What skills do I need to work abroad?

This depends on; the type of work you do, the industry you’re in and which country you’d like to work in. It goes without saying that the skills and relevant experience will be required for whatever role in whatever country.

For many opportunities abroad, fluency in the English language is a must. Other language skills are more than beneficial, and whilst fluency in your host countries language may not be necessary, it would be both useful and well mannered to learn.

Interpersonal, industry-specific and cross-cultural skills are all very important in landing that international opportunity.

Can I just travel to another country and get a job?

Would be nice wouldn’t it? Unfortunately, starting an international career isn’t usually that easy. For example, if you would like to acquire Sydney jobs, you will need all the necessary legal documents before you are allowed to work (or even enter) into the specific country. The most important document you will need is the work visa, which allows you not only to work in a foreign country but also to live in it for a specific period of time.

Are overseas jobs hard to find?

Jobs abroad can be difficult to access, especially for industries which are not in demand within your specified location. Another factor to consider is the legal and immigration requirements which can make your international transition a bit more complicated than simply finding a job or booking a one way ticket.

Therefore, it’s vital for you to know all of the necessary information such as immigration and labour laws before you land, the cost of living expenses, working environment, and culture of the nation. This information will prepare you in your next course of action and in your expectations in getting a job overseas.

How do people find jobs overseas?

Just like the normal job hunting process, there are many ways to identify international opportunities and as usual, Google is your friend. You have online job postings for most countries. Some countries also conduct international job fairs or contact your local placement agencies to inform them of vacancies abroad.

One of the best ways to find an overseas opportunity is to already be working for an international or multinational firm which has the capability of transferring you overseas sometime in the future. Large corporations will ask you if you will be interested in future overseas assignments.

However, if you are in a country where you would like to work in, you have that significant advantage in your job search. You have the means and the ways to network with the local employers and recruiters, immerse yourself in the culture, learn the local language, and get to know of the opportunities first hand.

Do I need my degree to get a job abroad?

Having a college degree definitely has its advantages in International jobs. However, there are certain countries which experience degree frauds to a point where they become skeptical of any university certifications displayed. Make sure you have a certified copy of your degree certificate as well as the contact information of the institution/university in case the company does a background check on your educational attainment.

How do I get a work visa?

This will probably be one of the most tedious processes to undertake. The requirements of a work visa may vary from country to country and may depend upon the desired length of stay.

Some companies can assist you in obtaining a fixed-period working visa for a certain charge levied.

It is always best to contact the consulate or embassy of the country and get to know the specific requirements for obtaining a work visa.

Does an overseas posting help your career?

Having an overseas job stint on your resume is an absolute plus with regards to future prospects. International careers often help you attain that degree of versatility especially in accepting other cultures, patience in handling different working environments, and teamwork with different nationalities.