How and where to find jobs abroad easily

Take these simple steps to start your international job search:

 

If you’re interested in working in another country, knowing exactly where to find jobs abroad will ensure you uncover the best opportunities. From networking to attending job fairs, these are the specific steps that you should take if you want to land a fulfilling and lucrative position in no time.

1. Use the Power of Networking

In order to find a job abroad, you can use networking strategies just like you would at home, and you can even do it from remote, thanks to the internet. LinkedIn is one of the most popular social networking websites for professionals from all industries, so creating a stellar profile and proactively connecting with people while searching through job listings is a great place to start.
 
You can also join groups that are found on Facebook and LinkedIn, as there are many employers, including startups, who will post about their openings on social media in order to connect directly with applicants rather than using a recruiter.
 
Tell your friends and family about your upcoming move, too, as you never know who will have a valuable contact in the area where you will be living overseas. You might even be able to use social media to connect with fellow expats who can be a valuable source of tips and information.
 
And yet another way to network would be by connecting with your university’s alumni group. You might be surprised by just how many fellow alumni are found all over the world and within the industries and niches that you are most interested in.

2. Know Where to Search for Job Opportunities Online

There are a variety of job boards online that will help you narrow down job openings by location. Some of the most well known job boards operate on a global basis, but there are also sites specifically geared towards helping people find work overseas.
 
You can use these websites to find companies that are hiring in the industry of your choice, and you may even be able to submit your cover letter and resume or curriculum vitae (CV) through these sites as well, saving you time and effort.
 

3. Seek Out Job Opportunities in the Right Industries

When it comes to finding work abroad, looking for job openings in certain industries will make the process easier. Bigger and more developed cities will likely have more employers, but your skills might be in higher demand in developing nations, so depending upon the type of work that you are searching for, and the industry that you want to get into, you can relocate to a place where you will find ample opportunities to grow.
 
If you are seeking permanent work opportunities, the best industries for expats include education, tourism, and hospitality, but you can also search for positions within the medical industry and the field of technology.
 
For example, you can become an English teacher in a non-English speaking country, or you could work as a traveling nurse. If you are an expert in computer technology or engineering, your specialised skill set will likely be in high demand across the globe. And if you have great social skills, you could work for a travel company, hotel, or resort.
 
If you are a freelancer, such as a copywriter or web designer, you can find clients just about anywhere in the world by signing up with placement providers like Upwork.
 
Temporary work opportunities, as well as seasonal jobs, can be found at places like national parks and ski resorts, but you can also consider working as an au pair which has its own unique visa status in some countries.

Make a Strategic Move

Moving abroad can be expensive, but high bank fees and margins can make it even more expensive to transfer your money overseas or to bring your salary back home. When you need to send money overseas, you’re usually better off with a specialist foreign exchange provider like OFX. No matter where you go, you can use OFX to transfer your savings or salary affordably, swiftly, and securely.
 
No matter where you end up, OFX is ready when you are to help you make the most of your international career.

4. Attend Job Fairs Abroad

In addition to attending general networking events both before and after you have made your move, you might be able to find a variety of appealing job opportunities at job fairs. You can learn about upcoming job fairs by searching for them online.
 
At these events, you will have the chance to gauge what businesses are currently recruiting new employees locally and abroad. Some companies will even interview you right on the spot, so you might be able to land a job before your move. 

5. Consider Internships and Volunteer Opportunities

If you are finding it difficult to land a paid job right away, don’t worry. You can instead focus on developing your language skills, networking, and gaining valuable experience by seeking out volunteer opportunities or internships, which might even pay a small salary.
 
Once you start volunteering or interning, you can prove yourself and get your foot in the door with an attractive organisation. 

6. Take Advantage of Recruiters and Hiring Agencies

Seek out hiring agencies and recruiters that operate on behalf of foreign employers who need assistance with finding talented workers from across the globe. As an alternative, you can search for local recruiters once you have moved overseas and you have begun your job search.
 
The good thing about working with a professional recruitment agency is the fact that you can reduce the amount of work required when searching for openings. Just be sure you read hiring contracts thoroughly, as recruiters are usually paid as a percentage of your earnings. While these fees are usually paid by the company that hires you, it’s always wise to check.
 
After you have researched recruiting agencies, narrow down your options by going with those that specialise in your industry and place workers in the positions that you are most interested in attaining, whether you are hoping for an entry-level job, a management position, or an executive offer. 

7. Tap into the Power of International Organisations

International organisations can also be a valuable resource to tap into when you are stumped for where to find jobs abroad. They might even be able to help you transition smoothly into your new home and job.
 
Check out Go Overseas, which is a resource that you can use to locate volunteer opportunities and teaching jobs abroad. You can also look into the Council on International Educational Exchange, as it provides various programs for working and teaching abroad. 

Don’t Forget Your Visa and Work Permit

With the appropriate visa and work permit, you will be able to live abroad and land the ideal job without any hiccups along the way. Requirements will vary depending upon the country you are coming from and the country you are moving to, as well as your length of stay and job description, so give yourself time to do the proper research before your move. Then contact the local consulate for the country you hope to relocate to, as they will help you obtain all of the necessary entry and residency requirements before your move.   

With OFX, you can get bank beating rates on global money transfers.

IMPORTANT: The contents of this blog do not constitute financial advice and are provided for general information purposes only without taking into account the investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs of any particular person. UKForex Limited (trading as “OFX”) and its affiliates make no recommendation as to the merits of any financial strategy or product referred to in the blog. OFX makes no warranty, express or implied, concerning the suitability, completeness, quality or exactness of the information and models provided in this blog.