25th May 2022

How to get jobs abroad: Ex-pat job tips 🌍

Q: What to consider when moving abroad?

There are several things you need to remember at the back of your mind... • Difference in languages • Culture, economy, and politics • Time zones • Holidays • Non-conventional interviews • Visa and work permit

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There is nothing as exciting as moving abroad and finding your dream ex-pat job in a foreign country.

With that, there are many working abroad benefits such as discovering diverse cultures, meeting new people, and gaining incredible experiences.

However, to some people, it is not an easy journey.

Getting to that ideal country and settling into your new job abroad is not as straightforward as it may seem.

Many things go into the entire immigration process until your first day at the workplace.

One of the most crucial things is to have international insurance.

You need to liaise with an international health insurance firm for better health care in a foreign country.

Most of these firms will cover ex-pats, nomads, and mobile workers that roam the world as they discover new exciting places.

Given the huge number of work abroad opportunities available, this guide looks at how you can secure a job abroad and what to keep in mind as you look for positions.

How to get jobs abroad?

It may seem obvious but finding the ideal country to move to is not easy.

While you have the desire to move, there are plenty of opportunities to work abroad in a huge range of countries, the list is endless!

Narrowing down to one destination is a hard nut to crack.

There will be lots of jobs you can get abroad however you have a lot to factor into your decision.

Assess your interests and what sets your soul on fire; that is the dream country to move to. Do you love hiking? Or love swimming in tropical destinations?

Think about what would be the best country to work abroad is for you, and your personal interests.

What are the average salaries in that area? Think about this as well as your living costs relating to your international job hunt.
After identifying the country that you would like to work abroad in, start making connections.

Consider reaching out to family or friends who are already living in that country.

Network with other professionals by joining job groups in the country you wish to move to.

There is an abundance of groups you can find on different social media channels such as Facebook and LinkedIn.

Don’t forget to keep your smartphone nearby and use sim-only contracts in order to stay online and alert to new opportunities.

That way, you can build a reputation and look more visible for job opportunities abroad.
With working abroad, you will need to understand the recruitment requirements for your desired country.

Research any details and conventions that are country-specific. This could determine the CV length and the presentation.

You may need to include a photograph of yourself for different countries.

Keep it professional and adhere to the written and unwritten rules of writing a CV.

Check out our CV templates!
The final step is to learn the language that used in the destination you want to work in.

By doing so, you may be able to land the job of your dreams in another part of the world and blend in better with the locals.

What to consider when moving abroad?

As you move to a foreign country, there are several things you need to remember at the back of your mind. These may include:

Difference in languages

The job opportunity you desire may require communication in the native language used in that specific country.

So, if you are interested in a specific job, make sure you carry out some research and find out the language of communication in use.

Be proactive by showing that you are learning the language and have the desire to be proficient.

Culture, economy, and politics

Prepare yourself to encounter a new culture that you perhaps are not used to.

Observe any diverse customs and etiquette to get accustomed to.

The firm could have different working hours from what you are used to, be ready to adapt to the diversity at the workplace.

This is an important factor as it will be part of your new lifestyle when working in a different country.

Time zones

By now, you already know there are different time zones worldwide. Whether you will have a phone or video interview, be mindful of the difference in time.

There is a high chance the interview will take place at a time when it will be night in your country.

Consider these possibilities to avoid missing your interview due to the different time zones.

Holidays

It’s important to think about holidays as you plan to move abroad.

The annual leave allowance can differ from country to country on a case-by-case basis depending on the location of your company.

Annual leave entitlements vary depending on the length of service, and whether employees have children as they may be given more leave days.

Certain countries will have different public holidays like Thanksgiving in the US and bank holidays in the UK. Be ready for such adjustments.

Non-conventional interviews

As a result of your potential new employer’s location, remote job interviews are most likely to be common.

Prepare in advance for a phone or video interview, as this is the most effective and efficient method of conducting an interview and impressing your desired employer.

Visa and work permit

Obtaining a working abroad visa may be necessary in order to work as an ex-pat in a foreign country.

To ensure that the process is as smooth as possible, you will need to apply for work permits as soon as you start your international job search.

Foreign government embassy sites can also provide you with information regarding their nation’s immigration and right-to-work rules.

Keep in mind that some permits have expiration dates, and it is best to be vigilant in this regard to ensure you won’t be breaking any laws whilst working internationally.

Take away

Getting a job abroad should not be hard as long as you are willing to put in the work to make the process successful. However, keep these other parameters in mind to have a smooth time in a foreign country.

If you are interested in opportunities abroad, or jobs in tourism and related sectors, make sure to check our graduate job board!