Life in a new country can be daunting, with everyday challenges making the transition far from seamless. As the old proverb says, "a problem shared is a problem halved". Imagine having a place where you can connect with others in the same situation—sharing stories, exchanging tips, and asking questions. You don’t have to imagine it, because our monthly Co-Working for jobseekers offers just that - and it’s completely free. It’s a space where jobseekers of different backgrounds and profiles can come together, find mutual support, and make the job search process at least a little less challenging.
On a scorching summer afternoon, I attended my very first Co-Working for jobseekers. At first, I was nervous about stepping into an unfamiliar environment, but those worries vanished when I joined a group of warm and welcoming people. Despite our diverse backgrounds and different life stories, we shared a common goal: securing a job in Belgium. The sense of mutual support made the experience incredibly reassuring and motivating.
Knowing we were all in a safe and supportive space encouraged everyone to openly share their experiences and ask questions. This openness led to a wealth of valuable discussions and insights. I’d like to share some of the key takeaways and tips from our session, hoping they’ll be useful for anyone who is currently job hunting or is considering joining one of our events in the future. Here are some of the things we discussed.
Cold applying: far from a taboo
During the co-working, we discussed how proactively reaching out to companies even when a certain position is not advertised (cold applying), can be a valuable strategy. In Belgium, the job market is highly competitive and opportunities might not always be publicly listed. Cold applying can open doors to unadvertised roles and give jobseekers a chance to make a direct impression on potential employers. Here are some tips on how to go about this:
Tip #1: Conduct thorough research to identify companies that align with your career goals and values. Compile a targeted list of these companies, so that you can stay informed not only about their latest achievements and developments, but also about broader industry trends.
Tip #2: Follow these companies on social media, primarily LinkedIn. That can help you monitor their updates and interact with their content, which in turn allows you to customize your applications and approach more effectively when reaching out.
Tip #3: Write a compelling introduction that highlights your value for the company. Emphasize how your skills and experience can benefit the company, even if no specific role is advertised at the moment. Share concrete examples of how you’ve contributed to similar organisations or projects in the past.
Slow but steady
Several participants expressed their frustration over how work experience gained outside Belgium often seems to be overlooked by employers. This can lead to the challenging situation where newcomers find themselves starting with positions that are below their actual qualifications. While this can be discouraging, it’s important to remember that starting with a lower-level job doesn’t mean you’re not making progress. It’s completely normal to begin in a role that may not fully reflect your skills and experience. The key is to view these initial positions as stepping stones. By proving your capabilities and dedication within a company, you can open doors to more advanced opportunities as you demonstrate your value. Pro tip: If your education was obtained outside Belgium but recognized as equivalent by NARIC, make sure to mention this on your resume!
Turning gaps into gains
Another important topic that came up was addressing career gaps on resumes. While employers might have questions about these gaps, it’s crucial to understand that they don’t necessarily have to be a deal breaker. In fact, you can often turn them to your advantage. The key is to be honest and transparent. Clearly mention the career gap on your resume and cover letter if needed. If you prefer not to go into detail, a brief note such as “due to personal reasons” can suffice. Be prepared to discuss the gap in interviews, and practice how to frame them positively by focusing on what you learned or achieved during that time. Highlight any new skills you acquired or other productive activities you engaged in. This way, you can turn the gap into a story of personal or professional growth, and emphasize how the time off has prepared you to contribute more effectively in your next role.
Elevate your job search at Job Fairs
Job fairs are a fantastic opportunity in Belgium for networking, making valuable connections, and engaging directly with companies. They are quite common and can be found through targeted Google searches based on your industry, sector, and location. For a list of upcoming job fairs, also make sure to check out this link. Even if the event’s website is in Dutch, don’t let that discourage you—many companies will likely have representatives who speak English and will be happy to assist you. We’re excited to announce that in the coming months, we will also be organising a visit to one of these job fairs. Make sure to follow us for updates and stay tuned for more details on how you can participate.
During the co-working session, we also discussed the language complexities in Belgium and its impact on jobseekers. We shared our experiences with various Dutch courses and effective self-study strategies. Learning a new language requires both time and patience, but don’t be afraid to try and make mistakes along the way. If your Dutch is still a “work in progress”, make sure to check out opportunities via Interim companies or in specific sectors which are sometimes more likely to be in English.
Want to join us next time and hear useful insight on these and many other topics? Sign up - it’s free!
