How to Get a Job Abroad: A Guide to Finding Opportunities in Another Country

Moving to another country is exciting, but it does come with its challenges. The first hurdle you’ll come across when moving abroad will be having to look for a job. People often say, and rightfully so, that “looking for a job is a job in itself.” However, there are ways to make the process of figuring out how to get a job abroad much smoother.  

Today, we’ll cover some key elements that can help you avoid a few headaches while finding a job.  

In this article we’ll cover:

• Where to look for jobs overseas
• Identifying the job you want
• The Basics: Language skills and CV format
• Finding networks of other professionals and/or expats
• Considering an international study program
• Looking for flexible jobs

1. Where do I find a job abroad?

This is possibly the most important question when it comes to looking for a new job opportunity in another country. The quick answer? Online. There’s an array of job searching websites available. All you have to do is identify the most popular ones in the country (our countries) you’re considering for your move.  Keep in mind that, while not the most popular, there are also specialized job search engines, which can cater more directly to your industry or niche.

The obvious place to start would be LinkedIn. Currently the largest professional network in the world, LinkedIn offers a wide range of business positions and the opportunity to post your CV as well. This platform is considered a must in the international employment landscape and a great place to start for any job seeker.

2. Identify the type of job you want and the skills you need

Finding a job you like is an important piece of any job-finding strategy, and it can be vital when looking for a job overseas. Figuring this out early on will help you streamline your search. Having a clear idea of what type of job you want can also help you identify the top skills and requirements more easily.

Once you have the job profile in mind, it’s time to measure whether you fit the bill already or if your CV needs some beefing up. Here are some examples of skills you can work on before applying for a job:

Language skills, for example, can be critical when looking for a job. It’ll also come into play when choosing a new country. More often than not, you’ll need to be moving to a place where you either speak the language or are willing to learn it. You can also inquire at more international companies, which will usually operate in English. That being said, being able to speak the local language, or that of an important market for the company, is always a huge plus.

It’s also important to pay attention to your CV when applying to jobs abroad. Nowadays, CVs tend to be fairly standard. However, each country has its own peculiarities and formats may vary. For example, the European Union utilizes the EuroPass, which is understood and well-received in any country in the EU. So, make sure to do some research and adapt your CV to the standard model – both for the position you’re aiming for and the country. 

3. Look for companies that offer international positions

As we mentioned before, international positions can be a great option to get a job abroad if you’re not fluent in the local language or want to work mainly in English. Make a list of companies you’d like to work in and run a direct search in their careers section.

These positions can be competitive, so we recommend browsing through the company’s page directly and finding the contact information of the person in charge of employee recruitment. By contacting them directly, you could gain direct access to positions that may not even be advertised yet. At the same time, your proactive approach can improve your probability of competing against a smaller pool of candidates.

If you’re interested in finance, money transfers, and working in an international environment, you should check out our Ria Financial Careers page! We have offices pretty much everywhere and are always looking for new talent.

4. Find a network of other professionals and / or expats

Finding a job overseas, or anywhere for that matter, can be difficult. Sometimes it’s not even about how to find a job abroad but more about who you know. Finding a network of other professionals who live in the same country can be a great advantage. If you don’t have one, don’t panic! Everyone has to start somewhere. As a first step, try attending networking events and job fairs. This will not only give you visibility and exposure among headhunters, but it can also help you establish new connections. The attendees, who have been in your shoes, can offer invaluable advice regarding all aspects of your new life.

5. Consider joining an international study program

While this may not be feasible for everyone, one of the best paths to finding a job overseas is to enroll in a study program in another country. Studying abroad can be a great way to check if living (and working) in another country is for you. After all, you will be experiencing pretty much everything that life overseas can offer, just as you would if you were employed. You can meet new people and get acquainted with the day-to-day.

Plus, if you decide living abroad isn’t for you, at least you will still get a degree or certification in return. If, on the flipside, you find that you love living in this new country, you’ll have a built-in network to start jobhunting.

6. Finding a job that allows flexibility

International jobs can be hard to come by, even for highly qualified professionals. However, there’s an easier route that is not as apparent when trying to find a job abroad: remote work. Working remotely means you can live anywhere and work for anyone. Although COVID-19 has been rough on many of us, it has also sped up the public acceptance of remote work. As result, flexibility is now key.

Now, you can balance a freelance position with living in the country of your choice, and even dabbling into different fields of work. Be mindful that freelance work comes with specific requirements and won’t necessarily mean that you can move to the country where the company is hiring you is based. However, it’ll certainly begin opening your options and expanding your network for when the time is right to move abroad.

Conclusion: finding a job abroad is worth the effort

The road to finding a job abroad will be different for everyone, but any time spent on chasing your dreams will be well spent. Learning how to work in another country and going through the experience itself can be life-changing, with benefits and learnings that will certainly last a lifetime. And, whenever you are abroad and need to send money to your loved ones, you can count on us. Download our app for iOS or Android today to start!