How to Apply for Jobs Abroad

How to Apply for Jobs Abroad

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How to Apply for Jobs Abroad

Moving abroad is a dream for many, but finding a job overseas can be a daunting task. Knowing where to start and how to proceed is enough to stop even the most seasoned travelers in their tracks. 

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How to Apply for Jobs Abroad

Finding a job and relocating to another country isn't like any travel you're used to -- and that's a good thing! Living overseas is an exciting experience and can promote both personal and professional growth.

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How to Apply for Jobs Abroad

Are you ready to work abroad?Here are 5 useful steps to follow in order to find and secure work abroad.

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Step 1. Determine the type of job you want

Before you find a job, it's important to consider the position you'd like to obtain, the industry you want to work in and the skills you desire to learn. Once you narrow down these factors, determining the best fit for you can become easier. 

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Step 1. Determine the type of job you want

Other factors to consider include the specific location you want to travel to and how long you want to—and are allowed to—work there. If you're unable to find immediate employment, consider a short-term job where you can work in the meantime. 

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Step 2. Use international job boards to search for positions abroad

Likely most daunting task of applying for jobs abroad is reviewing international job boards and finding a position that you can apply for in the country or countries where you desire to work abroad. 

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Step 2. Use international job boards to search for positions abroad

Don't limit your overseas job search to just one channel! When trying to figure out how to get a job in another country, branching out and exploring these various options simultaneously will increase your chances of finding the perfect position.

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Step 2. Use international job boards to search for positions abroad

Networking Networking is an essential skill set to finding a job in nearly every situation. These days networking is both done the old fashion way - through word of mouth, friends, and parties - as well as online.

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Step 2. Use international job boards to search for positions abroad

Networking You can often find communities of digital nomads and international job seekers, as well as companies looking to hire them, through groups on social media sites like LinkedIn.

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Step 2. Use international job boards to search for positions abroad

Overseas job fairs Search your local area and attend overseas job fairs. International job fairs are yet another way to find companies recruiting people to work in their international offices. You could even go through an interview on the spot, but at the least, you'll get your foot in the door.

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Step 2. Use international job boards to search for positions abroad

Worldwide companies hiring overseas positions 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. 

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Step 2. Use international job boards to search for positions abroad

Companies like Price Waterhouse and Cooper, Wells Fargo, Datacom, Hilton, and Conde Nast, to name a few, are worldwide. They're looking for people willing to travel and move abroad in an array of positions too.

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Step 2. Use international job boards to search for positions abroad

The only drawback of applying for international jobs this way is that you might have to wait a year or more to move abroad with your company. They'll want to train you locally and let you get established in the organization before sending you off.

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Step 2. Use international job boards to search for positions abroad

International job boards There are great resources for finding positions nearly anywhere in the world that you are interested in working, but it's key to narrow your search to the desired country or set of countries. 

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Step 2. Use international job boards to search for positions abroad

When you find a position of interest to you, understanding if they sponsor international workers is also essential. Certain jobs will say in their description that they're open to sponsorship. Websites like Indeed have country-specific pages to search postings in your target country.

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Step 2. Use international job boards to search for positions abroad

Overseas US government jobs The US government probably offers more international job positions to its citizens than practically any private company, and they also can easily get your visa sorted out with other countries. 

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Step 2. Use international job boards to search for positions abroad

Plus, the US government almost always needs US citizens to work for it at all times, so if you're an American, there is less competition in the country than in non-government positions.

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Step 2. Use international job boards to search for positions abroad

International recruiters Entire agencies exist that work on behalf of international companies to find workers from around the world. Going through a recruitment agency cuts the hassle of looking for positions abroad and companies willing to sponsor, but it comes at a price.

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Step 2. Use international job boards to search for positions abroad

Make sure you thoroughly read any contract you sign with a recruitment agency as they will sometimes require a percentage of your future paychecks for finding you a job abroad. It might not be a lot, but be aware of it.

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Step 3. Send an application tailored to your destination country

Once you find a position that you know you're right for, start applying. Easy as that, right? Nope.

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Step 3. Send an application tailored to your destination country

Even if you speak the same language as the country where you're applying for jobs, not everything runs that same way or is called the same name, so you have to do some research to make sure your application is on their terms. Otherwise, your application will go straight to the bottom of the pile.

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Step 3. Send an application tailored to your destination country

The following tips can help you as your prepare your resume and cover letter: Know the correct terminology. For example, If you're applying for a job in England, Google "CV England" instead of "resume England" because they call a resume a curriculum vitae (CV).

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Step 3. Send an application tailored to your destination country

Photo or no? Search or even ask someone from the country if they add photos to their application, cover letters, etc. Spelling counts. The UK, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and Canada for instance have different spelling rules (defense vs. defence and honor vs. honour).

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Step 3. Send an application tailored to your destination country

Add the country's popular contact methods. Include email addresses, and phone numbers and sign up for Whatsapp, Zoom, and Skype, so you're prepared to do an interview online whenever that company contacts you.

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Step 3. Send an application tailored to your destination country

Research the company and tailor your resume for each job. Before applying, review the company's website -- especially its mission statement and about us page -- to better understand its core values. The more you know about the company before an interview will help you connect with the recruiter and display your seriousness about the position.

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Step 3. Send an application tailored to your destination country

In your cover letter, don't be afraid to talk about why they should hire you even with the hassle of sponsorship. What do you have that others don't? What makes you stand out, and what will you bring to that job that they are missing at the moment?

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Step 4. Apply for a visa

You got the job, but your work is not done yet. Visas and work permits take time and require a bit of money and a lot of information on your behalf. You'll be asked to submit medical exams, police records, and more. 

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Step 4. Apply for a visa

You'll have to have a passport, obviously, and you might have to visit the embassy for an interview. Consult your destination country's consulate website to find out exactly what you need. Websites like VisaGuide.World can also give you a good idea of the requirements.

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Step 4. Apply for a visa

It's critically important that you're aware of every part of the visa process and the correct forms to fill out before searching for jobs abroad. Once you find a job and they're willing to sponsor you - make sure you stay on top of the visa process and get everything done as soon as possible.

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Step 5. Pack your bags and hit the road

The dream of working abroad seems impossible at first, but it will happen if you put your mind to it and refuse to quit. By breaking down the process into smaller steps like those mentioned in this article, it will be way less overwhelming and, trust us, so worth it.

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Step 5. Pack your bags and hit the road

The new and deeper understanding you'll receive from becoming a part of an overseas workforce is like no other travel experience you've had before. Working in another country, rather than just visiting it, allows you to immerse yourself in the culture and have a deeper and more fulfilling experience.

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