Expats in the Job Market

Foreigners are prominent in Luxembourg's job market. There are more than 40 percent foreigners in the general population. Because of this and Luxembourg's own international flavor, many jobs require several languages. The most popular is French, but German and English are also highly valued.

Resume / CV

Resume versus CV

Resume- brief overview of work and educational experience. Prominent in the US when applying for employment. Typically one page.

CV (curriculum vitae)- more in depth look at work and educational experience. Prominent in Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Typically two or more pages.

Layout

A CV or resume may be required for a professional position. The document should contain (in reverse chronological order - most recent activity first):

Contact Information: Relevant personal contact information at the top of the page including:
name
phone number
fax number
address
email address

Education: This section should come before work experience if you are in school or have been out of school for one to three years, depending on your level of work experience and how relevant your education is to your career.

Certificates & Diplomas: Courses, seminars, congresses or conferences that are relevant in relation to the position. Note if you received any special honors. A Certificate of Experience is valuable if you hold 3-6 years practical experience, especially if you are self-employed in a trade. If it is in another language besides French, German, or English, get an officially translated copy.

Languages: This is extremely relevant to an international job. List which languages you speak and your level: advanced, intermediate or beginner. Point out if you can translate, speak, or write in each language and list any associated degrees. Be sure to have a native speaker read it first, punctuation and grammar are extremely important.

Computer Skills: Programs, applications, word processing, database, Internet, etc.

Interests: You may include personal interests such as hobbies, sports, activities.

Photograph: A quality head shot is often included.

Tips

• Large international firms will often expect CVs in English while smaller, local companies will probably prefer CVs in the language the ad is posted in.
• Style should be straightforward. Use standard paper and a simple font, such as Times New Roman (12 font) or Arial (10) font
• Print original copies on high quality paper - don't send photocopies.
• Note that Luxembourgers tend to be modest so balance highlighting your strengths without bragging.
• Be neat. Take care with the presentation, design, spaces, and spelling of your resume. Don't use abbreviations.
• Make sure your CV is as organized as possible, so the information can be found easily.
• You do not need to date or sign your resume.
• Have a base CV that you can adjust to each job you are applying for.

Cover Letter

A cover letter usually accompanies a CV in a job application. In the format of a letter, it establishes your tone and intent. Letters are usually hand-written in French or English. Also known as a cover letter, covering letter, motivation letter, or letter of motivation.

Format
• Header - Standard business letter style, with the sender's address and other information, the recipient's contact information, and the date sent after either the sender's or the recipient's address. The final part of the header is a salutation (i.e., "Dear Hiring Managers").
• Introduction - The introduction briefly states the specific position desired, and should be designed to catch the employer's immediate interest.
• Body - Highlights material in the resume or job application, and explains why the job seeker is interested in the job and would be of value to the employer. Also, matters discussed typically include skills, qualifications, and past experience. If there are any special things to note such as availability date, they may be included as well.
• Closing - Sums up the letter and indicates the next step the applicant expects to take. It may indicate that the applicant intends to contact the employer, although many favor the more indirect approach of simply saying that the applicant will look forward to hearing from or speaking with the employer. After the closing is a valediction ("Sincerely"), and then a signature line. Optionally, the abbreviation "ENCL" may be used to indicate that there are enclosures.

Resources

For some basic templates for CVs and cover letters, try Career Lab, Great CV's, or the Career Resource Center.

Job Search

A checklist of what you need to start your Luxembourg career:
• Write a curriculum vitae (CV)
• Research potential employers
• Find job opportunities
• Write cover letters
• Complete job applications
• Interview
• Follow-Up
• Get hired!

After you have completed your CV, it is time to search for jobs.

Search Engines

• http://english.monster.lu or http://francais.monster.lu
• http://en.jobs.lu
• http://luxembourg.expatjobs.eu
• http://web.saint-paul.lu/
• http://www.overseasjobs.com/
• http://www.stepstone.com/

EURES

As part of the EU, job seekers can access the European job mobility portal EURES. This resource provides information about job vacancies and the labor market. It also provides information on the living and working conditions, and a CV posting service.

The government employment service, Administration de l'Emploi (ADEM), used to be the only legally authorized recruitment agency in Luxembourg. Many offices still list job openings here. ADEM also offers language training for foreigners. Non-EU citizens can also register with the national employment office to look for work.

There is a much longer application process which can include aptitude tests.

Networking

If you know anyone in Luxembourg- get in touch! It's not necessarily what you know, but who you know. Friends and family, or any contact you have in your desired business may know of a position.

Expat job listings are a great place to look for jobs. The expat forums also offer helpful tips and advice and the chance to make important contacts.

There are also online social networks like Linkedin which allows for people to make business contacts.

Newspaper

Several papers have a helpful classified's section.

These include:
• Financial Times's classified's (Wednesday and Thursday for the UK edition, Friday for the international edition)
• Luxemburger Wort (Wednesday and Saturday)
• Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (Saturday jobs section)
• Wall Street Journal
• The Economist
• International Herald Tribune

Interview

Interviews are a chance for a company to get to know you before hiring you. Research the company before the interview to discover their missions and direction. It is not uncommon for there to be a series of interviews. Expect to be asked personal details such as your date of birth, your marital status, and if you have children. The interviewer may also ask you why you want to move to Luxembourg. Answer honestly and completely to make sure this is a good fit for you and the company.

If you are applying form abroad, it may begin with a phone interview. If that goes well, it may be followed by a interview in person where the company usually pays for your flight and accommodations. This is usually a long process and many take several months.

Tips for an Interview in person
• Dress neatly and conservatively.
• Arrive on time.
• Bring your CV, business card, and copies of the certificates.
• Ask questions. Demonstrate your knowledge and interest.
• Thank the interviewer for their time.

Contract

Most jobs rely on an employment contract. The contract must be in writing and can include details of the type of work to be done, duration, salary, and benefits.

It is common to have a probational period at a new job. The length and requirements of this period should be detailed within the contract, including what should happen if either side wishes to terminate the contract.

Teaching English

As in many countries expats reside in, teaching English is a common position. Most language schools require applicants to have TEFL course certificates, a college degree, and adequate visa clearance and registration.

Schools

• Inlingua Luxembourg
• International School of Luxembourg
• IT Linguistics Institute
• St George's International School

Private Lessons

It is also an option to work for yourself. Private Lessons are usually more profitable per hour, but means a lot of hard work to find your own customers. he best way to get private students is to post advertisements in business newspapers, on bulletin boards, or offer your resume on expat forums job listings.

Temporary Agencies

If you are in need of short-term work, there are agencies that will find you employment. As an added bonus, sometimes short-term work can lead to longer contract.

• Manpower Luxembourg
• Kelly Services Luxembourg
• Adecco Luxembourg
• Randstad Luxembourg

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