There are many reasons why you might want to get a job abroad. It could be a learning experience, or you want to have an adventure. Whatever the reason, it can be challenging to find a good job in another country without knowing how things work there. Fortunately for you, we’ve put together this guide on how to land a high-quality job that includes expert tips and using social media tools to your advantage.
Table of Contents
First, Learn the Customs
Before you begin your job search, it’s important that you learn about the customs of the country where you’re applying for a job. Knowing which countries speak and greet professionally or casually is essential. This will help ensure that your cover letter and resume are tailored to their needs. If there are customs that aren’t obvious to you, ask someone who lives there to explain to them the country’s customs.
You can also watch documentaries or watch local shows to have an idea of what a country’s culture is like.
If you’re applying for a job outside your own country, make sure that your letter and resume are written in the correct language and in the correct format. Some countries would like your resume to have a photo, while others are strictly against it.
Learn the language
We recommend learning the language of your target country. This will give you a huge advantage when it comes to landing a job, and it’s also just generally useful for navigating in a foreign country.
Try to find native speakers willing to practice with you and help you improve your skills. Language exchange partners can be found through Meetup groups or forums like tend to have lots of people looking for someone who speaks their own language in exchange for helping them learn yours.
If you’re really motivated and determined not only to learn but also to master the local dialects (and this will definitely impress employers), then consider taking classes at local universities or community centers. That’s where they teach the languages of the country you are in. In many countries, there are also language learning centers that are easy to find in any city.
There are also plenty of online tools and apps you can put on your cellphone that can help you learn a language quickly.
Aside from the tools, the more you interact with the native people the faster you will pick up the language and the culture, and you will have fewer difficulties.
Make Sure you Have the Right Residency
Obtaining a visa is the first step to landing a job abroad. Every country has different requirements for the type of visa you need, so be sure to check the government website for that country before applying for anything. For example, Canada’s immigration site specifies that most professions require a work permit; however, if you are an “academic professional” or a member of certain occupations (such as a doctor), then you may not need a visa that would be necessary for another country.
Use Social Media to Find Jobs
Social media is a great resource for those looking to find a job abroad. Not only can you use it to network with potential employers, but you can also learn about the culture and country where you are moving. However, be careful of what you post online! If an employer were to Google your name, they might see something that could be seen as inappropriate or unprofessional.
Using a resource like LinkedIn for finding job postings and potential business contacts abroad, but it’s also useful for learning about the best practices of foreign professionals in your field, as well as gaining insight into local companies’ hiring strategies.
Don’t Make Your Job Hunt any Harder
Don’t make international job hunting any harder than it has to be. It’s key to assimilate in a new country, whether you are arriving in the U.S., or somewhere else, you should try to fit in.
On the one hand, there are some things that will work in your favor. You’ll want to stand out from the crowd in ways that make you attractive as an employee. On the other hand, there are some things that will work against you and could actually hurt your chances of landing a good position abroad.
The good news is that if you’re aware of these things, it’s easy to avoid them and make sure that your job-hunting efforts are successful wherever you are trying to get a job opportunity.
