How to Search for Jobs Overseas
Looking for a job in your own city can be overwhelming. Trying to find a job in another country can feel downright impossible. But it is not. It requires a little strategy, creativity and patience. There are some things that you need to do for every job search, such as set up job searches and spread the word within your network. In addition, you will need to target your search to jobs with an international presence. You will also need to get creative, looking at options like volunteering and teaching.
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Instructions
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The Basics
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Search online job websites. Sites like EscapeArtist.com and jobsabroad.com focus on jobs outside of the U.S. Use these sites in addition to the job search websites that you use to search for a local job, like Monster or Craigslist.
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Spread the word in your network. You will be surprised at who knows whom. You may tell your next door neighbor that you want a job in Brazil only to find she has a sister-in-law who lives there. Take advantage of personal networks as well as online social networks.
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Join international professional organizations. These organizations provide job search resources as well as a quick way to expand your network.
Be Specific
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Target your search by industry. Companies in the hospitality industry, like hotels, airlines and cruises will likely have locations outside of the U.S. Focus on jobs in industries where it is possible to be hired or transferred to a job overseas.
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Target your search by company. Look at companies specifically in the country you want to move. Don't just look at companies with satellite offices, but research the companies that are based in that country as well.
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Discover your niche. If you have a skill or experience that make you an asset for an international company take advantage of it. Whether you speak another language or have special knowledge of the primary industry of a specific country, you may be able to use that to obtain an overseas job.
Get Your Foot in the Door
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Volunteer. If you volunteer with an organization in another country, it will give you a chance to build a network as well as learn the culture and customs of the people firsthand.
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Teach. There are many opportunities to teach English all over the world. These positions often require a commitment of at least a year.
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Plan an extended visit. If you have the opportunity, go for an extended visit to the country to make connections and learn the local customs on how to find a job. You can also get a firsthand idea of how much money you will need to live there.
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Tips & Warnings
Don't forget to practice the phone interview, since many employers will be interviewing you remotely.
Beware of scams offering jobs overseas. Investigate the company thoroughly. Beware if a company asks for money.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit airport travel image by feisty from Fotolia.com
