Tips To Land A Job Abroad
Working and moving abroad is a challenge, but that’s not to say that it’s impossible. Whatever reason you may have for wanting to work abroad, you can make it happen if you take the right steps. Of course, one of the biggest challenges is finding an employer who’s willing to hire you before you move to your desired country. Here are a few tips for getting a job offer overseas.
Have a Destination in Mind
Before you start applying for jobs, think about your final destination. It’s not enough to pick a country. You should familiarize yourself with all the towns and cities, and then pick a few areas you would like to live in. If you want to improve your chances of a job offer, you should look in the big cities. Smaller companies in smaller towns are less likely to hire you than a large company with a worldwide presence.
Research your destination enough or you could end up moving to a place you hate. If you’re going to a country with safety concerns, try to move to an area that’s safe for tourists and foreigners. Additionally, you should familiarize yourself with the local language. If you don’t have a basic understanding of the language, an employer may be reluctant to hire you.
Follow International News
Most Americans only pay attention to international news when there’s a crisis. But, if you want to work overseas, you need to be aware of what’s going on internationally. Instead of only reading about local industry news, pay attention to other companies. You should avoid applying to or working with a company that has had negative press, and seek out a company that’s growing or has had recent success.
By following international news, you do more than just know which companies to avoid. You also educate yourself in a way that makes hiring managers more comfortable hiring you. If you have detailed knowledge about a company, the employer is more likely to hire you. Your insider knowledge also shows that you’re in the know and well-educated.
Have a Plan
When you’re ready to start the job hunt, you need to pick a few job platforms to search on. If you go into the search with a plan and purpose, you’re more likely to have success. Figure out where you can find good international jobs and start the search there.
Write down your plan for the job hunt. How many hours a week will you spend looking for work? Give yourself goals and milestones to work towards. Then, you can use the blueprint to stay on target during the job search.
Try for a Foreign Transfer
Some companies have offices in the US and abroad. If you don’t already work for a company like this, you can start applying to US companies with offices overseas. After some time, you may qualify for a transfer to an international location.
While this is a long-term strategy, it’s one of the easiest ways to work abroad. The employer often handles the visa, moving costs, and taxes. You don’t need to deal with all the usual logistical issues that come with moving overseas.
Adjust Your Resume
It’s no secret that you should change your resume to be tailored to a specific job. However, you need to make even more changes if you’re applying for a job in another country. If you’re applying for a job in Australia or the UK, make sure your spelling is in line with the local spelling. Additionally, you should make sure your phrases and terms make sense to locals.
If you’re applying for a job in a non-English speaking country, double and triple-check your grammar. Show the hiring manager that you have a strong command of the language.
Show Them Your Value
Because of the complications and risks that come from hiring a foreigner, many companies hesitate to do so. The best way to receive a job offer is to stand out from local applicants. Therefore, you need to make it clear that you’re the perfect applicant for the position.
Explain what it is that makes you an ideal fit for the job. Then, mention that you’re willing to go in for an in-person interview. The company could have an office in the US, and an interview is your opportunity to shine.
Use Your Network
If you already know someone living or working overseas, they may be able to help you find a job. Take some time reconnecting with old colleagues and friends. Is anyone working abroad? If so, they might be able to help you find work. Having a close family member overseas could also help expedite the process. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your network in an attempt to find a job. More often than not, your network is the key to a job opportunity.
Be Willing to Work on Their Time
If your desired country is in a different time zone, you need to adjust. During the job search, you should be willing to match up your schedule to theirs. For instance, you may need to do an interview at 3 am. You should consider sending in job applications and any other communication during their normal working hours.
Look for Remote Work
At times, a remote job is just what you need to snag a job abroad. You can look for remote job listings from companies based overseas. After working remotely for some time, you can talk to your employer about relocating there and working in the office. Alternatively, you can look into finding a remote job from any employer and relocating to another country without having a job lined up. Before you attempt this, you should familiarize yourself with the visa requirements.
Be Realistic
Don’t waste your time applying for jobs in a country that won’t accept you as an immigrant. Visa requirements vary by country, and some countries make it nearly impossible for Americans to gain visas. Before you start looking for work, make sure your dreams of relocating are realistic.