Solliciteren

Herman Finkers' song "Solliciteren" is a humorous and self-deprecating narrative that delves into the trials and tribulations of job hunting. The lyrics are a monologue where Finkers reflects on his past experiences, blending personal anecdotes with witty observations. He begins by mentioning his brother, drawing a parallel between their lives and hinting at a shared sense of awkwardness and individuality. This sets the tone for the rest of the song, which is filled with humorous recollections of his school days and early career struggles.

Finkers humorously recounts his time in school, where he felt like an outsider due to his unique interests, such as embroidery, which starkly contrasted with the typical interests of his peers. This sense of being different is a recurring theme, as he describes himself as a slow learner and a quiet student who took a year to utter his first words in class. The repeated joke about his classmates and interviewers telling him, "Wij zijn jouw mamma en pappa niet" ("We are not your mom and dad"), underscores his social awkwardness and the challenges he faced in fitting in.

The song takes a comedic turn as Finkers describes his futile attempts at finding a job after school. His overly formal and convoluted job application letters, filled with bureaucratic language, highlight his lack of practical communication skills. The absurdity peaks when he recounts a job interview for a position at a brothel, which he humorously declines. The narrative concludes with Finkers finally finding a job at Vroom & Dreesmann (V&D), a Dutch department store, after a humorous misunderstanding of the abbreviation "z.o.z." ("zie ommezijde" or "see other side"). This ending ties back to the theme of perseverance and finding one's place, albeit in an unexpected way.

"Solliciteren" is a witty and relatable commentary on the struggles of job hunting and the feeling of being an outsider. Finkers' use of humor and personal anecdotes makes the song both entertaining and thought-provoking, resonating with anyone who has faced similar challenges in their own lives.