Moving to another country can offer plenty of opportunities to boost your self-reliance, adaptability, and career. However, it can be difficult for many new migrants to return to their field of expertise in a brand new country. Fortunately, with a little help and a lot of research, you can enjoy the unique experience of advancing your professional career in a new country. So, before you pack your bags, seek advice from an experienced migration agent, and follow these simple tips below!
The International resume
If you’re considering moving abroad, it’s important that you understand how to tailor your job application to country-specific conditions. In fact, checking your application documents for their cultural compatibility greatly increases your chances to land your next job or internship abroad.
When conducting an international job hunt, every resume you submit should be tailored for the specific job to which you are applying, and to the specific countries and cultural environments where you are seeking employment. For example, in the U.S. job market, the general rule is to keep your resume to a single page. In comparison, in Europe and Asia, it is common for applicants to submit 2-3 pages and a professional portrait. Many European applicants will even include their nationality, gender, date of birth, and marital status on their resumes!
Visa requirements
If you have your heart set to work overseas, you need to be aware of the relevant visa requirements and any conditions foreigners must meet in order to work in the country. For up-to-date information and to apply for a visa, it is vital to contact a migration agent or the embassy or consulate of the country you intend to work in. Be sure to finalize work permits well in advance of your planned departure date, as it can take time to arrange these documents.
Location, location, location
There are many things to consider when choosing a new country to resume your career in. Depending on your previous work experience and industry, you may find an increased number of job prospects in specific countries only.
Language barriers can also have a significant impact your choice of destination – more so if you only speak English. If you’re keen to enhance your professional experience, it is important to ensure that your choice of country will recognize your qualifications.
The job hunt
Navigating visas and finding work abroad can be tricky after making a big move. Fortunately, with help from migration agents and other available job seeker tools, you can find yourself on the payroll much sooner than you anticipated.
Networking is one of the most powerful strategies to find professional work when moving abroad. Migration agency services and recruitment agencies can also be vital contacts when searching for employment, writing a resume and preparing for interviews. If you are looking to nail down a job before embarking on your journey, most countries will also have multiple online job seeker websites to assist you in finding employment.
Some other great ways to access job opportunities that aren’t advertised include:
– Asking friends and professional contacts;
– Contacting the departments of companies you would like to worth with directly;
– Joining clubs in the local community;
– Participating in voluntary work.
The financial impact
If you are seeking to return to your field in a new country, it is likely that you have become accustomed to a particular pay-grade. One of the most important aspects of resuming a career abroad, is ensuring that you understand the financial implications of your move.
While some people may be offered a higher rate of pay for the same skills in a new country, it is important to recognise that many countries have differing costs of living. This means that the pay rise offered won’t look so flashy when your rent is triple the price! Be sure to take into account your tax liability. There is an expatriate tax regime in France that give you a tax break for working abroad. Many other countries have similar tax breaks. It is therefore important to thoroughly research the cost of living in any new country you seek to work in, and negotiate your professional pay accordingly.
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There is no shortage of job opportunities in the global workplace for those ready to take the plunge and return to their professional field. By following these tips you can fulfill your dream of living abroad while advancing your career in the process!
This post was written by Laura Costello. She is in her third year of a Bachelor of Law/International Relations at Latrobe University. She is passionate about the law, the power of social media, and the ability to translate her knowledge of both common and complex legal topics to readers across a variety of mediums, in a way that is easy to understand.
