Language Choice in Job Advertisements: Evaluations of English and Dutch Job Ads across English-dominant and Dutch-dominant Sectors.

Abstract

The use of English in Dutch job advertisements has grown in recent years (Van Meurs et al., 2007), often to signal international orientation, prestige, or modernity (Van Meurs et al., 2015). Although English can enhance perceptions of internationalness, its effects on applicant attitudes and behaviour remain inconsistent. This study examined whether the impact of English differs between English-dominant and Dutch-dominant sectors. A 2×2 between-subjects experiment manipulated sector (IT vs. healthcare) and language (English vs. Dutch). In total, 125 Dutch native speakers evaluated a traineeship ad on person–job fit, person–organisation fit, application intention, recommendation intention, attitude toward the ad, and perceptions of internationalness, salience, appropriateness, and congruence. English increased perceived internationalness, perceived language salience, and perceived language appropriateness. No significant effects were found on fit, intentions, or attitudes. Overall, English functions mainly as a symbolic signal in recruitment advertising, increasing perceptions of internationalness while its perceived appropriateness depends on sectoral norms.