The world is full of incredible job opportunities, that can improve your existing skills, allow you to build an international network and develop your communications skills. Not to mention, open you up to new cultures, new people, new adventures and allow you to build lifelong memories!
That’s why our expert team, who have over 18 years’ experience in international recruitment, have put together a list of key steps to help you find your dream job abroad.
DECIDING ON YOUR LOCATION
The world is full of amazing places and deciding where to move can feel like a big decision.
To help you decide, we would recommend spending some time thinking about what’s really important to you; whether it is the city life, a short trip back home or local surroundings.
Another important factor to consider is the value you could bring to a particular location. If you know a specific language or possess certain skills, this could make you a top candidate for a specific region.
RESEARCH THE COST OF LIVING
The cost of living is based on the amount of money needed for expenses such as housing, taxes, food, transport and utilities. It can differ drastically, so it’s a good idea to do some research before deciding on your chosen location.
Numbeo is a great website that shows you a breakdown of the cost of living based on location and allows you to easily compare two different places.
FINDING YOUR PERFECT ROLE
Once you’ve decided on your location, you can start searching for the right role abroad. This can be a tricky task, but luckily there are lots of helpful tools you can use.
Many international job boards and global recruiter websites allow you to filter your job search based on location, industry, occupation and key words – so it’s never been easier to find the right role that suits you.
RESEARCH
Before submitting your application it’s important to research your chosen destination to avoid any obvious mistakes. For example, when contacting a potential employer, make sure you consider whether there is a time difference or any national holidays.
It is also helpful to learn about the local culture, to make sure you come across as friendly and professional during your interview.
YOUR APPLICATION
When writing your application, you should highlight any specific language skills or relevant experience that might make you stand out, for example if you have experience working on global projects or international business trips.
Another thing to consider is localising the spelling on your CV so computer software is able to correctly pick up on the key words in your CV. For example ‘ize’ spelling is preferred in America and Canada, whilst ‘ise’ is preferred outside North America.
If you are applying for a country where you are fluent in their language, you could also consider translating your application. However, we would suggest getting a native speaker to double check the quality of your translation before submitting your application.