cross-cultural communication—an essential skill in today’s increasingly hybrid and globally connected workplaces. “They understand nuance”, says Anna. “They know how to communicate effectively with colleagues from around the world. Their insight into how business is done in other countries makes them a bridge between local operations and global ambitions”.

That global mindset also leads to innovation. Anna shares that many multilingual hires introduce tools and approaches unfamiliar in the Dutch business context, but highly effective elsewhere. “Even small things—like adjusting a system’s settings or structuring internal workflows—can make a huge difference. And many of them spot those opportunities simply because they see things from a different angle.”

One common misconception is that meaningful contributions come only from experienced hires. But Anna is quick to point out that junior multilingual professionals are often the most impressive. “They work incredibly hard and grow fast”, she says. One candidate spotted flaws in an internal order system during her first weeks—something no one else had questioned. Her initiative saved the company significant time and resources.

Another case involved a logistics professional who brought structure and visibility to a long-standing team by revamping their supplier tracking processes. “She became indispensable”, Anna recalls. “And she didn’t have local experience—what she had was initiative and a well-trained eye for efficiency.”

So why should employers choose multilingual professionals? According to Anna, it’s not just about filling hard-to-staff roles. “It’s about culture. It’s about new perspectives. It’s about adding people who raise the standard. When companies are open to international talent, they benefit in ways they didn’t expect.”

Exactpi’s Multilingual Recruitment team ensures that this impact is not left to chance. “We never just send resumes”, Anna emphasizes. “We dive deep into both sides: the employer’s needs and the candidate’s motivation. That way, we can create sustainable matches that work for everyone involved.”

What’s more, Exactpi offers ongoing support to its candidates – even after placement. From Dutch language courses to personal coaching and administrative help, the relationship doesn’t stop once the contract is signed.

As the labour market is tight from a historical perspective, and businesses continue to operate across borders, the value of international professionals will only increase. They bring agility, creativity, and global thinking. Anna puts it best: “These professionals are more than employees. They are innovators, connectors, and change agents. They help companies grow—not just in numbers, but in mindset.”