Looking for work in another country requires more than just the obvious CV translation. You will be confronted with issues that probably didn't even cross your mind when you decided to go for an international career, but don't underestimate the big impact they can have on the outcome of your adventure! Think for example about the different rules and habits regarding immigration, job application procedures, the selection procedures and the management culture.
Expertise in Labour Mobility has prepared practical fact sheets to support you in your job-hunting abroad. A thorough preparation will give you a head start in the country of your choice. Here is some info on Belgium:
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.
Writing a resume in Belgium
• The key focus of your CV should be to persuade the employer to invite you for an interview. Therefore, a CV is a marketing tool, which needs to be adapted to the market you intend to use it in.
•The common format for a CV in Belgium is reverse chronological order (i.e. most recent dates first).
•Whereas Belgian CVs used to be rather extensive, today one or two pages (A4) will do.
•Educational results need only be given if they resemble a direct reference to the position you are applying for.
The application letter in Belgium
•An important aspect of the Belgian application letter is the language. Try to closely follow the instructions provided in the specific job advertisement.
•Extracurricular activities are of importance also in the context of an application.
•References are usually verified, so notify your referees in advance.
Do:
•Use power words and action verbs in your application letter and resume.
•Be very specific in Belgium when describing experiences or qualities.
•Add references to your resume; this is particularly important for foreigners.
•Ask if you don’t understand the question.
•Provide examples to prove your achievements.
•Look interested – ask questions in an interview.
•Interviews are commonly followed-up by letter, email or phone call.
Don’t:
•Put anything besides the truth in your resume – your future boss will find always find out the truth eventually.
•Go over the top – stay calm and stick to the facts.
Management culture in Belgium
•The ever-present duality between the francophone and the Dutch-speaking region is also reflected in many Belgian organisations.
•Management authority rests on competence rather than on hierarchy.
•Belgians generally strive towards reaching a compromise. This also applies to doing business.
•In Belgium people expect you to back up your ideas with clear facts and figures.
•Since Belgians appreciate personal contact they do not like doing all their business over the phone or via email.
This information is based on the Looking for work in Belgium guide (ISBN 978-90-5896-063-4), written by Expertise in Labour Mobility. This section of the guide is one step to making your international career aspirations become reality. The full Looking for work in Belgium guide tells you everything you need to know. If you want to order or find out more about our services, have a look at
www.labourmobility.com.
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This handy guide from Expertise in Labour Mobility includes how to write a CV, application procedure, interview dos and don'ts, Belgian management culture. Updated 2011.
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