Moving abroad to work can be a turning point regarding new cultural experiences, professional development, and career growth. However, the process can be overwhelmingly lengthy and time-consuming. Unlimited paperwork, extensive research, careful planning, and preparation for the job are crucial to the process. This requires following the instructions and checking all the prerequisites on the list.
Don’t worry, we don’t want to overwhelm you anymore. Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing yourself for a job abroad.
1. Self-Assessment and Research
Before you start your journey for a job abroad, research and self-analysis are important to help you set your goals and clear your vision. This helps determine what you expect from this process. Here are a few questions you can ask yourself to embark upon your international career
Why Do I Want to Work Abroad?
It is important to identify the motivation behind your decision. This helps decide potential career pathways, personal growth, and cultural exposure.
Am I Ready for The Journey?
No one can know you better than yourself. Ask yourself if you are ready to embark upon the challenges that might come in your career path. Confidence, courage, and adaptability are important personality traits that build resilience to withstand change.
Which Countries Align with My Goals?
You need to research different countries, their career requirements, the skills they demand, and whether you match the eligibility criteria. Look into details to identify which countries offer the opportunities you are looking for. This will help save a lot of time and effort if you opt for a suitable country for work.
2. Research Visa and Work Permit Requirements
The second step involves legal procedures. Once you know which country to move to, the next task is to study its legal requirements. Every country has its legal system based on its law and order. All the rules are based on this system and can vary for each country. Therefore, visa requirements and options must be studied before planning further.
Here are some things you must look into for your visa process:
Visa Application: there are three basic visa types; a skilled worker visa, a business visa, or a temporary work visa. It depends on your qualifications, skills, and job nature.
Application Process: Depending on the country you move to, you may or may not require a local employer to sponsor you.
Work Permit: in some countries, a visa is not enough; you may also require a work permit from the company hiring you for the job.
3. Polish Your Resume and Cover Letter
When applying for a job abroad, it is important to tailor your resume and cover letter according to the country’s requirements. This is because every country has its expectations of job applications. Some may require your photograph for the resume, while others require your personal information.
Here is what you need to look into:
- Tailor Your Resume: study the different resume formats for various countries as each has its own. For instance, an American resume is expected to be concise compared to a detailed resume for European countries. Present your experiences and qualifications accordingly.
- Craft a Persuasive Cover Letter: a cover letter must represent your experience (especially international, if any), skills, and reasons why you are a good fit for the job. It is also appreciated if you show willingness to adapt to new cultures and accept relocation.
- Professional Certification: Depending on the industry or the nature of the job, you may also be required to present your relevant qualifications and certifications.
4. Network and Build Connections
There are instances where networking can be a great way to secure a job abroad. You must expand your network on a professional level and make contacts internationally. This can help in referrals and job leads. You can also attend job fairs that help connect with HR officials and other respectable professionals. Online platforms are the best source for making international contacts. For example, LinkedIn and Indeed help look for individuals with the same professional background.
5. Understand the Cost of Living and Salary Expectations
Financial research and planning are among the most crucial factors to consider while preparing for a job abroad. Knowing the salary beforehand will help determine if your lifestyle and needs can be supported.
Remember to CC (Compare Salaries and Cost of Living)!
Compare Salaries: research company salaries across different countries. Websites like Glassdoor and PayScale can help in this process.
Cost of Living Index: that’s right! You can also know the cost of living in a country without moving there. There are tools like Numbeo that provide you with accurate numbers including daily expenses, transportation, housing, as well as healthcare.
6. Prepare for Cultural Differences
Every country has a unique culture. This also applies to workplace norms. With increased demand for cultural diversity and inclusivity, companies are hiring international talent. While this can be a great opportunity, it is important to understand the cultural differences and adapt accordingly.
The concept of cultural fit has become increasingly prominent as more companies look for international candidates. Research the culture of the country and the workplace before moving. This helps you to blend in with your colleagues and team members.
Cultural training is one way to know about the workplace environment. Many companies provide orientation programs for employees to introduce them to the company culture. This includes linguistic training, social norms, and professional expectations.
7. Secure Housing and Set Up Essential Services
Once you have secured your job abroad, you must look for accommodation options. You can look into two options; temporary accommodation or rental agreements. Some companies provide temporary accommodation until you settle in. You can also research laws and regulations on rental contracts, making informed decisions based on tenant rights and deposits.
Once you have decided where to live, you can look into banking and phone services. This requires evidence of your employment and residence in some countries, therefore, you must follow these steps in this order.
8. Plan Your Relocation Logistics
Once all the above requirements have been fulfilled, the next step is to plan your relocation for your job abroad. There are numerous logistics involved in this process including health insurance and shipping. You must also ensure your documents (visas, passport, medical records, ID, etc.) are ready.
You can research international shipping and its charges to make an informed decision. This will help you decide what you need to take with you. Some companies offer these services. You can find out if the organization covers your relocation. This also includes health insurance, which is normally a part of the employee benefits.
9. Finalize Travel Arrangements
What are you waiting for? Let’s go!
Since everything in your plan is confirmed, book your flight and start your new journey abroad.
But wait! Make sure to keep your documents with you. The excitement is real but you don’t want to forget your passport, visa, work permit, and ID, right?
Book your flight in advance to avoid high fares. Ensure that your luggage is within the baggage allowance range, if not, always take some extra cash along.
Once you have arrived in the new country, settle in and take time to get to know the place and system. Take things slow and enjoy the new beginning.
Well, there you are!
Moving does seem overwhelming, but not with our step-wise guide. With this article, you won’t have to worry about figuring out the rest as you transition into your new job abroad. We have got you covered!