How to prepare a resume to work abroad
Working abroad can be a significant experience. Any job, no matter how simple, feels radically different when you are in a foreign country. Exposure to new cultures, customs, foods and languages help broaden your understanding of the world. Opportunities vary based on your education, interests and experience, but something is always available. However, obtaining a position is not easy. As with any job, a proper resume can mean the difference between an interview and a rejection. When you apply for a position abroad, you need to customize your resume. Once you understand the fundamentals of such a resume, you are one step closer to a job offer.
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Instructions
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Keep it simple. Although everyone has preferences about a resume's length, a longer resume is more likely to be discarded. Recruiters see a lot of resumes, so they will not want to spend more time on one than necessary. Limit your resume to a single page and offer more information upon request.
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Research the company. Whether you apply to an agency or directly to the employer, understanding the organization's needs and requirements will help guide your resume. The point of a resume is to promote -- or "sell" -- yourself. Different people need different "products," so cater to your client's specific needs. For example, if the job is for a teacher in Spain, stress your knowledge of Spanish culture, customer service experience, language skills or anything else that qualifies you.
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Leave references out. An employer does not want or need references until it considers you for the position. If you include references in your initial application, they are just empty filler. Instead, write "References available upon request" at the bottom of your resume. The only exception is if the employer requests references as part of the application process.
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Emphasize education over experience. Working abroad is a significant opportunity, and employers are willing to invest only in candidates who show competence. List your education before your work experience on your resume. Give as much detail as you can about the courses you took, the subjects you studied and the assignments you carried out. If you led seminars, group projects or conducted lectures, these are all indicators of leadership and initiative. Essay or report writing is a sign of research skills and willingness to learn. Finally, emphasize the value of your education. Tell how your studies changed the way you perceive the world.
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Include interests and affiliations. Create a section called "Affiliations" at the bottom of your resume and list any specific organizations to which you belong. Underneath that, put another section labeled "Interests." This gives the company an idea of what kind of a person you are.
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Tips & Warnings
Another very important thing to remember is time zones. It would be a very good idea to check how far forward or back there times are and make a suggestion when the best time to ring would be, otherwise you may get a call at 3o'clock in the morning and you might not sound your best. Hope you found this information useful and good luck with your new life.
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