Knowing how to find jobs abroad is one of the most important things you can do when you decide that an international adventure is the thing you want to do in your life. Finding a job can be a struggle, but finding a job abroad can be even more difficult. We provide you with tips and advice on how to find jobs abroad.
Why finding a job abroad fails for most people
Finding jobs abroad is something that you have to work for. It is important that you know what you are doing. We list some common mistakes that people make while trying to find a job abroad:
Applying without a target country strategy
Applying for jobs in different countries might feel productive at first. You send applications to companies in Spain, Germany, Greece, and Portugal all in the same week hoping that “something will stick.” But in reality this doesn’t work at all. Every country has different visa requirements, salary expectations, or CV formats.
Ignoring visa realities
It is difficult to start working in some countries, because of the visa regulations. You have to be aware of those before you start looking for a job. Employers don’t like it when they have to wait for you to fix things before you can start working. There will always be someone who is able to fix it faster, so make sure to have all the necessary documents you need ready. This shows that you are informed about regulations and that can convince employers to hire you.
No employer-focused CV adaptation
Possible employers will see through you if you just randomly apply for the job they offer. So make sure you put some time and effort and adapt your CV to the employer. Ask yourself what the employer would want to see in a CV. What skills do you need to focus on for this job? And which (work) experiences are useful to highlight? Later in this blog we tell you more about building an international-ready CV, but make sure to always adapt the information to the job you are applying for.
Unrealistic expectations
If you are looking for your first job abroad, you can’t expect it to be perfect. Sure, life abroad is amazing. But it also comes with challenges, both in your personal and professional life. Make sure to understand what working abroad actually means. Read personal stories, blogs and let your recruiter tell you what the expat life really is all about. This way you don’t go abroad with unrealistic expectations.
Target jobs that actually hire international candidates
It sounds like a simple tip, but it’s really important to keep this in mind when looking for jobs abroad. There are jobs abroad for foreigners in high demand-sectors like customer service, sales and marketing, hospitality, IT & Tech support and in iGaming. You can find both entry-level jobs as more skilled roles in these sectors.
At Job Squad we offer different relocation jobs in Europe within these sectors. We have jobs in for example Greece, Portugal, Spain, Bulgaria, and Malta. In some of the jobs, your future employer helps you relocate and provides you with support, and sometimes even housing. Make sure you know what your employers help you with or fixes for you before you make the move, so you also know what you have to fix yourself before you start working abroad.
Build an International-ready CV
Preparing your CV is a bit different when you do it internationally. First, you need to make it an English one. It is also important to add your language skills to your CV. For most jobs, and especially the jobs we offer at Job Squad, you don’t need to speak the local language. But having English skills can be a real advantage while looking for a job abroad.
Know about the local CV expectations
In every country, the expectations of how your CV looks or what is in it are slightly different. Make sure to research what you need to show in your CV for the country you are applying in:
- How long can the CV be?
- Do I add a photo or not?
- What language and tone do I need to write in?
- Do I focus on education or on experiences?
Highlighting relocation willingness clearly
One of the most important things employers will be looking for, is the willingness to move abroad. This is a big step, and it has to come with a lot of internal motivation. If you can show this in your CV, an employer might be convinced that you are taking this seriously.
Work with a recruitment agency instead of doing everything alone
A recruitment agency can help you to find jobs abroad quicker. At Job Squad we have contact with all sorts of companies in Europe. Our recruiters know everything about the job, the location and moving abroad, so they are the perfect people to help you land the job abroad that fits you perfectly.
Working together with us reduces your hiring timeline and it makes sure you apply for real and realistic jobs. Before, during and after the application process, we will be there for you with support. From helping you find the job that fits you best, to assisting you in tailoring your CV, and from preparing for the interview together to help you with any questions about the relocation process.
The steps you take in order to find jobs abroad
Finding a job abroad isn’t just following some steps, so we aren’t giving you a magic trick that works 100% of the time. But these steps make finding a job abroad much easier. A quick recap:
- Make sure to avoid common mistakes
- Target realistic and feasible international jobs
- Build a CV that works for the country you want to work in
- Let a recruitment agency (we suggest Job Squad) help you in your process
These steps will make it easier for you to find a job abroad in a location that suits you. Hopefully this blog will help you in finding that adventure abroad that you will tell all your friends about for years to come!