Employment

Information for the job seeker

The process of seeking and obtaining employment in Belgium is very similar to the process anywhere but, availability of jobs are limited. As a U.S. citizen, finding employment in Belgium could be difficult but opportunities do exist- stay positive. Because of Status of Forces Agreements, working on the economy requires a work permit and US personnel can lose their SOFA status when not in compliance with the SOFA agreement. Therefore, most people rely on the U.S. Government as an employer. This type of employment for spouses and family members is not as plentiful in Belgium as in the larger commands such as Germany.

Getting Started

Flexibility -- Keep your options open by being flexible on position levels and employment opportunities. Limited opportunities exist with Federal, NATO, AAFES and contract positions.

Category/Status -- Know your employment category and preference status. Use your Military Spouse Preference wisely. More information can be found on OPM.gov or through your Employment Program Manager- give them a call or stop by ACS.

Persistence -- Trying for a few weeks then waiting for something to happen is not going to get it done. The employment process is a crawl, walk, run process and requires continued momentum. Visit the Benelux Employment Readiness Program webpage for assistance in your job search or contact your Employment Program Manager.

Paperwork/Documents

Organize and maintain originals and be sure to hand carry these important documents:

• Past and current resumes, job applications and letters of references
• Background check/reference information with complete names, addresses and phone numbers
• Social Security card
• Birth certificate
• College transcripts
• DD Form 214 (military paperwork)
• SF 15 and Veterans’ Recruitment Appointment information
• Your sponsor’s orders
• Leave without pay documents

Contact the U.S. Army Garrison Benelux Employment Readiness Program manager to find out how to apply for employment in Belgium.

The Department of Labor employment workshops, formally called the Transition Assistance Program, are open to all military members, their spouses and civilian members contemplating leaving government service. These workshops provide pre-separation counseling, career exploration, introduction/personal appraisal, government applications and strategies for an effective job search, interviews and reviewing job offers. The pre-separation counseling, required by public law, reviews the benefits and services available to military service members and their families as they transit from the service.

Spouses Scholarship Program is a financial aid program managed by Army Emergency Relief. It applies to dependent spouses and children of active-duty soldiers stationed in the Benelux. To pick up an application package, stop by the local Education Center or contact the Employment Readiness Program manager. You may also fill out an application online.

My Career Advancement Application

For information on MyCAA and Military Spouse Education and Career Opportunities, visit Military OneSource.

Options for teens to work are also limited. Budget permitting USAG Benelux and the US Embassy forms offer a Summer Hire Program that runs for eight weeks. Students 14-23 are eligible for this opportunity. Students 18 and older also have an opportunity with AAFES and summer jobs. Youth Services should be contacted for information on youth employment opportunities. The Embassy program gives priority to college students or graduated seniors.

Employment

Employment opportunities may not be easy to find, but they do exist. Patience and perseverance are important to remember while seeking employment overseas. It is recommended to hand carry all prior employment records and information, as well as a copy of the sponsor's orders when PCSing to Belgium. Career-Conditional government employees may contact CPAC for an appointment and turning in a copy of SF 50.

Job Search/Transition/Scholarship/Counseling

Please visit the Benelux ERP webpage for assistance in job search, transition assistance scholarships, education and career counseling and job fair information. ACS offers many Employment workshops; ranging from Resume Writing to Dress for Success to Job Search Skills and Interview Tips and Techniques. Additionally, ACS offers a Ten Steps for Federal Employment Workshop. This is the catalyst for landing that Federal Job. ACS also offers career resource that will help you explore opportunities in the U.S. and around the world. Furthermore, as well resource filled with career guidance and employment services. Finally, if you are a Military Spouse and would like to work from home, there may be Telework opportunities available for you through Military OneSource and SECO. Stop by ACS to find out more or give us a call!