When looking for a job in Belgium, there are official rules... and then there are all these little habits, these unwritten codes that can make a difference. For a young person with an immigration background, these informal rules are not always obvious, and yet, mastering them can greatly facilitate access to a first job. Here are some tips to better understand the âBelgian cultureâ of recruitment and to maximize your chances of success.
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The CV: simple, clear and âBelgianâ
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In Belgium, a CV should be concise (ideally one page, two maximum), clear and structured. Unlike other countries, it's not mandatory to add a photo, but if you do include one, make sure it's professional.
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One Recent Belgian study revealed that a resume with spelling mistakes is 18.5% less likely to be selected than a resume that contains no mistakes. Even with just a few mistakes, the chances decrease by 11.2%. Recruiters often see these mistakes as a sign of lower mental abilities (32%), lack of professional conscientiousness (12%), or poor interpersonal communication skills (9%).
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Belgian recruiters also attach great importance to professional experiences and practical skills. Soft skills also matter a lot.
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A few examples of Soft Skills to highlight:
đ Analytical and systemic thinking
đ Creativity
đ Team spirit
đ Resilience, flexibility and agility
đ Motivation, self-awareness and reflexivity
đ Curiosity and ability to learn
đ Reliability, loyalty and attention to detail
đ Empathy and active listening
đ Leadership and influence
đ Sense of service and customer oriented
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The cover letter: personalized and effective
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In Belgium, a cover letter should not be a simple copy and paste of a template found on the Internet. It's important to add a personal touch and show that you understand the company's values.
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A few tips?
- Talk directly to the person in charge of recruiting if you have their name.
- Explain why you are applying to this particular company.
- Highlight your skills related to the offer, without repeating your resume too much.
- Conclude with an invitation to an interview.
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The network, an essential asset
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In Belgium, the professional network plays a major role in the search for a job. Recommendations and word-of-mouth can play a key role. If you are young and lacking experience, building and maintaining a network is crucial.
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How to do it?
- Take part in professional events, fairs, exhibitions, networking and job fairs.
- Use LinkedIn to connect with professionals in your industry.
- Ask for advice from former professors, acquaintances, acquaintances, friends of friends.
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Do not hesitate to talk to others about your job search: a friend or family member may know someone who is recruiting! The opportunity to write a post on your social networks?
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The job interview: the art of the âhappy mediumâ
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In Belgium, the job interview is based on a subtle balance between professionalism and conviviality. Here are some of the implicit codes:
- La timeliness is essential: arrive on time, even five minutes early.
- The handshake (or alternative): it should be firm, but not excessive. If the health situation does not allow it, a simple courteous greeting is sufficient.
- Tutoement and vow: in French-speaking Belgium, the Voouvoement is in order at the beginning. Wait for your interlocutor to offer you the tutorial.
- THEhumility without excess: highlight your skills without appearing arrogant. False modesty can also work against you.
- Questions to ask: Have a few questions ready on the position or the company. It shows your motivation.
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Follow-up after the interview: a gesture that is often forgotten
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An informal but effective rule is to send a thank-you email after the interview. This message may be short, but it shows your interest and leaves a good impression.
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Example:
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âHello [Name of recruiter],
Thank you for your time and for this enriching exchange regarding the [job name] position. I enjoyed learning more about [company name] and hope to have the opportunity to join your team. Remaining available for any further information, I wish you an excellent day.â
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Hiring discrimination: how to get around it?
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Unfortunately, some discrimination exists on the job market in Belgium. A first name perceived as âexoticâ or an address in a stigmatized neighborhood can influence some recruiters.
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A few strategies:
- Highlight your skills and experiences rather than personal details.
- Use LinkedIn to show your career path in a neutral and accessible way.
- Go through support structures such as DUO for a JOB, which offer mentoring and personalized advice.
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According to a 2024 study, nearlyOne employee out of two (48%) fears being discriminated against when hiring. In 2020, Actiris Inclusive received 215 reports from job seekers in Brussels claiming to be victims of discrimination. Among these reports, 43% were based on racial criteria, including nationality, skin color, or ethnic origin.
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Conclusion: be ready and well surrounded!
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Job hunting in Belgium is based on explicit rules, but also on numerous implicit codes that may seem opaque. By knowing these informal rules, building your network, and using the right strategies, you're putting the odds in your favor. And above all, don't forget that you are not alone: structures like DUO for a JOB are there to help you decipher these codes and successfully enter the professional world, sign up for an upcoming session info near you to find out more đ
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