Tips for Your International Job Search: Find the Best Jobs Abroad

Overview

• Uncover what you need to consider before international job hunting
• Know how to find the right job in your new country
• See how you can improve your chances of getting hired

For many people, the chance to live and work abroad can feel like a dream come true. Working in another country allows you to experience the local culture in a way tourists can’t.

However, it can be a challenge to transition to a new country, especially if it’s completely new to you. Thankfully, though, with a little determination and good resources, such as a job search platform like Joblist, you can make finding a job in another country a reality. Joblist makes it easy to comb through open positions by creating a personalized set of job postings you’re most qualified for, which can increase your chances of getting hired.

This article will provide some tips to help guide your international job search so you can find the best jobs abroad.

One of the most important things in securing a great job — regardless of where — is having a solid understanding of your skills and what employers want to see. Knowing the types of jobs in which you’ll shine can improve the job search process and help you focus on areas where you excel and have the best chance of securing an interview and a job offer.

However, keep in mind that your skills may stretch beyond the degrees you obtained through schooling. To help you compile a list of skills, think about:

• What professors or colleagues have said about you in the classroom or office
• The feedback you’ve received from past employers and co-workers
• The job tasks you’ve excelled at
• The interests you have and the skills they might lead to — such as an interest in gaming, which may provide you with coding skills
• Asking friends and family members for honest feedback about your attributes

Your skills might even include your native language. You might consider traveling abroad and looking for positions as an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher. Bringing these different sources of information together can help you recognize your skills as an employee. This can then help you start your job search.

There are many types of jobs other than traditional, full-time positions. For example, suppose you want to build certain skills. In that case, you might consider looking at internships offered by companies in your industry. Internships in your preferred sector can help you look more appealing to recruiters.

To start your international career, you might also consider being open to job listings for short-term placements. Suppose you don’t want to move overseas permanently and just want something for a gap year, for example. In that case, these job opportunities might work perfectly for you.

If you’re looking for international employment, consider stepping outside your typical career path, instead soaking up the culture through a teaching job or working as an au pair for a few years. Knowing ahead of time the type of overseas jobs you’re open to applying for can help you excel in your search.

As you look for positions abroad, remember that the relationships between employers and employees, work cultures, and the overall job environment can vary from country to country. For example, securing a job in Australia or Spain probably won’t provide you with the same experience as working in Canada or Japan.

So, think carefully about the type of experience you want to have abroad. Think about if you want to experience particular cultures or environments or if you just want to work internationally and don’t feel a particular way about the location. Consider also if language needs to be a consideration. If you don’t speak the local language, you need to make sure you work in an area where you can survive with your English.

You also want to fully understand the benefits packages offered in the new country, including how health care works. Make sure your salary covers living expenses and costs associated with medical attention should you need it.

When developing a list of countries where you’d be open to work, research the local work culture, as well. This includes understanding the relationship between employers and employees, including the strictness of the hierarchy within the work environment.

You also want to know what’s expected during the job hiring process. For example, in some countries, candidates are expected to include a headshot with their resume. And if you land an interview, each country has different views regarding appropriate eye contact, tone of voice, “name dropping,” and how direct a speaker should be. You also want to know what might be expected in a cover letter or on a resume to highlight your skills and work examples.

Knowing what to expect can help ensure you’re prepared for the job search process.

Finding the best job for you in another country may take some determination and a calculated approach. Since companies hiring someone from overseas will likely have to consider immigration and other legal requirements, make sure you stand out as a candidate.

Below are some strategies you can use to find the right job to help you fulfill your dream.

Begin by reaching out to any connections who might be able to help you. If you’ve ever visited the country, such as through a study abroad program, reach out to any people you know and local references you might be able to secure. If you’ve graduated from college, your university’s career center might also know about working in your desired country.

You can ask your connections for information about local businesses and openings. They might be able to offer you career advice about international work and how to be successful.

You can also take advantage of technology, including the reach of LinkedIn to secure some connections. Research people who work in the sector and country in which you want to be employed. See if you can establish a few connections by sharing your interest in their work and country.

Similarly, see if you can connect with people who work at the company you want to apply to. Making a few connections at the company — particularly if they’re involved in the hiring process — can help you make a strong first impression and encourage them to give your resume a second glance.

Now that you’ve carefully identified your skills and what you can bring to the workplace, it’s time to narrow in on positions that reflect where your strengths lie. You don’t just want to fill out a bunch of job applications with the same information. Rather, it’s important to personalize each one based on the position you want to secure.

Research companies that are interested in finding employees who reflect your type of skills. Look not only at the degrees and work experience they want to see but also the type of soft skills they may desire. This can help you create a highly personalized application and reflect what an excellent fit you’d be.

A good job search platform is critical when searching for the best job openings. Particularly when you want to find jobs in another country, you need a search engine that can help you track every potential opportunity. The best search engine will also help you save searches and alert you to new job openings that match your criteria. Getting your application in front of a hiring manager early on is the first step to making a great first impression.

When it comes to finding a job internationally, Joblist can help you find the perfect fit. Our job quiz makes it easy for job seekers like you to uncover job matches based on your skills and preferences, including where you’d like to work. Just answer a few questions, get matches, and save your favorites. Wherever you want to work in the world — from the United Kingdom to Canada or Australia — Joblist can help make it happen!

Get started now on Joblist and see where your dream job might take you.