4 things you need to do to secure a job abroad

September 30, 2017

4 things you need to do to secure a job abroad

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We could all use a change of scenery once in a while, and travel is a nice way to switch things up.

But some people crave something slightly more permanent. Working abroad can provide you with the opportunity to truly immerse yourself in a different locale.

Karoli Hindricks, CEO of international tech marketplace Jobbatical, said working abroad is great for people who "feel the need to travel, step out of their comfort zones, and go on adventures."

But the process of securing a job abroad is quite a bit more complicated than simply finding work at home.

Here are some tips on how to approach traveling abroad to find work:

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Do your research

What's the biggest pitfall people tend to fall into when attempting to work abroad?

For Hindricks, the answer is clear: "lack of research."

And research doesn't equate with skimming through a travel guide for the country you're planning to work in.

Hindricks recommended doing your homework on the country's immigration, tax, and healthcare policies before making any commitments.

And remember, it's easier to navigate the process in some countries than others.

"In Estonia, the application costs $190 and you can start working 24 hours after you've signed the work contract," Hindricks told Business Insider.

In addition to Estonia, she said Malaysia, Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal, Austria, Poland, and Singapore all make it easy for skilled applicants to snag work permits.

On the other hand, Hindricks added that it's a bit of a slog to get through the immigration process in Greece, Australia, Sweden, and the United States.

Demonstrate the right kind of enthusiasm

Enthusiasm is almost always a plus when it comes to the job search. But if you're looking for a gig abroad, you've got to make sure you articulate that gusto in an appropriate way.

"When a person says during an interview that the only reason they want to join the team is that they've always wanted to live in, let's say Barcelona, well, that's a big turnoff for a hiring manager," Hindricks said. "The location — like in sunny Barcelona — is a nice perk, but don't forget that your team comes first."

Remember, business is business all over the world. Don't treat searching for a job in a different country like planning a fun vacation.

"Most people on our planet spend half of their waking hours building something that is important to them," Hindricks said. "It doesn't matter if they're in Malaysia, Spain, or Finland. Everyone wants their newest teammates to be as excited about the mission and working as hard to get there as they are."

She recommended channeling some of your excitement into your résumé, instead.

"Landing a job abroad is no different from landing a job at home," Hindricks said.