Beyond the classic sections such as professional experience or education, there are strategic additions that can truly make a difference. Here are five essential elements to include in your CV – if you haven't already done so – to catch recruiters' attention and increase your chances of being shortlisted.
1. Clearly Identified Language Skills
In a trilingual country like Belgium, language proficiency is a fundamental selection criterion. Too often neglected or presented in an approximate manner, the "languages" section deserves special attention. It is recommended to indicate each language spoken as well as the level of proficiency, based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), ranging from A1 (beginner) to C2 (mastery).
Mentioning a "fluent" or "professional" level is no longer enough: recruiters are looking for precise and comparable information. Don't forget to also specify the context of use, for example in a professional setting or during an experience abroad. This precision not only shows your skills but also your ability to adapt in a multilingual environment, which is common in Belgium.
2. Digital Skills and Valued Certifications
Regardless of the position sought, mastery of digital tools is now essential. Well beyond classic office software, recruiters expect to see precise technical skills related to your profession: CRM, accounting software, data analysis tools, or collaborative platforms.
If you have completed training or obtained recognised certifications, such as advanced Excel, or a project management certification, it is strongly advised to mention them visibly. This type of information reassures the recruiter about your ability to be operational quickly, while demonstrating your willingness to continuously train yourself.
3. Soft Skills Illustrated with Concrete Examples
Technical skills are no longer enough to make a difference: recruiters are paying increasing attention to soft skills, those behavioural competencies that reflect your interpersonal abilities in a company. These can include your ability to work in a team, manage your time, solve problems or demonstrate adaptability.
For them to have a real impact on your CV, these qualities must be illustrated with concrete examples from your professional or associative background. Integrating these elements directly into the description of your experiences gives them credibility while highlighting your personality. In Belgium, where intercultural collaboration is frequent, soft skills represent a major asset.
4. Multicultural or International Experiences Highlighted
In a country as open to Europe as Belgium, profiles that have evolved in multicultural or international contexts are particularly sought after. Whether you have studied abroad, participated in an Erasmus exchange, worked in an international company or collaborated with teams spread across several countries, it is essential to make this clearly visible.
These experiences reflect not only an open mind and professional curiosity but also an ability to adapt to varied environments and navigate complex contexts. Even a long-term trip with professional or educational aims can be a plus, provided you know how to extract the skills acquired.
5. Personal Projects or Volunteer Commitments Revealing Your Potential
Often relegated to the bottom of the page or completely absent, personal projects and volunteer experiences are nevertheless fantastic indicators of your commitment, values and transversal skills.
Managing a professional blog, participating in the organisation of an event, an associative commitment or even creating a personal entrepreneurial project can give an additional dimension to your profile.
These activities demonstrate your spirit of initiative, your ability to think outside the box, and sometimes even transferable skills directly related to the coveted position. In a constantly evolving professional world, recruiters are increasingly attentive to these "outside the box" backgrounds that demonstrate passion and involvement.
Remember to Personalise Your CV for Each Opportunity
The effectiveness of a CV lies as much in its content as in its ability to meet the recruiter's expectations. By adding these five elements, you show not only that you are a complete candidate but also that you know how to adapt to the Belgian market context.
A well-structured CV, precise and rich in relevant information is a real lever to secure an interview. Take the time to reread yours, to enrich it with the elements mentioned, and above all, don't forget that a good CV is also a living CV, which must be adapted to each application to maximise its impact.
Are you looking for a new professional opportunity in Belgium? Discover how Fed Finance can support you! Submit your CV now, or apply for one of our available positions.
