JobSearch in Flanders

VDAB

• 17 March – Oostende (Stadion KVD)
• 28 April – Roeselare (Schiervelde)
• 21 May – Waregem (Waregem Expo)
• 17 September – Kuurne (Kubox)
• 29 October – Tielt (Europahal)
   

Jobhappening Kortrijk

• 19 March – Kortrijk (Expo Kortrijk)

Jobvillage

• 12 March – Bruges (BMCC)
• 17 March – Ypres (Zaal Fenix)
• 19 March – Waregem (Expo Waregem)
• 26 March – Roeselare (Happie)
   

As the Chamber of Commerce, we thrive in connecting businesses in the region and advocating in the political context. 

We provide general information about the current labour market situation, including the key figures, labour shortage situation, etc.

To do so, we give relevant online information sessions every year and are invited to host in-person sessions at educational institutions to help students with their first step into the local labour market.

Our next job-related online information session is scheduled: https://www.internationalhousewestflanders.be/join-our-community/events-internationals/job-market-west-flanders-online-information-session

Starting from 2026, we are organizing more and more job-related events. 

Among all, we have scheduled a full-day workshop where participants will receive particular training on things to prepare for the Flemish labour market considering its local culture as well as two networking events where participants are invited to share and introduce their own expertises between each other.

Besides, individuals can always make an online consultation (through Contact page) with our coordinator for some relevant questions or basic CV-screening and suggestions.

"I have two master's degree. I have been applying for jobs but kept being rejected because I don't speak Dutch."

"Due to internal budget cut, I have just been laid off. I am left with 90 days to look for another job before I am deported."

As difficult as situations can become, our one-on-one consultation serves its purpose as a gateway to support internationals as much as we are capable of. While there are certain legal limitations, as International House West Flanders, we guide international talents through potential pathways, solutions, and connect individuals with experts of certain areas when necessary.

Here is the link to book an online appointment: https://www.internationalhousewestflanders.be/contact

After each consultation, individuals are contacted with a follow-up mail with some suggested steps to follow according to their situation.

These guidances include what the requirements are for the application of Single Permit (work permit), where you can start with jobsearch or reach out for one-on-one matching, and so on.

Depending on where an individual has obtained their highest education diploma, there are different procedures and requirements when it comes to application. There is no EU-wide recognition of academic diplomas, therefore, any diploma from outside of the country itself should be double-checked. 

In some cases, individuals are asked to go through an authorization process with their diploma. Such a requirement vary from region to region in Belgium. 

For Flanders, you can contact NARIC FLANDERS, the institution responsible for recognition of foreign qualifications

This information can be found with more dedication on Employment Contract page.

Where can you start with your jobsearch?

To begin with, you must create a profile on the website of VDAB, the public employment service in Flanders. By appointment of each city, they will provide you with general guidance on what the next steps are for you.

• Jobsites: Monster, Jobat, Stepstone, Vacature.com
• Social Media: LinkedIn, Facebook
• Governmental resource: workinflanders.be by VDAB
• EURES - European Employment Network

On a CV, it is important to outline and highlight your asset as efficiently as possible.

Are you having trouble organizing your information or structuring your lay-out? Here are some templates available online:

• Europass
• OpenCV
• VDAB Template
• Online Platforms: Canva, VisualCV, Hloom, Jobseeker

Depending on the sector, region, and company scale, Dutch language might not always be compulsory during job application. However, our observation does show that most employers in our region have preference towards talents that have at least a moderate level of Dutch language. 

While certain job positions might not require Dutch language such as engineering and IT sector, it is agreed that learning the local language helps speeding up individual's integration process. As a result, employers appreciate when talents can not only perform their job well but also blend into other local colleagues at ease. 

For this above reason, we often suggest talents to take initiative on learning Dutch language while applying for jobs. Some organizations offer lessons every other month or every semester, for example: CVO, SNT... Some companies collaborate with private institutions such as BLCC for particular language training after onboarding. This should be agreed upon bilaterally while signing the contract.

Besides formal classes, there are also some informal language practice moments in different cities, visit Dutch in Practice.