This article was written using information from Expertise in Labour Mobility. For more information about living and working in Europe and to order your invaluable ‘Looking for work in…’ guide, visit www.labourmobility.com

Luxembourg

Bordered by giants, with few natural resources and a population smaller than most cities Luxembourg has still managed to become one of the most prosperous countries in the world.

Luxembourg’s economy is notable for its close connections with the rest of Europe, since the country is itself too small to create a self-sustaining internal market. Luxembourg’s prosperity was originally based on the iron and steel industry, which in the 1960s represented as much as 80% of the total value of exports. By the late 20th Century, however, the nation’s economic vigour stemmed chiefly from its involvement in international banking and financial services, and in such non-commercial activities as hosting intra-European political activities.

The result of this adaptability and cosmopolitanism is a very high standard of living: the Luxembourg people rank second in the world only to the Swiss in their standard of living and their per capita income.

Roots of growth

Luxembourg’s natural resources are quite modest. Its agriculture is not particularly prosperous, and its once-copious iron ore deposits had been exhausted by the 1980s. With the exception of water and timber, there are no energy resources.

Indeed, Luxembourg has almost nothing that predisposes it to agricultural or industrial development. The roots of its economic growth lie in its use of capital, and in the adaptability and ingenuity of its workforce rather than in natural resources. However, the country’s economy has two main focuses: financial services and EU institutions.

Languages

Officially the country is called Grand Duchy of Luxembourg in English, Grand-Duché de Luxembourg in French, or Grossherzogtum Luxemburg in German. Luxembourg is a point of contact between the Germanic and Roman languages, and the grand duchy itself has three official languages: German, French, and Lëtzebuergesch.

The peoples of Luxembourg and their languages reflect the Grand Duchy’s common interests and close historical relations with its neighbours. In the 20th Century, Luxembourg became a founder member of several international economic organisations. Perhaps most importantly, the grand duchy was an original member of the European Union.

Employment options

Luxembourg is the smallest of the EU member states, with a workforce of 262,300 of whom 87,400 are foreign cross-border workers primarily from France, Belgium, and Germany. They are attracted by strong employment prospects, the lowest unemployment rate in the EU and competitive salaries.

Work permits

If you’re a citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA), you’re free to move and work wherever you want to within those countries (although there are restrictions for those from the ‘new’ countries.

However, you will need to apply for a residence permit. This is valid for five years and should be issued to you within six months of your arrival in Luxembourg. Contact the Luxembourg embassy in your home country for more information.

Working culture

• Business and private life are kept separate in Luxembourg.

• Assertiveness and strong criticism is not appreciated in business circles.

• Luxembourg people tend to skip small talk and focus on business

in meetings.

• The decision-making process is based on consensus and can therefore take a long time.

• Punctuality is very important in Luxembourg, both in business and in social situations.

• The people of Luxembourg are proud of their country and culture, so be careful not to compare them to, or confuse them with, the Belgians or the French.

Making applications

• The public employment service, Administration de l’Emploi, is a useful route to employment.

• Luxembourg has no full university system itself, so employers are used to foreign diplomas.

• There is a diverse range of nationalities in Luxembourg, so you need to have good language skills. Expect your skills to be tested at interview.

• Employers often recruit through informal contacts in Luxembourg. Using the phone in your search for a job is quite common.

• In an interview, be prepared to answer questions on what you know of the company’s activities, and to provide examples to demonstrate your achievements.

• Don’t be too casual. Luxembourg employers expect a formal approach.

Correct CVs

• Because of the many nationalities in Luxembourg, there are no strict rules for the format of your CV. The best advice is to take into account the nationality of the recruiter or company you are applying to.

• Write your CV in French unless specifically requested to do otherwise.

Great covering letters

• Your letters of application should be handwritten, not typed.

• As with the CV, the letter should be written in French, unless you are told otherwise.

• Send copies of diplomas, certificates and references with your application.

• You can include a photograph in your application.

Fast facts

Graduate starting salaries

EUR42,000–EUR60,000

The level is high due to high-income earners working for EU and

financial institutions.

Working week

40 hours.

Holiday entitlement

25 days’ annual leave and 10 days’ public holiday.