How to Go Abroad for a Job?

Having the opportunity to work and live abroad is a dream for many people, however, finding the way to work and support yourself during that adventure can be rather tiresome and difficult sometimes. But, once you do it, you will see that it was definitely worth all the hassle.

The life experience of becoming part of a foreign workplace, meeting new people, breathing new air, and getting to know different customs and cultures.

Here are some of the steps you need to take in order to have the possibility of working in a foreign country:

Find a Position

The first thing to do, of course, is finding a job that you can actually apply for. This can be rather confusing because there isn’t a straight-ahead way of doing this; like websites that actually list jobs for foreigners abroad or offices that specialize in this area.

So you need to find the right place to look for these applications.

Networking

This is key to finding a job, either locally or abroad. This can be done either in a traditional way – word of mouth, friends, parties- or online, through social networks like LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, etc.

You should create a profile that actually stands out, remember that once your name, picture and personal details are out, you never know who will see them.

You also have to be proactive, reach out to people that know about the subject, check out job listings in your field abroad. Sometimes startups and employers from large companies will want to avoid recruiters and will post on online groups for applicants from around the world.

Also, you can use the alumni association of your university to create contacts. Some of them could be already working abroad and they might be able to give you a hand, with tips or if they know of companies that might be looking for foreign workers.

Never miss the opportunity to pick other people’s brain when it comes to your goal, everyone knows something that you don’t, so use that to your advantage,

Worldwide Companies

Look for companies that have global branches, large companies that have offices worldwide are usually looking for people that are willing and able to travel to different countries.

For a lot of people having to move abroad is a huge problem, so when you apply for these companies make sure that you let them know that you’re more than willing to go to other countries. That can become a huge asset for your prospective employers.

However, in most cases you would have to wait a while before you actually get to travel; most companies prefer to train their personnel in their local headquarters and testing out your abilities and skills before sending you off to a foreign land.

Government

Your government probably has plenty of job offers for their citizens in foreign locations, and they will possibly have an in on the visa arrangements and permits.

In-Person

While risky, it will definitely prove how determined you are to follow your dream. The way to go about this is simply to show up in a country and apply while you’re there and set up interviews.

While it may be illegal to work in another country without a permit, looking and applying for jobs isn’t. If you do get hired, chances are that you will be asked to leave the country while the visa and work permits are sorted out.

Recruiters

There are also agencies that work for companies and their job is to find workers from all over the world. Using their services can make certain steps easier, but you do have to pay for their time and work.

Make sure you read through the fine print and contracts you may sign with them, some will require a percentage of your future paychecks if they do find a job for you abroad.

Send an Application

Once you find a position that you think is right for you, you should start applying. However, it’s not as simple as it sounds.

Remember that different countries have different customs, and sometimes different words and terminology, so before you send in your application, make sure you do your research so that it follows their terms and rules.

Also, it’s important that you include every possible means of further communication with you and your references, other than just telephone. Email addresses and social networks like Skype can be useful in case they want to do an online interview.

The most important part of your application is where you describe the reasons why they should hire you instead of someone from their own country. What can you offer them that they don’t?

Since this is a risk that the company is taking, that could cost a lot of money, explain why it’s worth taking and that you’re more than ready for the job. Research about the company and talk about what interests you about the company and why you want to join them.

Start the Visa and Work Permit Process

Congratulations! You got the job! Now what? Now you have to get your work visa and permit. These can take time and money, and you also need to compile a lot of information about yourself; including medical records, police records, and more.

You will go through an interview at the embassy and it’s very important that you become familiar with the entire process before you start looking for jobs. Once they hire you and are willing to sponsor you, make sure that you start the paperwork right away.

Live Your Dream!

Once you get started, enjoy every day and make the most of this amazing and rewarding experience! Learn as much as you can and offer them your best work.