In 2024, there were over 300,000 open vacancies in Flanders, including more than 30,000 in Limburg, Belgium. Your new job is undoubtedly among them, but how do you choose the right one to work in Limburg?
Know Yourself
Searching for a new job can be challenging. Where do you start?
First, reflect on your passions and interests. What do you enjoy doing and why? Do you like working with your hands, for example, in mechanics? A blue-collar role might be right for you.
Prefer working with your mind? Are you drawn to data analysis, programming, or human interaction? Then an office job could be a better fit.
Which sector appeals to you? Do you want to work in a factory or in construction?
List your skills and qualifications to compare with job postings. Don’t aim too high, but don’t underestimate yourself either.
Consider your personal life. Do you have children and need to be home on time daily? A job with rotating shifts may not suit you, and a part-time role might be better. If you have few responsibilities and value income, a continuous shift system could be a better match than a standard day shift.
Research the Employer
The job description matters, but the employer is just as important. Does their work align with your interests? In which sector do they operate? Do their values align with yours?
Take these steps to learn more:
- Visit their website: This provides insight into the organization and often showcases employees, your potential colleagues.
- Ask your network: Friends or acquaintances with experience at the employer can offer valuable insights.
- Explore the company culture: Inquire about the work environment, for example, during an interview. Is the culture informal with few rules, but do you need structure? It’s likely not a good fit.
How large is the company? Do you prefer a small family business over a company with 1,000 employees? Tailor your choice accordingly.
Stay Flexible and Trust Your Instincts
Flexibility pays off. A job might seem ambitious, but take a chance if you see realistic opportunities. Don’t be ashamed to take a simpler role to prove yourself. Recruitment trends show that when both employers and jobseekers lower their expectations, matches happen faster.
Sometimes, a choice just feels right. Combine your instincts with factual information for a well-informed decision.
Good luck finding a job that suits you!
