Find a job
Looking for work in a new country is not always straightforward. The good news is that West Flanders has low unemployment and a well-organised mix of public job services, recruitment agencies, and company websites where you can search for vacancies.
This page shows you how to find job vacancies, get extra support if you are highly skilled, and build your own career as a partner or spouse.
Overview
Most job searching in West Flanders happens online, through a mix of the public employment service, company websites, and recruitment agencies. What suits you best depends on whether you want broad access to vacancies, personal guidance, or support building your own network.
Job search channels
You can find job vacancies in West Flanders through the following channels:
- VDAB, the Flemish public employment service, lists vacancies across every sector
- Company websites often post openings before they reach other platforms
- Recruitment and staffing agencies can match you with vacancies in your field
- LinkedIn - has a huge database of vacancies and is currently the most popular way to search for open positions; building your network is an additional benefit on top
- IHWF events - help you build a local network that can lead to opportunities
- Job fairs let you meet employers in person (see our Job fairs page for upcoming dates)
Support for highly skilled professionals
If you are highly educated and do not yet speak Dutch fluently, VDAB offers extra guidance to help you enter the Belgian job market.
- Career coaching helps you plan your job search step by step
- Job matching connects your qualifications and experience to suitable vacancies
- Newcomer guidance is available even if you are not registered as unemployed
VDAB can also issue a Bemiddelingsvoucher, which gives you the right to one-to-one career coaching with a dedicated advisor. Ask your VDAB consultant during your appointment whether you qualify for one.
Career guidance for partners and spouses
Moving for your partner's job does not mean putting your own career on hold. IHWF can point you toward career guidance offices and support services in the region, and many partners find their qualifications need to go through a diploma recognition process before they are recognised in Belgium.
Building a network is often the fastest way in, and our community events are a practical, low-pressure way to meet people working in your field.
Good to know: register with VDAB even if you are not applying for unemployment benefits. Many companies in Flanders list their vacancies exclusively on the VDAB website, so registering gives you access to opportunities you will not find elsewhere.
If you are relocating with a partner, contact IHWF early — the sooner we know about your background, the sooner we can point you to the right people and services.
Sources
- VDAB
- VDAB - Working as a newcomer
- VDAB - Extra help for highly skilled, non-native speakers
