Finding Jobs Abroad

Some expatriates are lucky enough to be relocated by their employer thus securing a dream new life overseas and a job abroad at the same time!

For those of you without such a sympathetic employer who want to taste life in a new country and find work when you get there, what are the realities of finding jobs abroad?

Well, a lot will depend on the country you relocate to, your field of experience and your qualifications.  Furthermore you will need to be very realistic about what is and what is not achievable in your new country of residence.

There are two ways to approach finding a job abroad, either you secure your job of choice in whichever overseas country has a suitable vacancy for you, or you relocate to your country of choice and see what the local market can offer you!

It would be ideal if you could secure that dream overseas job in that dream overseas location before even packing up and leaving your old life behind, but because this scenario has more to do with fantasy than reality here are a few practical considerations to help you find a job abroad.

If you’ve chosen your new country already you need to examine the job market in that country.  How likely is it that the market can fulfil your career aspirations?  If you’re moving to a country where your experience will count for little, what other skills do you have that you could turn into a career?  If, for example, you’re considering moving to Cyprus from Canada your career as a ski instructor might need to be put on ice (sorry!) while you explore other opportunities that you can turn your hand to.

If you’re in a profession that can be sustained by and is desirable in your chosen country of residence you need to find out whether your academic and professional qualifications translate favourably and whether they are actually recognised by any relevant official bodies, or will you need to re-qualify to practice your profession?

If you find out these facts before you go it might be possible to get a lot of the red tape out of the way remotely so that you’re ready to walk into interviews as soon as you arrive.  Try contacting the local embassy of the country you’re interested in moving to for advice or try looking on-line to see what information is available on this subject.

Many people who decide to up sticks and down size by moving to a low cost country and taking a far less demanding low skilled or seasonal job find that their prospects for securing such employment are poor because they don’t speak the language of the new country.

Is this something that you might fall foul of?  Is it possible for you to take language classes before you go and arm yourself with at least the basics so you can communicate with prospective employers or recruitment agents?

By being realistic from the outset about what is and is not achievable on a country by country basis, and by focusing on what it is you want to do with your life once you have relocated, you should ensure that the country you choose to move to can not only fulfil your lifestyle expectations but also your earning requirements and career aspirations.