Thursday, August 12, 2010

Finding a Job Overseas

Temple Bar in Dublin

You are ready to become an expat! Everyone approaches this move differently; some will save money and move to their chosen destination and search for a job on arrival, others would rather secure a job before their move. Depending on the country and work visa regulations, one strategy might work better than another. If you would like to start your research now, or if you’re already overseas and would like some new leads, we have put together a list of several categories to consider:

1) Check with your current employer.

Large companies often have overseas offices, whether you are a lawyer, engineer, recruiter, banker, retail worker or grocery store worker. You’ll need a certain amount of gumption to find out about this: ask line managers and HR personnel and if you don’t get the answer you want ask someone else. Contact the branches overseas if you don’t have any luck with the contacts in your local branch. Find out what you need to do in order to get transferred. Ask around for the best way to sell your proposal to the people who make this decision. They will be impressed by your tenacity and organizational abilities.

2) Network your contacts.

Jobs can also be found in your field with the right networking. Meet people at conferences, make them into solid contacts, follow up the connection and stay in touch. Ask them what opportunities are available either within their company or other companies in your field. Find out other names to contact and visit. If you have several strong leads, make appointments with them in a one-week period, take vacation time, and go see them. They will be impressed by your drive and the cost of the plane ticket will be well spent.

3) Volunteer for international organizations.

Not much, if any money will be involved, and often you will have to pay for the experience, but this will get you overseas where you can start building your network and potentially find a paid job when your volunteering stint if finished. There are many websites for volunteer organizations; here are a few to start:

4) House sitting is a short term but often forgotten opportunity.

Some people will go on month long holidays (or longer) and they need someone to keep an eye on things, water the plants and walk the dogs. You can stay in their house and often receive a small amount of money for the jobs. You may even find a regular position with people who go away the same time every year. If you want to do more than just housesit long-term, then use the time to search for permanent jobs while you’re in their country.

5) Teaching English and other subjects.

This is a popular choice for many English speakers who want to live and work overseas.

A certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) would boost your credentials as a teacher but isn’t strictly necessary. There are also opportunities for teaching and support staff at American Schools overseas.

6) Working without a work permit.

No work permit will mean you can bypass the bureaucracy but they also mean no job security and often very low pay. These jobs include: waiting staff, construction workers, bar or pub workers as well as farming jobs such as helping with harvests (seasonal work). Decide what kind of area you want to work in-quiet countryside or busy city, and then be prepared for a lot of footwork when you arrive. If you get found out, you also run the risk of being sent home and possibly not allowed to return.

7) Work for the government.

Embassies need staff and although they will hire local people for many things, for some jobs they need expats. If you’re American, try this site:

8) Resume and CV building.

If you are a young person without much if any work experience there are many websites you will find that offer opportunities to work or volunteer abroad. One of the more popular sites is:

No comments:

Post a Comment