There are few things as exciting as getting a job in another country. People do this to culturally enrich themselves, discover new opportunities and seek out personal growth. For many, what might start as a short-term adventure turns into a long-term career move that offers so many possibilities.
If the idea of working overseas appeals to you, this guide will tell you everything you need to know, from the benefits of working overseas, considerations to keep in mind, and tips for a productive overseas job search that will land you a great role in the country of your dreams.
The benefits of an international job search
An international job search can bring many benefits to your personal and professional life, creating opportunities that might be hard to find domestically.
Here are the five main benefits of an international job search:
- Better compensation and benefits: In some countries, salaries can be higher than those in your home country, and sometimes come with additional perks, such as being tax-free. You might also benefit from a higher quality of life, such as inclusive healthcare, more time off, or simply better weather!
- Career development: Moving to a new country can be challenging at first. These experiences will improve your problem-solving skills, conflict management approaches, resilience and independence.
- Cultural enrichment: Living in a new country exposes you to new cultures and increases your competence in working with cross-cultural teams. You can also improve your language skills, which can significantly enhance your employability.
- Increased career opportunities: An international job search offers you many more opportunities than a domestic one. You might also find roles or industries that are not present in your home country.
- Networking opportunities: An international job search will expose you to a broader network with diverse perspectives. This can create more career opportunities and collaborations.
How to get a job in another country
If you’re ready to put the wheels in motion on your international job search, then read on for 10 great tips on how to get a job in another country.
1. Research the country you want to work in
Moving to a country for work can be one of the biggest decisions you make, so it’s vital that the first thing you do is research the country you have your eyes on.
Research might start with a trip to the country on vacation, but you will need to dive deeper into things. This might include reading up on the country via forums and expat guides, networking with people who are already based there, and also looking at news or other opinion pieces about the quality of life and cultural norms — considerations that can make or break the move.
2. Apply for a visa or work permit
Another priority when getting ready to work in another country is to prepare your visa or work permit. In some cases, your employer will be able to sponsor your visa, but you will still need to get things ready, such as attesting your qualifications or renewing your passport if it’s about to expire.
If you’re applying for a visa or work permit yourself, you should start the process as soon as you can, as sometimes these documents can take months to be approved.
You’ll need to take time to carefully understand what’s needed for the application, the steps to apply and, critically, the chances of your application succeeding. This US government website is a good resource of information.
3. Leverage your professional network
Tapping into your network is a great way to learn about the country you want to work in, as well as to seek support in finding work there. You can join online networking groups via LinkedIn, discussing what it’s like to work in that country, as well as looking for inroads into companies that hire expats.
Expat forums are another great resource to use; these are more focused on life in the country you want to move to. Joining these groups before you start applying can give you good insight into what to prepare for, and they can also help you settle in once you arrive.
4. Acquire the right qualifications
Every country has its own requirements when it comes to education and certifications. You will need to ensure you research these before you apply for roles.
Obtain qualifications and certifications that are relevant to your industry and recognized in the country you are targeting. Alternatively, see if your existing qualifications are sufficient, and find out what needs to be done to have them recognized in your preferred country. Sometimes this is simply a case of having a lawyer attest certificates, or providing transcripts from the educational institution.
5. Localize your résumé
Every country has its own expectations when it comes to résumés. To give yourself the best chance of landing a job in the country you want to move to, it’s vital that you tailor your résumé to that particular market.
You can do this by understanding local job market requirements, matching language and terminology to that particular location, and learning about local approaches to layout and structure.
You’ll also need to research communication standards in the country; for example, some nationalities prefer formally written documents. You’ll also want to localize your cover letter and online profiles, such as your LinkedIn page.
6. Register with the right job boards
When you’re preparing to work abroad, you want to ensure that you’re focusing your job search on the right websites. It’s best to use two approaches simultaneously when looking for work in a particular country.
The first way is to use expat or overseas job boards, websites that cater to overseas candidates. These jobs will be posted by employers looking for overseas talent, and recruiters will also be able to give you tailored advice.
Secondly, you can use local job boards, websites operating in the country or city you are applying for. These might provide a more focused approach to job searches and give you the inside track on opportunities.
7. Consider short-term assignments
If you’re finding it hard to secure a job in the country you want to work in (for example, you’re applying for a role without experience), consider a short-term or temporary assignment.
These are win-win situations; employers get to see what you’re like before making a long-term commitment, and you get to experience the country for a short while as well.
Short-term assignments could include volunteering opportunities, fixed-term contracts, an overseas task force with your current company, freelance work with a focus on your target country, or being an overseas English teacher.
8. Enhance your language skills
When applying for a job in another country, it’s a good idea to learn the local language.
Different employers will require different levels of linguistic proficiency. Some, such as those in European countries, require a high level of fluency, whereas others, such as in the Middle East, will not require any.
Nevertheless, it’s recommended to learn at least basic phrases, as this will make your assimilation into the country a lot easier and more enjoyable, as well as make you more attractive to employers. Apps such as Duolingo can offer an easy introduction to many different languages.
9. Prepare for the move
Even before you land the perfect job in your perfect country, it’s a good idea to start preparing yourself for a life abroad.
You’ll need to ensure that you have cash available until you manage to open a local bank account, and also understand your tax obligations on overseas earnings. You’ll want to organize where you’re currently living, for example, understanding your notice period if you are renting, and sorting through your belongings. Taking an organized approach to this means that you’re ready to move when the time comes.
10. Culturally prepare yourself
When you have decided on a country that you would like to move to for work, you’ll need to spend time learning about their culture in detail. Doing this will ensure that you assimilate smoothly into the professional environment and also limit your chances of culture shock when you first arrive.
Learning about the culture will include researching customs, communication styles, ways of working and general behaviors. This will vary from country to country, and in some cases, not following these norms can be perceived as exceptionally rude. You’ll also want to look at working patterns and public holidays.
What to consider when looking for a job abroad
Moving abroad for work is a huge decision, and it’s vital to be aware of the realities of such a move. Here are five considerations to keep in mind when looking for a job abroad:
- Culture shock: Some countries offer a way of life that is very different from what you might be used to. While this difference in culture can be exciting and beneficial, it can also be jarring. Research the culture of the country to give yourself an indication of how you might settle in.
- Job market considerations: You should research the job market in the country you’re applying for jobs in, and also what protections you’re offered if you lose your job. Investigate career progression opportunities and how these compare with your current country.
- Safety and quality of life: It’s essential to look into how safe the country is; this can be evaluated via governmental travel advice websites. Also, check out access to healthcare, work–life balance, and transportation to help you understand living standards.
- Salary and cost of living: Research salary levels and also how domestic and foreign taxation works. Additionally, taking the time to understand the cost of living, such as groceries and utility prices, will help you understand if you can maintain a comfortable lifestyle in the country.
- Visa requirements: You’ll need to ensure you’re able to get a visa in the country you’re interested in moving to. Some countries operate quotas that make obtaining a visa very challenging to accomplish.
Final thoughts
Working overseas can be a wonderful adventure that has the potential to turn into a life-changing journey of discovery and development. To make the most of this, you’ll need to get ready for a long and frustrating application process.
Ensure that you carefully research where you want to move to, get ready for the visa process, localize your résumé, and network with the right people. Be prepared to challenge yourself, and get ready for rejections and learning experiences.
Nevertheless, when you land the role that you’ve been waiting for in the country of your dreams, the whole application process will be worth it!
Got a question? Let us know in the comments section below.
This article is a complete update of an earlier version originally published on November 6, 2017.
