Job search: how to find a job?

Are you looking for a job or internship in Luxembourg?

Finding a job can sometimes be a long and difficult process. Here are our recommendations to help you improve your search and find a job quickly and easily in Luxembourg.

Our 5 tips for an effective job search

Before you start actively searching, here are a few tips to give you the best chance of success in your job search in Luxembourg.

Improve your language skills

Multilingualism: an asset when looking for work in Luxembourg

The job market in Luxembourg is unique. Above all, it is international and multilingual. Finding a job in Luxembourg requires a more or less in-depth knowledge of languages, depending on the sectors and professions you are targeting.

Are you bilingual or trilingual? These are significant assets. Highlight these strengths on your resume. Do you only speak your native language? Depending on the sectors you are targeting, learning a few phrases in Luxembourgish will help you make initial contacts.

Do you have time? Don't hesitate to invest in language courses. There are many training organizations available. This will allow you to strengthen your language skills and improve your chances of finding a job.

Languages used in the Luxembourg workplace

French remains the most widely used language in the workplace. It is spoken by 80% of workers in Luxembourg, across all sectors.

Due to the many nationalities present in Luxembourg, English is the preferred language of foreign residents. It is the second most widely spoken language in Luxembourg. It is used extensively in the financial, banking, and insurance sectors.

Luxembourgish is the preferred language of native Luxembourgers. They readily useit at work, along with German. It is the third most widely used language in professional exchanges.

Don't hesitate to use a certified translator. This will enable you to provide official translations of all your documents if they are not written in one of the official languages, German, English, or French.

Linguistic particularities according to sector of activity

The public sector and the health sector require knowledge of Luxembourgish.

Working in the craft and industrial sectors requires knowledge of German.

The financial and consulting sectors are predominantly English-speaking.

Keep an eye on job openings

Keeping up to date with the news, especially when looking for a job , is the best way to identify sectors that are growing and therefore recruiting. You may even find companies directly looking for someone with your profile.

Following the news will also allow you to engage in more in-depth discussions with your future employer during a job interview. You will demonstrate your determination and open-mindedness, highlighting the personal skills that are essential for joining a company.

To do this, check out our page on the media available in Luxembourg.

Strengthen your networking to facilitate your job search

Luxembourg is a small country. You will put all the odds in your favor by creating your personal network and working on it. In Luxembourg, many positions are filled through contacts and networking.

Even acquaintances outside of work can let you know about job openings or put you in touch with a company that is hiring.

Don't hesitate to participate in networking events in Luxembourg. There are a number of them, organized by expat associations, the media, etc. Websites such as Eventbrite and Meetup list events that are ideal for meeting as many people as possible. The important thing in Luxembourg is to know people!

Don't forget to activate your LinkedIn profile. Make sure it is up to date. Showcase your skills and get in touch with potential employers. Write a personalized message, which is always more appealing than an automated message! Follow companies that interest you on social media and interact with them.

Organize your job search in Luxembourg

For an effective job search, it's not enough to just send out CVs indiscriminately. Apply for positions that match your profile. Revise your CV and cover letter for each position. Be aware that search engines are increasingly used to select CVs. Make sure your resume highlights the keywords corresponding to the job posting.

Set yourself daily or weekly goals for your job search: number of resumes sent, number of phone calls made, number of informal contacts to whom you mention that you are looking for a job.

Keep an up-to-date file with the companies, people you have contacted, and the positions you are applying for. Don't hesitate to follow up with your contacts.

Also, don't forget to have your foreign qualifications recognized in Luxembourg and validate your professional experience. Take care of this now. You won't be caught off guard if a potential employer asks you for the equivalence of your foreign qualifications.

Stay positive in your job search

In Luxembourg, as elsewhere, job hunting is a long-distance race.

You will undoubtedly receive rejections, or even no response to your letters. Don't be discouraged and stay positive. Ask yourself why your application was not accepted by companies. Correct any shortcomings and improve your weak points.

Continue to be physically and socially active. The great outdoors and nature in Luxembourg can be a wonderful remedy for depression. Take a walk in the forest. Whatever the season, they are magnificent. Go out to the parks. Get some fresh air and continue to go out and meet people.

During a job interview, your employer will immediately notice your positive attitude. That's already several points in your favor for the future.

Are you over 45? Companies receive subsidies on employer contributions when hiring a senior citizen.

Get help finding work

In Luxembourg, there are many intermediaries and tools available to help you in your search.

Find our Employer Fact Sheets here with job offers from our partners.

ADEM, Agency for the Development of Employment in Luxembourg

ADEM is the state agency that helps people looking for work in Luxembourg.

Register as a job seeker in Luxembourg

To register as a job seeker, contact the ADEM agency in your place of residence or register directly online via your myGuichet.lu account. The list of ADEM agencies is available on the ADEM website. You can also register online on the ADEM website or by telephone. Please note that your registration as a job seeker will only take effect on the date of your first personal visit to the ADEM.

Registering online via MyGuichet.lu is very simple. All you need to do is enter some information about your profile, level of education, etc., indicate the field in which you are looking for a job, and then upload your resume, educational qualifications, and other supporting documents such as your identity document, driver's license, proof of qualifications, etc.

Registration for job seekers in Luxembourg

Anyone who meets the necessary conditions to work in Luxembourg can register with ADEM. Are you a cross-border worker? You can also register, even if you already have a job or are looking for one. Are you self-employed? Find all the information you need here to claim unemployment benefits.

When you register, the ADEM reception desk will give you a "Job Seeker's Guide" containing all the useful and necessary information, as well as a questionnaire to complete. You will then be interviewed by an advisor who will take charge of your file.

What are the advantages of registering with ADEM?

By registering with ADEM, you will receive assistance in your job search in Luxembourg. Individual interviews, workshops, and career guidance will help you find a job. In addition, you will receive job offers that match your profile.

The ADEM has different action plans depending on your age and situation. You will be interviewed regularly. Your job search plan will be reviewed to ensure that all the necessary steps are taken to make your job search successful.

The ADEM also provides vocational training to help you find work more quickly. Job seekers are eligible for coverage of the costs of vocational training under certain conditions.

What compensation is available for unemployed people in Luxembourg?

ADEM is the official body responsible for unemployment benefits. To be eligible, you must meet the conditions for compensation and complete an application with ADEM.

The amount of any unemployment benefits will be calculated based on your last salary and any additional income you may have received. These may be deducted from your theoretical benefits.

Are you self-employed? You are also entitled to unemployment benefits.

For applications for supplementary income for severely disabled persons (RGPH), please contact the ADEM.

For more information on job hunting and the ADEM

Recruitment agencies in Luxembourg

Are you looking for a job in Luxembourg? Get help from recruitment agencies. They will assist you in your job search. They can also help you determine your salary range based on your qualifications. In addition, they will act as a liaison with potential employers during the recruitment process.

By registering with these agencies, you will be entered into their database. This will increase your chances of finding a job that matches your profile and skills, thanks to their in-depth knowledge of the Luxembourg job market.

Temporary employment agencies in Luxembourg

Temporary work or interim management on a fixed-term contract can be an excellent springboard to finding a permanent contract. Don't overlook this option.

Temporary assignments allow you to get a foot in the door at companies. During the assignment, you will be able to showcase your skills and make yourself known. If a position becomes available, you will be in the best position to fill it.

Working on several assignments allows you to gain experience and strengthen your skills in your field of activity. You are paid and contribute to your retirement pension at the same time, while also benefiting from statutory leave.

Portal on job mobility in Europe, EURES

Feel free to visit the European Commission's EURES job portal. There you will find a wealth of information about employment in Luxembourg (and other European countries). You can even post your resume there for Luxembourg and European employers to see.

Other organizations for finding a job in Luxembourg

There are also other associations that are useful to know about to help you in your job search.

• ASTI is an association that supports immigrant workers. With its Coach4Work project launched in 2022, ASTI provides individual support to job seekers through volunteer coaches. The aim is to give people who are unfamiliar with the Luxembourg job market some guidance on how to look for work more effectively.
• Zarabina is an association whose goal is to offer free training (particularly in languages) and advice to job seekers.
• Initiativ Rëm Schaffen asbl offers free career guidance by appointment, as does the Jeune Chambre Economique, which specializes in advising young entrepreneurs and supporting workers.
• Do you have an appointment with a potential employer and need free advice or a makeover to put the odds in your favor? The volunteers at Dress for Success will be happy to give you a helping hand before your interview.

Get support from a coach

As a trailing spouse, it can be difficult to find your place in the job market. To put the odds in your favor, get support and invest in expatriate coaching.

Job alerts on Luxembourg job boards

In Luxembourg, there are many websites that list job offers in various fields and professions.

Registering on specialized job portals in Luxembourg remains one of the best ways to obtain a complete list of positions that may match your profile. Consulting these job boards will allow you to remain proactive in the job market.

To make sure you don't miss out on your dream job, don't hesitate to set up alerts on these websites specializing in job searches.You can even receive a personalized selection of offers matching your profile by email.

To access these job offers, visit the following websites (non-exhaustive list)

• www.jobs.lu
• www.efinancialcareers.lu
• www.ictjob.lu
• www.jobfinder.lu
• www.monster.com
• www.moovijob.com
• www.letzrecruit.lu
• work-in-luxembourg.lu
  ...

These websites remain one of the best ways to find a job in Luxembourg that matches your profile and requirements.

Attend job fairs

Are you looking for a job or an internship in Luxembourg? Are you unemployed, a newcomer, or the spouse of an expatriate? Are you a student? Whatever your situation, don't hesitate to attend job fairs.

Why attend job fairs in Luxembourg?

• Job fairs are a unique opportunity to meet as many recruiters as you want in a single day.
• By actively participating in recruitment fairs , you are guaranteed to have a large number of interviews.
• Many partners and training organizations participate in job fairs. They are there to advise you in your job search and help you improve your employability.
• Recruitment professionals host a number of conferences on the topic of employment.

Job fairs are regularly organized in Luxembourg. Stay informed about the latest news on these career fairs in Luxembourg. Don't miss the events organized by Moovijob.com:

• Moovijob Day, the largest job fair in the Greater Region, where you can meet recruiters.
• Moovijob Night, enjoy an evening cocktail party to meet recruiters in the fields of finance, law, consulting, and more
• Unicareers Fair dedicated to young graduates and students looking for an internship or job.

Each career event has its own specific features and a different format: traditional job fairs held during the day, evening networking events in a more relaxed setting, fairs dedicated to students and recent graduates, etc. You are sure to find one that suits your profile.

Other ways to find a job in Luxembourg

Do volunteer work while waiting for a paid job

Don't overlook volunteering as a way to find work. Once again, it allows you to make yourself known and showcase your skills. Several social organizations are among the largest employers in Luxembourg.

Working as a freelancer in Luxembourg

Can't find your dream job? Do you have specific skills? Have you considered freelancing? It's very common in Luxembourg and offers benefits equivalent to those of salaried employment.

Good luck with your search!

Be careful if you are considering moving abroad for work

Please note that some jobs require you to drive a vehicle and therefore hold a valid driver's license. To find out more about the steps you need to take to transfer your international driver's license to Luxembourg, we recommend consulting our guide on renewing your driver's license through the SNCA, an essential resource for newcomers.

When looking for a job in Luxembourg, you may also want to consider how to settle comfortably in this country and discover all the ins and outs of accommodation.

For those who are hesitant to move to the Grand Duchy, our page Living in Luxembourg: Challenges and Advantages offers valuable insight into the pros and cons of this adventure as described by expatriates.

Once you have found a job, it is essential to prepare for the administrative procedures involved in moving. This will allow you to settle in with peace of mind.

You can also download our Guide for New Arrivals in Luxembourg, a valuable tool for your relocation.