Working in Belgium - Applications

Your CV and cover letter should arouse the employer's interest. You will only achieve this if the CV looks polished, provides all the relevant information and closely matches the employer's job requirements and needs. This means that your CV must not be a standard document.

For each application you should check whether or not you need to adapt the content of your CV to the vacancy in question. You will probably produce several CVs before you are happy with one.

Make sure your CV is perceived as a 'discovery'. Design and content must ensure your CV is clear to the reader at first glance – in terms of both form and content. Generally speaking the reader is someone in a hurry. Rest assured he will not waste precious time unravelling a disordered and unclear CV. A good CV can be read in one minute.

When reading your CV, the potential new employer must be able to form a clear picture of your knowledge, your talents, your experience, your personality, and your skills.

Letter and CV should always be typed, unless a handwritten version is specifically requested.  A typed CV is also easier and quicker to read than a handwritten one. You must give an impression of simplicity and clarity.
Do not use abbreviations, or at least not before you have first written them out in full. Give as many clear contacts as possible. This means telephone and fax numbers, with national code. Perhaps an e-mail address.

Consider whether it is worth clarifying the level of your diploma or qualifications. Normally you list your work experience and academic qualifications in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job or qualification, continuing with the previous ones, and so on. Do you have work experience? If so, list this first, before your studies.

For tips about CVs, letters and interviews, you can always contact a Belgian Eures service and/or a local employment centre.

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Text last edited on: 08/2006

Source: European Union
© European Communities, 1995-2007
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