This article was originally shared on EuropeLanguageJobs.com. Make sure to check out our ‘Job Opportunities‘ page to find out what amazing international positions are available for you.
To find a job abroad there are certain tips and tricks that will really help you on your way. Speaking the language of the country you want to live in is usually an advantage but not always necessary. If your level of English is high enough to read this then you can already congratulate yourself on having one of the most employable skills in the professional world.
The key to finding a job abroad is wanting to find a job abroad. This may sound obvious but many people embark on the job search out of obligation rather than passion. The things you really need if you want to work abroad are: a taste for adventure, ability to adapt, a positive attitude and, last but not least, bravery.
To successfully find a job abroad make sure you:
1) Know your audience
The norms of recruitment vary according to which country you’re in. Therefore, it’s very important that you know what needs to be on your CV, how you behave in the interview and even small details like who you address your cover letter to.
Should you include a picture in your application? How many pages should the CV be? It is important to find these things out before you start sending applications.
2) Look for a relocation package
Surely I’d need savings to find a job abroad? I hear you ask. Well, many companies offer a full relocation package to successful candidates, which often includes a bonus and accommodation, and makes the move that bit more manageable.
Customer service jobs are especially likely to offer this relocation assistance, as well as many other attractive perks.
3) Choose your location wisely
Why are you trying to find a job abroad? It could be that you want to learn a language, maybe you’re moving for love (of a place or person), or perhaps you simply need an adventure. Whatever it is, you need to know your motivation and use it to select the best location for you.
You should consider where your profile will have the most opportunities. Do you know where your language is most in demand? Do you know which the cheapest cities in Europe to live in are? Research at this early stage can be the difference between adventure and disaster.
4) Consider a transfer within your current company
One of the advantages of working for a multinational is that there may well be opportunities in other countries within the same company. This would make your life much easier, as you already know the drill and the job could be some welcome familiarity when you arrive in a strange country.
Of course, you may be moving abroad to escape from a job you hate but you could use it as a plane ticket and documentation to your desired country. Fresh opportunities may arise once you arrive
5) Take advantage of social media
Networking is one of the most valuable things you can do to boost your visibility and reputation. Including keywords (such as: new opportunities, jobseeker and new challenges) in your LinkedIn profile will make you immediately more discoverable to employers searching for your skills.
Having a high number of contacts (even if it’s 500+ recruiters), as well as little tricks like simplifying the URL of your LinkedIn profile, will make you appear much more professional. Twitter is also a great place to discover like-minded people and interesting organisations. Check hashtags in the sector that you want to work in to keep up to date.
6) Attend job fairs for international employers
Keeping an eye out on LinkedIn and other social networks for interesting events is a good idea. Events like job fairsor career workshops are a great way to show willing and to introduce yourself to companies on a personal level.
You can receive feedback on your profile and CV, discover new things about the companies and their presence abroad as well as forming useful connections. Don’t forget the freebies!
7) Consider new sectors
Maybe you’re not quite sure what you want to do in your new country but keeping your options open is a good idea. Working in customer service may not seem like a particularly attractive offer, but the perks that come along with it (as well as the relocation packages mentioned previously) could change your mind. If you’re willing to do it, you can get a job almost anywhere.
Teaching a language is also a very popular option. With a high level of English you can travel almost anywhere in the world and teach, but other languages are in demand too. Being a native speaker in a language is definitely an advantage in this sector.
Remember: If you’re not online, you don’t exist
For some the fact that the recruitment world has almost totally shifted online in recent years is an unwelcome one. Many would argue that it alienates older workers who simply never received the appropriate training. It may be a harsh reality for some but the truth is that if you’re not online, it’s going to be really tough to find a job abroad.
This also means that the more places you’re in, the better. Not just the generic job boards where you will be lost in the crowd of competition, but the sites focused around a sector, like Europe Language Jobs is with languages but there are sites for every major sector and a quick Google search should help you find them.
The internet is exactly what has made finding a job abroad much easier, and even possible, for millions of people. You can now check out a place on the other side of the world without having to even stand up and with ground-breaking apps like Mondly you can now learn a language in Virtual Reality, in preparation for you arrival to a new country.
So, have you decided on your destination yet?