There are many reasons why you would want to start building, or to continue building your career abroad. Perhaps you’ve realized that you’re ready for a cultural shift and you want to experience something completely new, or perhaps your country simply doesn’t offer the kind of perks and benefits you can expect to receive for your set of skills abroad. Whatever the reason may be, choosing to work abroad is a sensible decision that can set the stage for a thriving career in the years to come.
That said, there’s no denying that it’s not easy finding work as an expat, nor is it easy to be a remote worker if you’re simply transferring to a foreign office within your company. So, let’s go over some of the best tips that will help you find your ideal job abroad, settle in, and start a new life.
Choose a Country First
People often start this process by researching available positions or career options in general anywhere in the world, but in reality, you should first focus on finding the ideal country for your needs, lifestyle, and long-term goals. After all, you can try to build a thriving career in your field in a country with poor healthcare and infrastructure, but think of the long term and consider if the effort is worth the risk and the lower overall quality of life. This is why you need to research the destination first.
Start by looking at some online data regarding the economic trends of a country, and how expats in your field fair in that particular region. Next, take a look at the cultural trends, analyze the crime rates in the region, analyze the local healthcare system and infrastructure, and check if the destination has enough engaging content to offer.
Start Digging for Work
Now that you have narrowed down your search to a few countries, you can start looking for work in your field. Nowadays, you can find numerous reputable online job sites where local businesses post job openings on a regular basis. Be careful not to apply for a remote position, though, but if you’re particularly interested in a lucrative prospect, then get in touch and see whether the company is willing to relocate you to their local offices.
Next, be sure to hit your local networking events for companies and individuals that specialize in disseminating top talent across the globe. You’re bound to meet business leaders looking for someone with your skillset to join their ranks abroad, and if you network long enough, you might just find the ideal match for your exact needs and a company willing to relocate you to one of your countries of choice.
Organize Your Stay Ahead of Time
Don’t let the excitement of finally moving abroad for work catch you by surprise, instead, be sure to organize your stay and all of the logistics way ahead of time. Don’t overwhelm yourself by trying to find the perfect apartment right off the bat, because not only do you have more pressing matters to tend to, but there’s also no telling how long you’ll be staying.
Rather, be smart and do what frequent business travelers do and find a serviced studio apartment somewhere in a prime location where you’ll be close to work and the action, but without any long-term commitments that might weigh you down. This is the best way to save money and stay on the safe side until you solidify your position in the new company and become an indispensable part of your team.
Optimize Your Pitch
Now that your dream of working abroad is finally becoming a reality, and now that you’re closer than ever to landing the job, it’s time to optimize and perfect your pitch. This is the time to nail your skype interviews like never before, and of course, dazzle your soon-to-be employer with an amazing resume that will tick all the boxes, showcase your worth, and help you seal the deal.
Hit The Ground Running
Once you’re there, you have a limited window of opportunity to make a name for yourself. All eyes are pointed at you, so now is the time to show people what you’re made of. Be as productive as you can be, be sociable and approachable, be innovative, and above all, assimilate yourself into the company culture as quickly as you can.
Wrapping Up
To find a great job abroad, you need to make a strong battle plan. With these tips by your side, you should have no problem meeting the right people, nailing your interviews, organizing your stay in a foreign country, and most importantly, you will pave the road to a thriving career.
