Working abroad is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make in your life. Not only will you end up living in a completely different country, but you may also end up with a completely different career.
People want to work overseas for a variety of reasons, including:
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A higher salary
If you come from a developing country whose economy isn’t as robust, you may consider working overseas to earn more money. According to an expat survey by HSBC, millennial and Gen Z workers enjoy a salary increase of around 35 percent when they work abroad. Some even double their earnings after moving overseas. ;
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New experiences
Working overseas also pushes you out of your comfort zone. You have to stay and work in a completely different environment, with different cultures, customs, and languages. You get a chance to build a new network, learn a brand new language, and have a deeper understanding of your new environment. These new experiences help you grow personally and professionally.
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Find the career of your dreams
If the career you want isn’t available or pays too low at home, you could pursue it in another country. Depending on their economy, you could get paid more for your chosen job. Trying out different careers in different countries may also give you the experience you need for your dream career.
How to Find Work Abroad
Finding work overseas needs more requirements and effort than finding a job in your home country.
Here’s how to land your dream job abroad.
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Figure out the job you want
First, you need to determine the career you want to get and the industry you’d like to work in. It also helps to list down the skills you want to hone. Narrowing these factors down helps you find jobs on classified ads and job-hunting websites.
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Narrow down the countries you want to work in
Even if you have a dream country you want to build your career in, there’s a chance that you won’t find the right opportunities there. Plus, drastic differences in culture and the high cost of living might also turn you off from what you thought was your preferred country. As such, it’s important to have at least three options, so you can weigh the pros and cons of working in each country.
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Consider international job transfers
If you’re working in an international company and you like what you’re doing, bring up getting an international transfer to your supervisor. Some firms offer international work programs for their workers to broaden their skills and experiences on the job.
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Use career sites
Job hunting websites like Indeed and Glassdoor offer job opportunities beyond your country. You can search for position openings in your target location by using the filters on their advanced search bars. Just click on apply and make sure your resume is updated and wait until you get contacted.
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Keep your resume updated and localized
Sometimes, you need to tweak your resume according to the country you choose. For example, if your resume is written in American English, it may look unusual for people who use British English. Countries, apart from those in Europe and British English that use this style include Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Canada. Use free online tools like Grammarly to check your resume’s grammar and language.
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Get your documents in order
Once you’re sure that a company’s going to hire you, it’s time to get the essentials ready. You’ll need a work visa from the country you’re going to. This can be a long and extensive process. As such, it’s important to read and understand the rules and requirements properly. Take the U S. work visa, for example. You need to have a valid job offer, labor certification approved by the U.S. Department of Labor, an approved petition for U.S. citizenship, a completed visa form, and more.
You should also read up on life insurance guides for overseas workers to ensure you’re financially protected during your stay abroad. Plus, you should also make sure to get housing figured out in advance. Look for apartments or houses and ensure that you’re set to move in before booking your flight.
Overseas work provides you with a variety of opportunities to make more money, to get your dream job and to immerse yourself in different cultures. It’s one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make in your life, so never take it lightly. Consider these factors, and you’ll be ready for your big career move.
