There are many reasons you may need to find work abroad. You may be traveling and run out of cash. You may just find that your savings aren’t enough to finance everything that you want to do and see while maintaining a decent quality of life. Or, you might be planning to live abroad for a substantial amount of time. In which case, you will be looking for a full-time job or perhaps even a long-term career.
However, finding work in a different country can be difficult, especially if you’re not familiar with their language or culture. Here are some top tips to help you.
Think about What You Need
Do you need a little extra cash or a full-time income? Are you looking for a career with plenty of room for progression or a job that lets you have fun and meet new people? All of these options are there, but knowing what you want and need will help narrow down your search and focus your efforts. If you are just looking to make a little extra money for the summer, look at bar jobs, holiday rep positions, and other jobs in the service industry.
If you’re aiming for a long-term career, you may want to consider further study to help you to secure a position.
Tailor Your CV
It’s important to tailor your CV to the job you are applying for instead of using the same one. Have a key skills section at the top and make sure they match the job description without embellishing. Focus on any transferable skills and relevant experience.
Use your travel to your advantage. To travel you must be organized, independent, great with new people, adventurous, and motivated. These are all great skills that employers are looking for in prospective staff.
Learn Some Language
If you are going to work in a different country, in any capacity, it’s important that you know at least enough of their language to be comfortable. But, as learning a language can be difficult and time-consuming, you may want to focus your attentions on the words and phrases you are likely to need in your industry. Then pick up the rest as you go.
Network
Networking is always one of the best ways to find work or advance your career. Get out there and meet people in the industry. Look at people you know: are there any potential connections there? Ask for introductions or referrals.
Go Online
There are many ways the internet can help you to find work abroad. These include:
- Online job sites
- Applying online
- Online courses
- Language courses
- Social media
- Joining groups and forums
If you plan to use social media for any networking, make sure your profiles are professional and your email address is sensible.
If you are looking to live and work abroad then studying an international relations degree from Norwich University could give you some fantastic options. A masters in international relations could lead to a career in international business, law, trade or diplomacy among others and could be a brilliant investment in your future which allow you to see the world.
Do you have any more tips? Let us know in the comments.
