Writing a CV for Belgium: What You Need to Know for the Flemish, Walloon, and Brussels Job Markets

Belgium is a small country with a complex linguistic landscape, and this directly affects how you should write your CV. The country is divided into three main regions: Flanders in the north, where Dutch is the official language; Wallonia in the south, where French dominates; and the Brussels-Capital Region, which is officially bilingual in Dutch and French. There is also a small German-speaking community in the east. Each region has its own job market dynamics, cultural expectations, and even government structures.

The golden rule for Belgian job applications is straightforward: write your CV in the language of the job posting. If a position in Ghent is advertised in Dutch, submit your CV in Dutch. If a role in Liege is posted in French, use French. For Brussels-based positions, check the language of the advertisement carefully. Submitting a CV in the wrong language is one of the fastest ways to get your application discarded, as it suggests a lack of awareness about Belgium's sensitive linguistic politics.

Belgian CVs typically run one to two pages, with two pages being perfectly acceptable for candidates with more than a few years of experience. The format is generally reverse-chronological, listing your most recent position first. A clean, well-structured layout is valued, but there is less rigidity about tabular formats compared to Germany.

Including a photo on your CV is optional in Belgium but remains common practice. If you choose to include one, use a professional headshot. Many Belgian recruiters report that CVs with photos receive slightly more attention, though this is gradually changing as diversity and inclusion awareness grows. For applications to international companies or organizations like the EU institutions based in Brussels, a photo is less expected.

Personal details such as date of birth, nationality, and address are commonly included on Belgian CVs. Marital status is less frequently listed than in previous decades. Your address can be particularly relevant because Belgian employers sometimes factor in commute times, especially given the country's notorious traffic congestion.

Belgian employers place significant weight on educational credentials. The institution you attended and the specific degree you obtained matter more here than in many other European countries. Graduates of well-known Belgian universities such as KU Leuven, UGent, UCLouvain, or ULB often benefit from strong institutional recognition in the local job market.

Be specific about your qualifications. List the exact degree title, the institution, the year of graduation, and any distinctions (such as cum laude, magna cum laude, or the Belgian grading equivalents like grote onderscheiding or grande distinction). If you hold a foreign degree, it can be helpful to include a brief note explaining its equivalence to Belgian qualifications, particularly if you have had it formally recognized through NARIC.

In no other European country are language skills as critically important on a CV as in Belgium. Given the multilingual nature of the country, employers expect you to specify your proficiency in multiple languages with precision. The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is the standard: list each language with your level from A1 to C2, or use descriptors like native, fluent, professional working proficiency, and basic.

For many positions, particularly in Brussels, bilingualism or trilingualism is not just preferred but required. Dutch-French bilingualism is the most sought-after combination, with English as an increasingly important third language. Holding formal language certificates adds credibility: Selor language certificates are the standard for Belgian government positions, while DALF/DELF certificates validate French proficiency and Cambridge or IELTS certificates validate English.

Do not exaggerate your language skills on a Belgian CV. It is common practice for interviewers to switch languages mid-interview to test your actual proficiency. Being caught overstating your abilities will almost certainly end your candidacy.

The Flemish job market tends to be more dynamic, with lower unemployment and a style that shares similarities with the Netherlands: relatively direct, efficiency-oriented, and increasingly international. CVs for Flemish companies should be concise and results-focused. The Walloon job market is more formal in its conventions, with a style closer to France, and places particular emphasis on cover letters (lettres de motivation) as a complement to the CV.

Brussels occupies a unique position as both the Belgian and EU capital. The job market here is heavily international, with a large concentration of EU institutions, NGOs, lobbying firms, and multinational corporations. For these employers, English-language CVs are often acceptable, and international experience is highly valued. However, for local Brussels employers in sectors like retail, healthcare, or public services, Dutch-French bilingualism remains essential.

Belgium's federal and regional governments are major employers, and public sector applications have their own requirements. Federal government positions typically require passing Selor examinations, which include language proficiency tests. Regional government jobs in Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels each have their own recruitment processes and may require specific language certificates.

For practical CV tips specific to Belgium: always include your nationality and work permit status if you are a non-EU citizen, as right-to-work verification is thorough. Mention your driving license if you have one, as many Belgian jobs outside Brussels require it. Finally, keep in mind that Belgian employers value stability and loyalty. Frequent job changes without clear upward progression may require explanation in your cover letter.