Looking for a job in Brussels (or Belgium)? Well, that makes two of us.
We have some good and some improvable news for you: There are a lot of positions! But applying will take both effort and zen.
To help you, we've compiled a quick guide packed with practical tips, useful resources, and strategies to land you a job that suits your profile and makes you smile every day.
1. Fine-Tune Your LinkedIn Profile
Don't skip over this section! While many of you have already entered your impressive CVs on your LinkedIn-profiles, we're sure you're not using the platform's full potential! LinkedIn is a really powerful tool for job seekers, but it’s up to you to make the most of it.
Keep it updated: Otherwise, it's outdated!
Craft a strong title: Your LinkedIn headline is the first thing potential recruiters see, so ensure it highlights who you are and what you offer. Don’t be afraid to be creative, and remember that you can change it as many times as you want! Experiment a bit and get over that first cringe that comes with promoting yourself online. We've all been too cheesy here at some point.
Write a compelling summary: Use this section to showcase your experience, skills, and what makes you stand out. Keep it concise but engaging, maybe even fun (but not clownish).
Engage actively: Like, share, and comment on posts related to your field. When connecting with someone, especially recruiters or potential employers, add a personalized note to introduce yourself. A simple message such as "Happy to connect" can go a long way.
Open to work: Use the functionality to indicate that you are “Open to work” in your profile picture - this shows potential employers that you are looking for a job and that you're are available on short notice.
2. Create a Europass Profile
Europass is an initiative of the European Union designed to help individuals communicate their skills and qualifications in a clear, standard format across Europe. It provides a set of documents that individuals can use to present their educational and professional experiences. The main components of Europass include:
Europass CV: A standardized curriculum vitae that allows you to highlight your skills, work experience, and education in a structured way.
Europass Language Passport: A self-assessment tool for you to outline your language skills and related competences.
Europass Mobility Document: A record of experiences gained during mobility periods (like internships or studies abroad) in another country.
Europass Certificate Supplement: An accompanying document that provides more information about any vocational education and training certificates you might have.
Europass Diploma Supplement: A document that supplements any higher education degrees, providing details on the nature of your qualifications, their level, and their content.
The Europass framework aims to enhance transparency and comparability of qualifications across different countries, facilitating mobility for study and work in Europe. It's really cool!
3. Use Specialized Job Boards and Websites
Here are some key platforms tailored to job opportunities in Brussels and Belgium:
EU Careers: The European Personal Selection Office (EPSO)'s site for jobs with the EU.
EURES: The EU's job mobility portal.
Euractiv JobSite: Jobs related to EU affairs.
BrusselsJobs: A go-to site for international experts and expats.
Jobs in Brussels: Covers roles in EU institutions, NGOs, and Think Tanks.
Additionally, you should check out the two articles below that go into even more detail regarding finding a job in Belgium specifically:
4. Explore Popular Job Platforms and Recruitment Agencies
For general job searches, these platforms are widely used in Belgium:
It’s also worth creating profiles on recruitment and interim agency websites. These agencies often specialize in matching candidates with the right opportunities, and they can really help you score a match!
5. Hone and leverage your language skills
While it’s very possible to find a job speaking "only" English in Belgium, knowing French and/or Dutch can significantly increase your chances. Employers value candidates who can navigate Belgium’s multilingual culture. Sometimes it even makes a difference to be able to speak just a little bit of french or dutch, so employers can trust you to order pizza for the team with a local delivery service. Depending on your industry, fluency in multiple languages can really make you a standout applicant. We know this is easier said than done.
We hope that these tips were helpful. Good luck!!! We believe in you!!!
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