As the CV Doctor and former owner of Pro CV Services for 10+ years offering Executive CV Writing Services, I have worked with many clients targeting roles in Academia, EU institutions and International Agencies including but not limited to the European Commission, European Parliament, and numerous international organizations like NATO and the UN. There are also a wide range of EU national countries that need employees ‘On-the-ground’ in Belgium. Not surprisingly I have also witnessed firsthand the importance of speaking several languages for any role in Belgium.
Jobs in EU institutions (like the European Commission or Parliament) and other international organizations often require passing specific exams or competitions. The EPSO (European Personnel Selection Office) organizes recruitment exams for permanent positions in the EU. There are also many opportunities for short-term contract work or internships (known as stagiaire positions), which are often a gateway to permanent roles.
Brussels is officially bilingual, with French and Dutch as the two main languages In fact, finding work as a translator, linguist or speaker in Belgium and Brussels can be very doable, depending on course on your other experience and your ability to work in a multilingual international work environment where attention to detail, knowledge of EU law and an astute ability to navigate the complex EU structures that permeate every aspect of daily work in Brussels. In a nutshell, being multilingual is an absolute necessity when finding work in Belgium. The Job Market demands it. Your employer will seek it. Your daily work will require it.