How to Find a Job Oversees

Proper preparation will leave you with a job before you get off the plane.

While there is a level of adventure at the prospect of living overseas, this dream is dashed if you can't find a job in that country. In addition to having enough money for the move abroad, you should also plan ahead by finding a job before the move, says Randall S. Hansen, Ph.D., of Quintessential Careers. With proper planning and the right contacts, you can secure a job overseas before you ever set foot on foreign soil.

Instructions

1. Start learning the official language of the country you want to work in. Even if you have just a basic grasp of the language, this will increase your odds of getting a job. Language comprehension will show prospective employers that you are serious about working for their company.

2. Ask your university's career department for help finding a job abroad. Colleges will often have work programs that help you find jobs all over the world. They may even set you up with an internship to get you on your feet once you move away.

3. Contact anyone you know who has worked abroad in the past. They will be able to give you real-world tips. If they worked in the country you want to move to, they may even be able to get you a job based on their personal contacts.

4. Look at job boards and newspaper want-ads for the country of your choice. You can find local newspapers from countries overseas on the Internet. Search the ads and apply for anything you might be interested in. Let prospective employers know that you haven't moved to their country yet but assure them how serious you are about the position.

5. Consider choosing an easier job when you first move abroad. While a position at a café may not pay as much as you feel you're worth, it will help you gain a foothold in the local job force. After a few months, you will be able to apply for higher-paying prestigious jobs since you will have proven your seriousness for working in that country.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you have all of the applicable visas to work in the country of choice before applying.

References

• Transitions Abroad: Finding Work in Europe
• Quintessential Careers: 10 Essential Tips for Landing a Job Overseas