How To Get a Job Abroad
Do you fancy spending time working abroad? Want to widen your career horizons? We’ve got a few tips to help you along.
1. Do Your Research First
The biggest mistake you can make is not doing enough research. Before looking for jobs in a country, find out about its immigration policies, as well as tax and healthcare regulations. Some countries are much easier to work in, while others require a long process before you can get a foot in the door.
Experts say that Portugal, the Netherlands, Malaysia, Estonia, Germany, Poland and Singapore are the easiest countries in which to get work permits, while the United States, Australia, Greece and Sweden are far more difficult.
2. Get Social Media Savvy
Social media can be very helpful in finding job opportunities abroad. If you’re not on socials, create your own profile and scour the platform for others who might be able to find you an international job. A lot of employers turn straight to LinkedIn when they are looking for staff, so join industry-specific groups to help you network with the right people.
You can also enter your location on Facebook’s job-finding feature to see what might be on offer at your desired destination. Don’t forget to network with your family and friends. Someone might have just the right contacts and information for you.
3. Start Off Teaching English
Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) is an increasingly popular way to visit other countries while earning a living. You’ll probably need a certificate before starting, but some countries train new recruits.
Once you have the qualification, many possibilities, especially in south-east Asia, arise. Also, once you’re in a country and earning a living, you will be able to assess whether or not you want to stay for a while or move on somewhere else.
4. Consider an internship
If you have little to no working experience, it’s going to be harder for you to secure employment abroad. Consider doing an internship to give you work experience and develop your skills. You’ll also start to get an idea of what sort of work you enjoy, and what you don’t, making it a great way to start a career.
If internships are in short supply in the area in which you are interested, charitable organisations often offer internships for those who are willing to work for little or no money. The benefits of experience cannot be overstated, though.
5. Get job experience
If you don’t have working experience in the UK, try to get work at home before looking abroad. With experience, you will stand a much greater chance of securing employment abroad than otherwise. Getting a visa for plenty of countries is difficult if you don’t have job experience.
