Search Q&A
Non EU citizen searching for a job
Hello members,
I am a Ugandan by nationality but currently residing in Brussels. I have the F residential permit. I have no work experience in Belgium but i previously worked as a community development facilitator with a local NGO (Partners for Children Worldwide Funded by ChildFund International) in Uganda from 2010 to 2016. It works with vulnerable children and families. I am currently searching for any job except cleaning. I speak English (perfectly) and French (level 4). I have subscribed to actiris, stepstone, monster jobs,indeed jobs and many other websites and also submitted dozens of applications but no response. I would greatly appreciate any recommendations and advice.
Thank you very much
What is "level 4"?
Use the Common European Language Framework
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_European_Framework_of_Reference_for...
And maybe "westernise" your name. Closet racism is a fact of life. Unfortunately.
The unfortunate fact is that you have no Belgian qualifications, no Belgian experience and you don't speak even basic Dutch. Cleaning, or possibly call centre, work is probably about all there is that is available to you.
Have you asked Actiris about possible training? And also ask them to evaluate your French on the official A1-A2-B1-B2-C1-C2 scale, and find out what opportunities they offer for learning Dutch.
Maybe not a real job , but good to start ; try the temp agencies , like adecco manpower , and so on , they are now often the first step towards a normal job, as many of the bigger companies , always recrute through "interim agencies" .
Dear Friend,
Good luck to you in your job search. People like Because (most probably British) shows a clear rascism towards you by finding you fit to cleaning jobs. Do not be put off by these people. Networking is important in Belgium. You have to get to know people, friends' friends, etc can be helpful/ Belgium is the beginning of Southern Europe practices. You have to know people to get jobs. Good luck!
Becasse is Belgian and he isn't being at all racist, just realistic. Belgium thrives on its "diplômes" (or whatever the Dutch and German speakers call them) and if you don't have one much of the job market is effectively closed to you, whatever your experience. Hence my suggestion that you should seek advice from Actiris on training.
borrow money and get a waffle truck....get a job cleaning houses...walking dogs...whatever..... So you have an F Card which means your "wife" has a job or you wouldn't have the F Card. Did you seriously think that finding a job would be easy for you here ?
Try contacting MSF (https://www.msf-azg.be/fr) your job experience is probably related to what they do. I worked with them too when I first arrived to Belgium (with no Belgian certificate). You may also try "https://www.medecinsdumonde.be/vacatures/siege-major-donors-fundraiser-hfx" and "https://jobs.croix-rouge.be/".
send them open applications if you don't find anything relevant at the moment. and of course don't forget to make follow-up contact with them.
In the meantime, check "https://www.cefora.be/jobber" for interesting trainings to obtain Belgian certificates.
Good luck with your job search :)
Hello! I'm seeing a bunch of negativity being wrapped up as 'reality'- the REALITY is, my friend, that yes racism and 'preferences' exist- however with a truly good CV, and a long concentrated effort you will succeed in the job search! I suggest a really focused search of all NGO's, non-profits, etc.. and organisations with similar profile to your previous job. Don't be discouraged, it can take weeks, or months to find the right job. Be patient, and confident. Present yourself well, practice interview skills, dress conservatively/ professionally (look online for modern examples of business casual look in western European fashion), a cool demeanor, good hygiene and you'll go far. Shake hands, speak with many, attend lectures, open door days etc..You'll get something! Good luck!
