Moving Abroad Part 1 - Finding and Evaluating Employment Overseas

Moving Abroad Part 1 of 9 - Finding and Evaluating Employment Overseas

Many people move abroad for work related purposes. Even if you are not moving abroad for reasons such as these, a permanent change in location will probably mean that you at some stage will be working in your new country.

A wide variety of work exists in most countries. This section will provide you with information on finding jobs and evaluating how suitable they will be for your situation.

Firstly, decide what it is you require in a job. Will you be building on previous skills or starting something new? How long will you be planning to work for?

There are several different ways in which an individual may search for work overseas.
The most common method of seeking employment is to do it yourself rather than rely on an agency. Start searching for work over the internet. If you begin searching after you have moved to your intended destination, try searching in local newspapers. Once you have identified suitable job, apply by following the instructions set out in the job advertisement. Application requirements will vary according to the type of job you are applying for, so ensure you read the application details carefully.

As you are offered positions, it is important you evaluate them carefully before you accept. Whilst attending interviews feel free to ask as many questions of them as they of you. Ask about the organization as a whole and to see references. It may also help to search their website online.
If you are being offered a contract make sure you examine it extremely carefully and that you agree to all outlined terms before you sign. Ensure you fully understand all details of the contract and that it details all financial conditions (such as currency wage is being paid in and when you will receive your first pay check). If you are still in your original location (i.e. have not yet moved to your new destination) it may be worthwhile to let your lawyer inspect the contract. It may also be an idea to find out the repercussions of breaking the contract if the new job does not work out. During negotiations, some employers may offer plane tickets back to your country of origin upon completion of your job, however do not always follow through. To ensure this does not happen, request an open-ended or round trip ticket in advance.
Some jobs online may sound too good to be true, and in many cases they are. Avoid jobs offering quick easy money- this is particularly true for women as these jobs often turn out to be prostitution rings.

Organizations aimed at helping people find work overseas exist, and are particularly beneficial as they eliminate the need to thoroughly investigate and research job opportunities and in many cases may organize visas, work permits and accommodation for the successful applicant.
If you hold a professional qualification it may be worth applying for work via the submission of your resume to a recruitment agency. As above, these eliminate the need for intense research into the job or company and may also provide the required documentation for working overseas.
Another method utilized in finding work abroad is obtaining a transfer through the current place of work. Some work places are able to offer posting overseas through international links. For more information it may be worthwhile contacting the human resources department in your place of employment.

Before arriving at your intended destination, plan ahead and take extra copies of your resumes and other relevant documentation in order to pursue other types of employment abroad. This will increase your chances of obtaining a job suitable to your needs.

Coming Soon:
Section 2 - Your New Home: What do you know about it?