You’re done with your studies and now you want to finally dive into the job market in Luxembourg? All you need is to get that first job? Although a CV and a motivational message are crucial parts of any application processes, there are some details that might differ depending on where you are applying. As Luxembourg is a multicultural country with companies that are just as international, it might not always be clear in which language to apply or what to focus on when you apply for a first job there. But don’t worry, we will guide you so that you know how to apply for your first job in Luxembourg.
How to find the job?
As with most things, the internet is a valuable resource for job seekers in Luxembourg. Job boards such as Moovijob.com allow you to have a look at thousands of job offers that are available in Luxembourg and make it possible to apply directly online.
However, if you’re still unsure whether the company you’re applying to truly suits you or if you simply want to discuss face-to-face with key players of the labor market, visiting a career fair such as Unicareers that is tailored to students and young graduates is a great alternative. There you can meet Luxembourgish companies and hand them your CV in person, increasing your chances of getting noticed.
Another option is to check out a professional social network, such as LinkedIn, to see what job ads are posted by companies that interest you. Social networks are also another great way to get in touch with workers at the company. If you have a question about the work environment and the team, do not hesitate to send them a short, friendly message, asking about how they like working there. This way you can see for yourself, if the company might be a good fit for you.
The question of languages
In a country such as Luxembourg with three official languages, it might not be directly clear in which language to write your CV and motivational message. A good rule of thumb is to write your application documents in the same language(s) as the job ad. If the job ad is published in English, French and German, you could send them your CV in all three languages. This is also a good way to showcase your language skills. 😉
Since languages play a very important role on the labor market in Luxembourg, you should always indicate your language proficiency on your CV. The most common and easily understood way to do this is the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Photo or no photo?
As opposed to some countries such as Canada or the USA, it is okay to add a photo to your CV in Luxembourg. Only if the company specifies in their job ad that they do not want a CV with a photo, you should avoid adding one. In general, however, you can decide for yourself, as Luxembourg recruiters are used to seeing both CVs with and without a photo.
No work experience? No problem!
Although it is certainly a good idea to do an internship or take a student job before applying to your first job, this might not always be possible. Adding additional experiences such as projects you have completed at university or in school can enhance your CV. The same goes with volunteering work. No matter, if you have worked as a tutor, a coach or in an animal shelter, adding this experience can be a good way to fill in the blanks on your CV and showcase your commitment.
Tailor your application to the job offer and the company
It’s such an easy thing to do, yet most candidates don’t take the time to tailor their application to the job ad and the company. Most recruiters can spot from a mile away if you have reused the exact same application over and over again. However, if you want to stand out and show the recruiters that you are THE perfect fit for the job, your application should also fit the job ad and the company.
A good way to do so is to scan the job ad for important keywords. In every job ad, you will find the characteristics and skills the candidate must possess in order to be eligible for the position, such as language proficiency, IT skills or personal qualities. Do not forget to use these keywords in your CV, as these are the ones the recruiters will be looking for.
Another way to tailor your application to the job ad, is to mention only the work experiences that are in line with the job. If you have already done five internships in all kinds of sectors, you shouldn’t mention all of them. Focus on the ones that are truly relevant to the job ad and in line with the sector you are applying in. But that is by far not all. There are many different ways to tailor your application:
- Adapt the design of your application to the company by reusing their brand colors on your CV;
- Add a personalized message on the top of your CV that explains in 1-3 short sentences who you are and why you are the perfect candidate for the job;
- Look up the company and the way they communicate and try to adapt their style by using keywords they often mention or writing in an informal way if they do so as well.
If you need a boost for creating your CV, there are tools available such as CV•Boost, which helps you design your CV and gives you personalised advice!
We wish you lots of luck with your application and hope that you get the job you deserve in Luxembourg! 😍
Find information about living and working in Luxembourg on our blog and check out our career events.
