Moving abroad is a dream for many, but unless you have a small fortune to support yourself during your stay - you're going to have to find some way to work abroad to make it happen. This is no small task. On top of the usual stress that comes with searching for work and standing out amongst the masses, you'll also have to go through a visa process to be able to work in another country legally.
The good news is - it's all worth it.
The new and deeper understanding you'll receive from becoming apart of a foreign workforce is like no other travel experience you've had before. It gives you the chance to form long-lasting relationships with people from other countries, see how the rest of the world operates and learn things that you normally would not in your own country. You might find a better way of doing things while working abroad that could totally transform your career, but at the least you’ll have a unique encounter with a foreign land. Working in another country, rather than just visiting it, allows you to truly become apart of that culture and embrace every aspect of it.
Are you ready to work outside your own country? We’re here to show you how to apply for jobs abroad.
Step 1: Find a position
The first and probably most daunting task in applying for jobs abroad is actually finding a position that you can apply for. This is confusing, because there is no clear-cut model to finding work abroad, no website that lists every job open to Americans around the world and you probably won't have a lot of people in your life to go to for advice. But there are jobs out there, you just need to know where to look.
Networking
Networking is key to finding a job in every situation. These days networking is done the old fashion way - through word of mouth, friends and parties - as well as online. LinkedIn is a fantastic place to start to mingle with CEOs, startups, etc. and maybe even catch a few breaks on the job front.
Create a profile that stands out. Once your name, photo and details are online, you never know who will find you. But don't just sit back and watch - be proactive. Ask people who hire on behalf of prospective companies abroad to connect. Maybe even send them a message asking to pick at their brain. Look at the job listings every day based on your preferences. Also, join groups on LinkedIn as well as Facebook for people in your profession as well as other interests. A lot of times startups or employers from larger companies will post on online groups looking for applicants from around the world, because they don't want to pay recruiters to do it for them.
If you graduated from university, use your alumni association to create contacts. See what the rest of your fellow alums are doing. If any are working abroad, contact them and see how they found the position and if they known of any other companies looking for foreigners. Go to alumni event as well. In fact, go to as many events as possible for people in your field. Usually different parties and mingles will attract foreign visitors in the same career. Pick at their brain and form a relationship. You never know where one chat will lead you.
Job Fairs
Attend overseas job fairs. They do exist. Just google the phrases "overseas job fair" or "abroad job fair" then the name of your nearest city and you'll find events that are focused on it. There you'll be able to see what companies are recruiting people to work in their foreign offices. You could even go through an interview on the spot, but at the least you'll get your foot in the door.
Worldwide Companies
Rather than just applying straight through, say a UK company, in hopes of moving to London, apply for jobs with US companies that have offices around the globe. Companies like Price Waterhouse and Cooper, Wells Fargo, Datacom, Hilton and Conde Nast are worldwide. They're looking for people willing to travel and move abroad in an array of positions too.
Understand that for some people, having to move abroad for a job is actually a bad thing, so apply for positions knowing that your willingness to do so is a huge asset. The only drawback of applying for foreign jobs this way is that you might have to wait a year or so to actually move abroad with your company. They’ll want to train you from their headquarters or see if you can handle the move before just sending you off.
This method is especially good for those who want to work in hotels. One of the biggest things an American hotel company needs when it opens a new location abroad is English speakers who know the company and how it works.
Job Search Engines
Just like at home, websites like Craigslist, Monster, and Gumtree are wonderful sources to finding work abroad, but it's key to go through your desired country's specific job search engines, so you're not going to be looking at Craigslist USA for a job in Australia. In fact, while Craigslist is helpful in several countries around the world, it's barely known in Australia. For this country, you'll want to use sites like Seek and Gumtree to search for jobs. Use this method to whatever countries you are hoping to apply in. Certain jobs will say in their description that they're open to sponsorship. Some websites even have a filter to help you search for companies looking for US citizens or English speakers specifically. But at the very least, you'll see where is actually hiring in foreign countries and you'll have a chance to get your name out there.
Government
The US government probably offers more foreign jobs to its citizens than any private company and they also have an in on getting your visa sorted out with foreign agencies. Plus the US government almost always needs its own citizens to work for it at all times, so you won't be going up against people who are from the foreign country you are trying to work. Like in America, companies in foreign countries often try to hire citizens over foreigners - so that weakens your application to work with foreign companies.
This is not the case when applying for a job with the US government abroad. Searching and applying for foreign jobs through the US government is simple. Go to USAJobs.gov, type in the sort of job you are skilled in and country you wish to work and a listing of available positions will come up. You can apply directly through the website.
In-Person
This option is risky, but it will definitely prove your determination. Basically, just show up in a country and start applying in-person or setting up interviews for while you're there. Though the internet is a fantastic source, nothing compares to actually being in a place and meeting people. While it's illegal to work in another country on a visitors visa, it's not illegal to look for work. However, you will probably be asked to leave the country while you sort out work permits and visas.
