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You are here: Home Employment Employment Information Finding jobs in Brussels
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15/11/2011Finding jobs in Brussels

Finding jobs in Brussels Looking for jobs in Europe? We offer you these tips to get your job search started in one of Europe's most international cities. Here's how to land solid jobs in Belgium.

Brussels, being the seat of the European Parliament, can be a big pull-factor for many expats. If you would like to work in the European Parliament, don`t forget that jobs in these institutions require you to pass a series of examinations. The procedure takes about a year, and at the end, your job position is still uncertain.


If working in the European Parliament is not for you, here are some useful ways to find jobs in Brussels.

Search online
The internet is a good place to look for jobs in Belgium and throughout Europe (especially in your language). There many websites specifically for job hunters, just upload your CV and start your search. You can begin by using Expatica jobs for Belgium or visit other websites such as:

www.belgiumjobs77.com 
www.brusselsjobs.com  
www.jobsinbrussels.com


Use a recruitment agency
It might seem odd at first, but recruitment agencies are quite helpful and extremely popular in Europe, especially if you don`t know the local language. Even if language is not an issue, a recruitment agency can still be helpful in guiding you through the paperwork and contracts. Expatica`s A-Z Listing for recruitment agencies can help you find one that fits your needs.

Make the daily newspapers useful
Keep current with the news in your area, as well as national and EU news. It is also worth checking the employment sections in local news publications. Here are some of the newspapers in Brussels:

De Financieel Economische Tijd
- Belgian national newspaper, in Dutch.
De Morgen - Belgian national newspaper, in Dutch.
De Standaard - Belgian national newspaper, in Dutch.
Het Laatste Nieuws - Belgian national newspaper, in Dutch.
Het Nieuwsblad - Belgian national newspaper, in Dutch.
L' Echo  - Belgian national newspaper, in French.
La Derniere Heure - Belgian national newspaper, in French.
La Libre Belgique - Belgian national newspaper, in French.
Le Soir - Belgian national newspaper, in French.

Walk around 


Work on time

 

You can find a lot of advertisements hanging on the doors of restaurants, bars, shops and so on int he busy shopping areas. Exploring your area on foot is another great way to find out what positions are available.

Whichever method you choose to search for work, a job can always be found with the right dose of experience and enthusiasm. However, you must keep in mind that it is not easy to make it through the tough Belgian laws, and you will need the required documentation.

Work permits in Belgium

  • European Economic Area (EEA) citizens are free to live and work anywhere within the EEA.
  • You need to apply for a residence permit. The permit is issued within the first six months of your arrival.
  • Contact the Belgian embassy in your current country of residence for more information.
The application procedure in Belgium
  • One of the most successful ways to find work in Belgium is through speculative applications.
  • Mind the language differences in Belgium. Except in the bilingual capital, most Flemings do not appreciate being addressed in French; likewise Walloons won't like to reply to an inquiry formulated in Dutch.
  • A Belgian Employer will pay most attention to experience, motivation and social skills.

Teodora Todorova / Expatica

Sources:
www.expatica.com
www.newspapers24.com



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