Written by Vaclav Koranda

How to Get a Job Abroad

A lot of people ask me how they can get a job in another country. That’s why I decided to put together a step-by-step guide on how to navigate the global job market and secure employment abroad, including some advanced strategies and insider tips from my personal experience.

Introduction

Finding a job in a foreign country is challenging and requires a great deal of patience and persistence. It’s important to keep your expectations realistic, as securing a job quickly can be difficult regardless of the type of position you’re seeking. Just handling the formalities and steps involved in moving abroad often takes several months. But remember, many people—including myself—have successfully done it, and you can too!

Choose Your Ideal Location

The first step is to decide where you’d like to work and live. Consider mainly the following factors:

  • Climate
  • Culture
  • Language
  • Religious practices
  • Salary levels
  • Taxation
  • Standard and cost of living

Not a fan of the heat? Check out countries in the Nordics or Canada. Prefer swimming in your pool year-round and enjoying warm evenings on your balcony in slippers? Southeast Asia might be perfect for you. Love grabbing a pint or two after work? Keep in mind that in certain countries, this could be difficult, expensive, or even restricted by local customs. Fancy living among sharks, spiders, and venomous snakes? Then Australia is your dream destination.

Generally, the more developed a country is, the higher its standard of living. Decide if you can tolerate a bit of dirt and smell or prefer a cleaner, more orderly environment. Just remember, salaries in highly developed nations may seem large, but what could buy a house elsewhere might only cover the cost of a parking lot there.

If you’re narrowing down to specific locations within a country, focus on capital cities or major urban centers with populations over a million. These areas typically have more job opportunities and companies open to hiring foreigners.

Define Your Target Role

The first step in your job search is to identify the type of job you want and explore which roles are in demand in your target country.

Take time to evaluate your skills, experience, and career goals. What positions are you qualified for and genuinely passionate about? Consider factors like language requirements, industry-specific expertise, and the hard and soft skills you bring to the table.

Additionally, check how your qualifications align with the needs of your target country. Foreigners are often hired for positions requiring specialized expertise, international knowledge, or language proficiency. Some common roles across various industries include:

  1. Teaching and Education:
    • English teachers, especially in non-English-speaking countries.
    • Subject-specific teachers in international schools.
    • Language tutors for other widely spoken languages.
  2. Technology and IT:
    • Software developers, data analysts, and IT consultants.
    • Cybersecurity specialists and network engineers.
    • Roles in emerging tech fields like AI and blockchain.
  3. Healthcare:
    • Doctors, nurses, and medical specialists in countries with healthcare worker shortages.
    • Medical researchers and public health experts.
  4. Hospitality and Tourism:
    • Hotel managers, chefs, and guest relations officers.
    • Tour guides fluent in multiple languages.
  5. Engineering and Construction:
    • Civil, mechanical, and electrical engineers, especially in newly emerging niches such as hydrogen technology.
    • Project managers for large-scale infrastructure projects.
  6. Specialized Trades:
    • Skilled tradespeople like welders, electricians, and mechanics in countries with labor shortages.

Research Visa Requirements and Application Process

Before diving into your job search, it’s crucial to understand the visa requirements and application steps for your target countries. Each country has its own rules and processes for work visas. While in some countries, getting a work visa may be almost impossible, in others it may be relatively simple.

I recommend looking into countries that offer visa programs specifically designed to attract and retain skilled professionals in various fields. Here’s a brief overview:

Southeast Asia:

  • Malaysia: Malaysia Talent Pass: Targets highly skilled professionals in various fields like IT, engineering, and biotechnology. Offers fast-track visa processing and tax incentives.
  • Singapore: EntrePass: Designed for entrepreneurs and investors to establish businesses in Singapore. Offers a quick and flexible visa pathway.

Oceania:

  • Australia: Global Talent Independent Program: Targets exceptional individuals in business, technology, and research. Offers permanent residency without sponsorship.
  • New Zealand: Skilled Migrant Category: Points-based system for skilled workers across various occupations. Offers permanent residency upon meeting eligibility criteria.

North America:

  • Canada: Express Entry: Points-based system for skilled workers to immigrate to Canada. Offers permanent residency to high-scoring candidates.
  • United States: H-1B Visa: For workers in specialty occupations like engineering, computer science, and healthcare. Requires employer sponsorship and has limited validity.
  • United States: O-1 Visa: For individuals with extraordinary ability in the arts, sciences, education, business, or athletics. Offers temporary work authorization with potential for permanent residency.

Europe:

  • Germany: Blue Card EU: Fast-track visa for highly qualified non-EU professionals. Offers accelerated path to permanent residency.
  • United Kingdom: Global Talent Visa: For exceptional individuals in science, research, and the arts. Offers fast-track visa processing and potential for permanent residency.

These are just a few examples, and there are many other visa programs available around the world. Look up the specific requirements for your situation on government websites or through expat forums. Make a note of any language or skill prerequisites, application fees, and estimated processing timelines. Having a clear understanding of the visa process will help you plan your job search timeline and communicate confidently with potential employers.

Can You Get a Work Visa Without a Job Offer?

In most cases, unfortunately, you will need a job offer. For many countries—particularly the U.S. and much of Europe—a work visa typically requires that an applicant already has a position lined up. Their immigration systems are designed around employer sponsorship, which means the process usually can’t proceed without one.

But there are a few exceptions:

Some countries also offer visa options for freelancers, entrepreneurs, or remote workers, such as Portugal, Spain, The Netherlands, Thailand, or Malaysia.

Read more here: Freelancing or Traditional Employment: Explore the Pros and Cons

Build a Network in Your Target Destination

Building a professional network in your target country is a great way to uncover job opportunities and gain insights into the local culture. Begin by using platforms like LinkedIn to connect with professionals in your industry and location. Don’t hesitate to approach them directly and seek their advice—especially from expats who have firsthand experience navigating similar challenges.

Attend industry meetups, conferences, and seminars to meet professionals face-to-face and form meaningful connections. Researching local industry associations and clubs can also open doors to valuable networking opportunities.

Communities like Internations are particularly helpful for connecting with expats and professionals worldwide. Their events and online forums provide excellent opportunities to expand your network and gain useful insights.

Building strong relationships with professionals in your destination country will offer both support and opportunities as you advance your career.

Read more here: The Power of Networking

Identify “Foreign-Friendly” Job Postings

While some companies may hesitate to hire foreigners due to the additional time and costs involved in securing work visas, others are more open to it—especially for the right candidates or in situations where hiring is urgent. Start by researching companies in your target industry and location that have a track record of hiring international talent or sponsoring work visas. Check their careers pages, social media accounts, online forums, and expat blogs for helpful information. You can also contact recruiters who specialize in international placements. Here are some globally recognized recruitment agencies that specialize in foreign placements:

  1. Robert Half: Known for placing professionals in finance, technology, and administration roles, Robert Half operates in over 20 countries and has a vast global network.
  2. Michael Page: A leading recruitment agency with offices worldwide, specializing in sectors like finance, marketing, and engineering.
  3. Hays: With a presence in over 30 countries, Hays focuses on recruiting professionals across industries such as IT, construction, and healthcare.
  4. ManpowerGroup: Operating in 80 countries, ManpowerGroup provides workforce solutions and specializes in connecting international talent with employers.
  5. Randstad: A global leader in HR services, Randstad helps professionals find opportunities in various industries, including technology, finance, and manufacturing.
  6. Adecco: Adecco operates in over 60 countries and offers recruitment services for temporary and permanent positions across multiple sectors.

When browsing job search sites, look for clues that suggest employers are open to hiring international candidates. This might include job descriptions written in English or multiple languages, mentions of visa sponsorship, or phrases like “open to candidates from all nationalities.”

Companies with names containing “global,” “international,” or “worldwide” may also be more likely to hire expats. Use targeted search keywords like “visa sponsorship,” “relocation support,” or “multicultural teams” to narrow your results.

Beware of Scams

The job search world is not immune to scammers, who often target individuals seeking jobs abroad. They exploit the fact that you may be unfamiliar with the rules and regulations in your target country, as well as your need for employment and excitement about moving overseas. Scammers commonly use pressure tactics, emotional appeals, and false promises to keep their victims engaged and discourage them from questioning their authenticity.

If you come across a job advertisement from an unknown employer and are unsure about its legitimacy—or suspect that you might be dealing with impostors posing as representatives of a reputable company—refer to the detailed articles I’ve previously written on this topic. These resources can guide you in identifying red flags and staying vigilant during your job search:

Advanced Strategies

Get Hired by A Multinational Company with a Subsidiary in Your Target Country

This strategy can be highly effective, but it requires patience and thoughtful execution. Begin by securing a position with a multinational company in your home country that has a subsidiary in your desired destination. Focus on excelling in your role—deliver exceptional results, build and strengthen relationships within the organization, and establish yourself as a dependable and valuable employee.

For the first year or two, keep your aspirations for an overseas assignment to yourself. Use this time to thoroughly understand how the company works, their business, prove your capabilities, and demonstrate your dedication. Quietly observe how the organization handles international rotations and assignments and what are the requirements and steps needed to be eligible.

After one or two years, once you’ve shown how good you are at your job, you can talk to your manager or HR about moving to the branch in your target country. Make sure you have a clear plan that explains how your overseas assignment can help your home branch once you return as well as how your workload will be handled while you are away. This shows that you are serious and organized. By this time, your good reputation will help you get noticed and considered for the move.

It’s important to keep your plans private at first. Don’t mention your dream of working abroad during the interview or early in your job—it might hurt your chances of getting hired. Take your time, work hard, and your plan will have a better chance of success.

Marry an Individual from Your Target Country

If you marry someone from your target country (the process of how to do this is beyond the scope of this article), and you both decide to live in their country of origin, you will likely become eligible for a marriage/family visa. Once you arrive in that country, you can begin your job search.

As the spouse of a local, obtaining a work permit is often much easier compared to someone with no ties to the country. Many companies may treat you as a local in this regard, as the administrative burden and associated costs for hiring you are typically minimal.

Conclusion

Getting a job abroad takes careful planning and persistence, but the rewards of personal growth and career advancement make it worthwhile. By building networks, targeting global companies, and using strategic approaches, you can turn your dream into reality and thrive in a new environment.

Good luck!

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Do you need my personal assistance? Simply send me your resume and a link to your LinkedIn profile at vaclav@getyourdreamjob.co and I will come back to you!

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