Like many people working in Brussels, my career path might seem a little unconventional, but it’s exactly what makes me who I am today. My passion for media and EU affairs didn’t take root straight away. In fact, I started out with a very different dream: to work in aviation as a flight attendant – and I made it happen.
Little did I know that those years in the skies would become the foundation for my future in HR. From exceptional customer service to mastering patience (lots of it!), compassion, and adaptability, flying around the world gave me a unique lens through which to see people and cultures, a lens I draw on every day in HR.
After almost five years in the aviation industry, my interests began to shift. That’s how I landed my first job as a corporate recruiter in Brussels. It felt like the perfect next step still people-focused, still about helping others find their place. But something was still missing.
Then came the change that shaped everything: my first role within the EU bubble, in talent acquisition for a media organisation. Seeing a newsroom up close, watching diverse talents come together to create something meaningful was truly inspirational. It was the moment everything clicked. I found my passion and understood where I was meant to be.
After two years in the media industry, I decided to take the next step and join Euractiv where I truly found my perfect match: in the work ethic, the support, and the role itself. I’m excited to be here and look forward to talking to many of you who are interested in joining us!
Get Your Application in Order
Your first point of contact with a recruiter is your CV and cover letter. Before you’re ever invited to an interview, those documents need to do the job of convincing a recruiter that your profile deserves a closer look.
Start by understanding what the job posting asks for. Tailor your CV to match the skills and experience requested, rather than submitting the same generic version to every opening. Recruiters in Brussels often look for evidence that you know what the role entails, and that you’ve thought about how your experience fits in that context. When you include clear descriptions of your tasks and achievements, and why they matter for the role, it becomes much easier for a recruiter to see your potential. Structured and relevant experience will help you get shortlisted.
Your cover letter should explain why you are applying for this specific role and what you can contribute, rather than repeating what’s in your CV. Explain briefly how your experience connects to the job description. This shows that you are serious about the position and have taken time to consider how you fit in the role and organisation.
Before the Interview
Once your application has succeeded in getting you an interview, good preparation is essential. Start by researching the organisation and the job you are interviewing for. Understand its mission, audience, recent projects, and the context of the role you would fill. Recruiters and hiring managers notice when a candidate knows the organisation well, as it shows motivation and genuine interest.
Practice talking about your experience with concrete examples. Many interviews in the EU context use competency-based questions, where you are asked to describe how you handled specific situations in the past. A useful approach is to describe the situation briefly, explain what you were responsible for, what actions you took, and what the results were. This method helps you communicate clearly and confidently under pressure.
Making an Effective First Impression
First impressions happen quickly and are significant. Arriving on time is one of the simplest but most important parts of this. If the interview is in person, aim to arrive 5 to 10 minutes earlier. If it’s online, join the call a few minutes before the scheduled time to ensure your technology is working correctly and to show respect for the process.
During the interview, be attentive. Listen carefully to the questions and take a moment to think before replying. If you don’t understand a question, it’s better to ask for clarification than to give a rushed or off-topic answer. Staying calm and focused shows professionalism and maturity.
Eye contact, composed posture, and a friendly but professional tone all contribute to a positive impression. In many roles, communication skills are central to the job, so showing clarity and confidence in how you express yourself is especially important.
During and After the Interview
When you are asked to talk about your experience, do not read your CV word by word. Recruiters appreciate clarity and relevance. Rather than listing every task you’ve ever done, focus on a few key examples that clearly demonstrate how your skills and mindset match what the role requires.
At the end of the interview, when given the opportunity, ask well-thought-out questions. This could be about how success is measured in the role, what the team’s priorities are, or how the media team interacts with other departments. This part of the conversation gives you a chance to think strategically.
After the interview, sending a brief thank-you note can leave a positive impression. Mention something specific from the conversation and reiterate your interest. A well-timed follow-up shows professionalism and courtesy.
LinkedIn and Networking
In the Brussels and EU-focused job market, an updated LinkedIn profile is very important, as recruiters actively search for candidates on the platform. A strong LinkedIn presence with a professional photo, compelling headline, clearly described achievements, and relevant keywords increases your visibility and credibility. Being active on LinkedIn by engaging with content and connecting with professionals in your field can help you stand out.
Attending as many networking events as possible also matters. Many opportunities in the EU bubble emerge through connections and personal recommendations, and networking helps you build communication skills and confidence in professional settings. Who knows – you might even meet your next employer at one of those events.
Final Thoughts
Landing a job in the EU bubble is competitive, but it is achievable with thoughtful preparation and a professional approach. Start by making your application documents clear, relevant, and tailored. Prepare well for your interviews by knowing the organisation and practising how you articulate your experience. During the interview, be attentive, communicate clearly, and show that you are genuinely interested in the role.
Recruiters are hiring people, not just profiles, and showing that you are prepared, thoughtful, and engaged can make all the difference.
