Brussels is a vibrant, multicultural hub where EU institutions and the surrounding EU Bubble create an exciting yet highly competitive job market.
Whether you’re an aspiring expat or already based in Brussels your CV needs to cut through the noise and highlight the unique value you bring. In this guide, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step process to craft a polished, concise resume that resonates with employers looking for English-speaking talent in Brussels.
1. Understand the Brussels Job Market
Before you begin writing, it’s important to know that Brussels is not only the political heart of Europe but also a melting pot of cultures and languages. Many organizations operate in English, even though Belgium has three official languages. However, knowledge of other EU languages is always an asset. Focus on employers that value international experience and strong communication skills. If you’re just starting out, think about focusing first on internships or traineeships.
2. Research and Preparation
First, select the jobs you want to apply for.
No matter if you’re looking for Internships, Assistant roles, Officer jobs or Management positions there are always lots of available positions on EU Jobs.Brussels so take the time to identify the positions that would be the best fit for you.
Research the Role and Organizational Culture
Carefully review each job posting to identify the key skills and experience required. Research the organization’s culture, mission, and values to tailor your CVaccordingly. Identify the “must-have” keywords from the job description and note them for later use.
Decide on the CV Length
For most professionals, a one- to two-page resume is ideal. Keep your document concise so recruiters can quickly locate your top qualifications.
3. Choose the Right Format
A clean, reverse-chronological format is widely preferred in Brussels. This format:
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Puts your most recent and relevant experience at the top
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Helps recruiters see your career progression at a glance
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Can be easily scanned by applicant tracking systems (ATS), which many organisations use
Remember to avoid overwhelming the document with excessive details or lengthy paragraphs.
4. Craft a Strong Header and Professional Summary
Header Essentials:
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Contact Information: Include your full name, phone number (with international dialing code), email address, and optionally, your LinkedIn URL.
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Location: Mention your current address or simply “Brussels, Belgium” to show you’re local.
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Photo (Optional): While not always mandatory, a professional headshot can add a personal touch. Check the job posting carefully as some employers specifically forbid adding photos.
Professional Summary:
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Write a brief 2–3 sentence paragraph summarizing your key qualifications, experience, and career goals.
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Tailor this to align with the job’s requirements. For example:“A results-driven marketing professional with over five years of experience in digital campaigns and brand management. Adept at leveraging data-driven insights to optimize strategies, I thrive in international environments and am eager to contribute my skills to a dynamic Brussels-based organization.”
This section sets the tone for your CV and should immediately capture a recruiter’s attention.
5. Showcase Your Work Experience
List your work history in reverse-chronological order, emphasizing:
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Job Titles & Employers: Clearly state your roles and the companies you’ve worked for.
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Dates: Include start and end dates (month, year) for each position.
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Achievements over Tasks: Use bullet points to list 3–5 key achievements in your role. Focus on quantifiable results and specific examples that demonstrate your impact.
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Example: “Increased website traffic by 30% within six months through targeted digital marketing campaigns.”
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Tailored Details: Adjust the bullet points to mirror the competencies mentioned in the job description.
6. Highlight Education, Certifications, and Languages
Education:
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List your highest qualifications first, along with the institution’s name, location, and graduation dates.
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Include any academic honors or relevant projects if you’re a recent graduate.
Certifications & Additional Training:
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Mention any certifications or courses relevant to the job, such as digital marketing, project management, or IT skills.
Language Proficiency:
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For Brussels, note your proficiency in English and any additional languages (e.g., French, or German). This is a major plus in a multilingual city.
7. Add Additional Sections (If Relevant)
Depending on your background, consider including:
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Skills: A separate section listing both hard (technical, analytical) and soft skills (communication, teamwork).
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Volunteer Work or Extracurricular Activities: Highlight experiences that demonstrate leadership, community involvement, or other transferable skills.
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Professional Memberships: Any industry associations or networks you belong to can add credibility.
8. Tailor and Proofread Your CV
Customization:
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Adapt your resume for each job application by emphasizing the experiences and skills that directly match the job posting.
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Replace generic descriptions with targeted keywords to beat ATS algorithms and speak directly to recruiters’ needs.
Final Checks:
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Proofread thoroughly for grammar, spelling, and formatting errors.
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Ask a friend or a professional mentor for feedback.
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Ensure consistency in font, style, and layout throughout your document.
9. Final Thoughts
Your CV is your personal marketing document. For English-speaking jobs in Brussels, it must not only showcase your qualifications but also reflect your adaptability to an international work environment. By following these steps—researching thoroughly, choosing the right format, tailoring your content, and carefully proofreading—you’ll create a resume that stands out in Brussels’ competitive job market.
And of course, if you are not registered yet, go to https://europass.europa.eu/en and use their CV builder. It's still one of the best, even without any AI features.
Remember, every detail counts. A well-crafted resume increases your chances of landing that coveted interview and taking the next step in your career journey in Brussels.
Whether you’re new to the job market or a seasoned professional looking to pivot into an international role, these strategies will help you make a lasting impression on Brussels employers.
Now go to the home page of the best source for EU Jobs in Brussels and happy job hunting!