Looking for a job in Belgium in 2026? Whether you’re chasing your first full-time role after university or eyeing your next freelance mission, your resume is still the number one tool to open doors. But here’s the deal: the Belgian job market is evolving fast. Recruiters expect resumes that are clear, tailored, and professional — not just a list of dates and job titles.
So, how can you make your resume stand out in 2026? Grab your coffee, because we’re diving into the practical tips you need to create a resume that gets noticed.
Why a well-structured resume matters in today’s job market
In Belgium, competition for top jobs and freelance projects is high, especially for young professionals. Employers and clients often scan resumes quickly — sometimes for less than 10 seconds — before deciding if you’re worth a deeper look.
That’s why structure is key. A messy CV can make you look unorganized. A clean, modern setup, however, immediately shows professionalism and focus. Think of your resume as your personal brand: it’s the first step in telling your professional story.
Step 1: keep it simple and clean
No recruiter in Brussels, Antwerp, or Ghent is impressed by unnecessary graphics, flamboyant fonts, or rainbows of colors. A clean, readable structure always wins. Stick to:
- A one-page resume if you’re starting out, two pages max if you have more experience
- Clear headers such as Experience, Education, Skills, Languages, and Achievements
- A modern, easy-to-read font (Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica still work wonders)
Tip: Save your resume as a PDF — it ensures your layout stays intact when recruiters open it.
Step 2: tailor your resume to the job or mission
Gone are the days of sending the same resume to every job posting. Belgian employers and clients value personalization. Show them you’ve read the job description by highlighting the skills and achievements that really matter for that role.
For example:
- Applying for a digital marketing role in Brussels? Put your SEO and campaign results front and center.
- Pitching your services as a freelance graphic designer? Showcase your portfolio link and tangible client outcomes.
Little tweaks can make all the difference.
Step 3: highlight achievements, not just tasks
Anyone can list tasks like “responsible for social media.” But what recruiters in Belgium in 2026 want to see is impact. Think numbers. Think results.
Instead of:
- “Managed the company Instagram.” – Try: “Grew Instagram community by 120% in six months, generating 30% more leads.”
This makes you look like a professional who delivers — and that’s what employers and freelance clients love.
Step 4: don’t forget Belgium-specific strengths
Belgium is a multilingual country, so don’t underestimate the power of language skills on your resume. If you speak Dutch, French, and/or English, make sure that’s immediately visible.
Other must-haves on a Belgian resume include:
- Address or region: While exact addresses aren’t always needed, specifying where you’re based (e.g., Brussels, Antwerp) helps employers understand your availability.
- Date of birth: It’s optional, but still quite common in Belgium.
- Nationality: Not mandatory, but useful if you’re an international applying for local roles.
Step 5: add the right keywords (hello, 2026 ATS systems)
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) aren’t going anywhere — in fact, they’re only getting smarter. Many Belgian companies now scan resumes automatically to filter out candidates who don’t match keywords from the job description.
How to beat the bots?
- Mirror wording from the job post without copying awkwardly.
- Use strong action verbs: designed, analyzed, created, implemented.
- If you’re a freelancer, include keywords related to your specific niche — “freelance web developer Belgium” or “freelance HR consultant Brussels,” for example.
Step 6: include a personal touch
Yes, professionalism is important. But recruiters and freelance clients are human, too. Adding a short personal section about your passions, volunteering work, or exciting side projects can be a nice touch. It shows you’re a well-rounded person — not just a list of skills.
Extra hint for freelancers or people that want to become freelancer: if you’re still not sure whether the freelance lifestyle matches your profile, try our Workers freelance quiz to discover if freelancing suits you.
Common mistakes young professionals in Belgium still make
Let’s keep it real: even super talented candidates mess up their resumes by making these mistakes:
- Using too many buzzwords without proof (“team player,” “hard worker”).
- Forgetting to adapt for Belgium’s multilingual reality.
- Writing long paragraphs instead of short, easy-to-scan bullet points.
- Skipping contact info or forgetting a professional email address. (No, partyboy1998@gmail.com won’t cut it.)
Avoid these, and you’re already ahead of the competition.
Ready to set up your resume for 2026 success?
Creating a powerful resume isn’t about overthinking. It’s about clarity, focus, and tailoring your message to the opportunity at hand. Whether you’re applying as an employee in Flanders, Wallonia, or Brussels, or pitching yourself as a freelancer, your resume is your best first impression.
So invest a bit of time in it, and you’ll reap the rewards.
A strong resume gets you through the door — but your first days will solidify your impression. For tips on how to hit the ground running, see our guide on crushing your first days in a new job.
Workers — your career partner in Belgium
Ready to take the next step in your career? Whether you’re hunting for your dream job or your next freelance gig, at Workers, we’re here to support you every step of the way — from landing your first student job, to kickstarting your career, all the way through to retirement. We’re your partner for every stage of your professional journey.
Discover tailor-made opportunities today at www.workers.be.