Having recently graduated? If yes, you are among the favorable category that Belgium is looking for. But, after the pandemic, it is not easy to enter the labor market. Job offers are sometimes targeting experienced applicants. Each year, employment agencies register thousands of Brussels residents as jobseekers for the first time. What should be the best professional resolutions for Belgian graduates?

Entry-level Employment in Belgium:

In Belgium, the job market is focusing on computing and healthcare specialists. Being far from these specialties, applicants will either go for other businesses and firms, which will create accumulation there. Even employers will struggle to recruit staff, despite the growing number of new graduates. If you are a new graduate and you are curious about positions that offer good employment prospects, sign up to Fratres. Fratres is a job search engine designed to guide new graduates towards the best opportunities.

Are New Graduates Wanted in Belgium?

New graduates are wanted everywhere and not only in Belgium. But, the right question that should be highlighted is; which type of candidate will find a job faster? will they be  apprentices, or degree holders? According to recent surveys, more than 70% of applicants find employment faster with an apprenticeship diploma. Concerning those with higher qualifications, their employment will face certain selective criteria such as competitive exams and tests. Around 1 out of 3 graduates will find a job in teaching, 1 out of 4 in administrative jobs, 1 out of 5 in accountancy and managerial positions. What can be the best tips for graduates to boost their chances in employment. Here are 7 reasons why graduates are appreciated

1.They can pursue a Vocational Training:

Training that leads directly to the job market automatically gives access to a job. This concerns both healthcare and technical courses. For example, there are training courses in cooking, baking, or construction. Demands in these fields depend on the area and the needs of customers. Other fields such as computing, healthcare, mechanics offer many opportunities for their graduates. Take a look at; The Story Of Apprenticeships Has Just Gone Viral!

2. They can Join the Paramedical Fields:

Several paramedical professions are appearing this year in the lists of the Brussels offices for employment. Nurses, caregivers and healthcare assistants are on the top post-pandemic list. Despite many other medical shortages, paramedical staff can better organize medical services in Belgium.

3. They meet the Professional Standards:

Promising employment sectors change according to the supply and demand of the country. In Belgium, many interests are given to architecture, followed by social work, paramedical and nursing studies. In some areas, the rise in demand increases in psychology, economics and computer science. Job perspectives for foreigners also depend on the current needs. Once foreign applicants get the required permits, including their contract type, they can positively contribute to the Belgian economy. The situation in Belgium is encouraging self-employment. Employers calculate that a rewarded internship paid as a percentage of the minimum wage always costs less than a young graduate.

4. They Compete for a Position:

Roles are now reversed between the candidate and the recruiter! Back in the days in Belgium, companies and academic institutions used to chase future and recent graduates, to come and work for them. Nowadays, the situation has changed: you have to put more effort into "selling" yourself to recruiters. You should always demonstrate your eligibility for the job and your commitment to work. These plans can be through a well written CV, cover letter and encouraging reviews from previous employers.

5. They  Understand the Work Culture in Belgium

Belgium has a fairly traditional work environment similar to the French employment system. As an applicant, to understand the work culture of your target job, you need to choose the ideal employment contract. In Belgium, professional security depends on the type of contract you have chosen. In all cases, Belgium has very strict employee protection laws, some of which date back to the 1950s. Although changes have been made in order to adapt to a more competitive environment, the general working rules are almost the same.

6. They Gather Information on Rights and Duties:

As a new graduate, you need to check the general requirements of your target job. In Belgium, the working hours are 8 hours a day, five days a week. in Some fields, employers provide payment for additional hours and elevated performances. Concerning holidays, employees are entitled to 28 days of paid annual vacation.  If you get sick, you can stay at home for the first day. You can request a sick leave by the second day through submitting a doctor's certificate with a written request to obtain a sick leave. In case of a prolonged illness, you will receive money from your Social Security insurance. Insurance in Belgium is usually deducted from your salary.

7. They Put Effort at Every Job Applications  

Your job application is an important step to get a job. The successful application will eventually lead to a job interview, which will not exceed 2 weeks to respond to you. As a fresh graduate you need to prepare a perfect application file to land on a job. This application includes:

• Written job application
• A CV and a cover letter
• A passport copy ( in case of being a foreigner)
• Testimonials from previous activities or employments
• Testimonials from trainings or seminars

If you apply for a job in Belgium, your application must be written in French. You should master and provide the main communication tools, as English is not very common there. Your application documents should be legally recognized and officially signed.

These were the 7 tips for new graduates to get appreciated in Belgium. Getting an entry-level job is possible in many recruiting areas. Fields like teaching, finance, and accounting are accessible through passing national exams and tests. Other professions are not accessible to foreigners such as police and military servicese