What is the most usual way to get a job?
In the last years, visiting physically the potential employer and telling him: “I have seen your job offer, here I am for that position. I want it.” This is rare. It used to be the common approach some decades ago. Everyone is sending email these days. If someone goes directly to the company premises, it means that he/she is motivated, especially should you live in Esch and the position is in Remich. Public transport is free, but it takes time.
SMEs are receptive to such an approach but much less for financial service companies. The first impression really depends on the personality of the director of HR.
What are the most comprehensive job websites Luxembourg?
Moovijob.com, jobs.lu and the Adem website. On the latter, you can look for a position without being registered at the Adem. It is not very well known, but cross-border workers can also register. In the health and education sectors, one can find specialised offers on medination.lu. For the ones coming from far away, work-in-luxembourg.lu has been redesigned to attract experts for positions with the greatest shortage of staff.
Is the motivation letter as relevant as jobseekers might think?
Yes, for many employers. New technologies are rendering the letter and the resume less personal, though, thanks to keyword techniques. The motivation letter enables employers to better assess rigour and the reasons for applying for a position. It has even become more important for senior positions. Avoiding spelling mistakes is key.
What are the sectors in dire need of applicants?
Many. Healthcare tends to be too often forgotten. Nurses, caregivers, doctors; generalists and specialists. The perception of the needs for the sector has changed with the advent of the covid crisis. It has opened the eyes of many. If France would have closed the border, Luxembourg would have ceased to exist. The health ministry has, last year, launched a campaign to attract back home the Luxembourg doctors living abroad.
There are still issues when it comes to diploma recognition. Elsewhere, the financial sector is in constant demand. IT is also a constant challenge. This is also true with training. Indeed, we struggle to keep up with the speed of change in the sector.
Finding truck drivers is also an issue. The job may look easy at first sight, but you may have to be away from the family for four or five days. Craftmanship is also challenging. Nowadays, a carpenter must be able to design plans on a computer, a role that has nothing to do with what was required 20 years ago.
What are the best networking events to meet with potential employers?
Not being a club member of certain associations or federations is often a stumbling block for jobseekers. Before becoming an employee, it is difficult to access many networking events. Otherwise, free networking events are hard to think of apart from Paperjam events. We are sometimes inviting jobseekers to participate to events such as the 10X6 when a speaker(s) will cover a topic of interest. After losing his or her job, Adem thinks that networking helps jobseekers to boost their morale.
How to make the best use of social media?
Employ a coach. Personal branding is crucial nowadays. I always input the name of a candidate on Google. The first apps coming up are Facebook and Instagram. You should ensure a certain level of privacy. Elsewhere, the best [business site] in Luxembourg is Linkedin. You must take care of it, avoiding silly contents with a serious picture.
This article first appeared in the 2024-2025 Paperjam Expat Guide.
