How to Effectively Land a Great Job Overseas 

Getting a job in a new country can be more challenging than at home, but finding a career doesn’t have to be difficult. Here are 10 ways to make your international job search easier.

1. Develop an Unstoppable Job Search Strategy

Any goal with a strategy is more likely to succeed, especially when swimming in uncharted waters. You likely don’t know how to search for a job in a new country. How you approach international work can make all the difference in your overall experience and success.

To create an unstoppable strategy, utilize various job search tools, such as:

• Cold-calling or emailing
• Networking (coworkers, supervisors, family, friends, etc.)
• Job sites (for both general and international sites)
• Corporate websites (use company career centers)
• Government sources (trade offices, embassies, agencies, etc.)
• Recruiters (search by geographic location and discipline)
• International job fairs (online and offline)

To narrow down your search with these tools, determine if you want to work for public or private firms in the foreign, international, or domestic space. Corporate culture can (and should) play a big part in your job strategy, so be sure to read employer review sites, like JobSage.

2. Make a List of Jobs You Want to Pursue

Inexperienced job seekers typically don’t focus their search. While this may not be a big problem for domestic jobs, it’s a major issue for international employment. Finding a foreign employer isn’t just about the culture and excitement, it’s also about job titles and requirements.

To give more consideration to what type of job you’re seeking, go back to square one. Ask yourself why you’re interested in an overseas job beyond relocating. Then, review your skills, college courses, degrees, certificates, accomplishments, and volunteer experiences. 

At this point, you should have a profile of the type of jobs you can look for. Be as specific as possible because you’ll want to fill a position that appeals to your strengths.

3. Narrow Your Search to Potential Jobs, Companies, and Countries

Create a spreadsheet and fill it with important information you’ll need to transfer, like job skills, experience, and titles. You’ll need to research your countries of interest to develop an accurate list. From here, you can compare and contrast different opportunities globally.

Keep in mind that the easiest way to get an international job is by working for a domestic company and asking for a transfer. Still, most foreign companies take experienced employees.

4. Develop and/or Acquire Key Job and Language Skills

By now, you should have chosen a country and a preferred job title. Your job title and skill set should be a great match, or you only need a few more skills to be perfect for the role.

Most employers desire cross-cultural adaptability, language fluency, and technical knowledge in their foreign candidates, so focus on refining them if you’re lacking in these areas. At the same time, you should develop more on your current skill set to stand out from the local competition.

Job seekers who are still in school should look at distance education programs. Not only will you get international experience, but you’ll also develop a better understanding of the country.

5. Prepare for International Correspondence

International correspondence can feel pretty intimidating, but you can prepare for it by researching the country’s culture. This research can also help you make a better resume.

For example, U.S. resume templates don’t include photos due to antidiscrimination laws. But if you’re applying in Austria, France, the Middle East, Asia, or Africa, it’s recommended to add a photo. If you don’t, the employer will instantly know you’re unfamiliar with their customs.

Although most countries handle resumes differently, the same cover letter rules apply:

• Address the cover letter to the hiring manager.
• Write an enticing first paragraph explaining why you’re a good fit.
• Explain why your skills and education match the employer’s needs.
• The final section should ask the hiring manager for an interview.

Most foreign countries prefer the curriculum vitae (CV) over the resume, but that isn’t always the case. Look up what each country prefers before sending off resumes to prospective employers.

6. Build Up Your International and Local Networks

Networking is essential for all jobs, but it becomes crucial in an international market. If you already know someone who works in a foreign company, ask them for any job leads, comments on the country’s work culture, and places you can go to develop additional connections.

Take advantage of your entire network because everyone will have their own unique experience. For example, a woman may not feel safe in a country where a man might.

7. Get Ready for Your (Likely Virtual) Interview 

It’s unlikely that your interview will occur in person, so you’ll need to prepare for a phone or video interview, which can be difficult if you’ve never experienced one before.

You’ll have to show enthusiasm on the top half of your body, in your voice, and in your language. Avoid typical interviewing and cultural faux pas. Make sure to dress well for the interview and practice several times before the big day. Ask questions at the end of the call.

8. Always Send a Thank-You Email or Phone Call

It’s essential to send a thank-you email or phone call at the end of the interview, but you should also follow up on any job leads of interest. When you do, you stay in an employer’s mind.

Here are some best practices for follow-ups:

• Send the follow-up a few hours after the interview
• Show enthusiasm about the position
• Don’t address them in a casual way
• Reiterate the position you’re interviewing for
• Never overexplain or suck up
• Share a memorable moment from the interview
• Check your spelling (for emails)

While you should sound assertive in your follow-ups, try not to come across as too aggressive.

9. Consider Getting a Bachelor’s/Graduate Degree

Foreign employers tend to look at bachelor’s degrees as more valuable than U.S. employers if you can believe it. At the same time, foreign employers are more likely to ask for a graduate degree since they have a pool of other candidates with degrees who already fit in the culture.

You typically have to go that extra mile to impress international companies, so you may need to get a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD to work in a similar job title, field, or industry overseas.

10. Decide Whether You Want to Move Abroad

Thanks to our fully connected world, most of us don’t have to leave home to get an international job. However, if you want to live and work abroad, you’ll need to plan well in advance. You also need to tell your potential employers that you’re willing to move in the next three months.

After you move, make sure you keep a lifeline back home if your move doesn’t work out. Having a guaranteed place to stay if you return will make the move feel less risky and scary.

Expand Your Career Opportunities Through Foreign Employment

While preparing for an international job transfer or a foreign career takes a lot of time and effort, you’ll benefit from multiple job opportunities, career growth, and a new experience. Prior research puts you in the best position to find an employer that checks all your boxes.

About the author…

A growth hacker at heart, Jess Perkins helps SaaS companies rapidly scale their inbound leads through lean marketing strategies. She views content marketing and advertising as the perfect concoction of growth and loves to write about her insights and experiences.

The post 10 Job Search Tips for International Job Seekers appeared first on Job-Hunt.

Each year, Canada welcomes approximately 250,000 new immigrants, and it has been a challenge for them to find positions commensurate with their qualifications.

To help people meet those challenges, Daisy, a Certified Career Management Coach, published No Canadian Experience, Eh? As one book publisher remarked at the time, “I was pleasantly surprised to see so much valuable information for a segment of the population that was largely ignored in regards to the job search.”

Daisy is the founder of The Wright Career Solution, where she assists executives, managers, and other job-seeking professionals with their resumes, cover letters, social media profiles, and interview preparation. Daisy can be found blogging at Career Musings, hanging around in CareerTips2Go Cafe as the resident “Coach-on-Call,” or tweeting as @CareerTips2Go and @NoCdnExperience.

Meet more of Job-Hunt’s Job Search Experts.

Articles by Daisy Wright

Canadian Job Search Home:

• Canadian Job Search Home
  Canada and the United States share the longest common undefended border, officially known as the International Boundary, between any two countries. Because of this proximity, it is often said, in jest, that if the US sneezes, Canada catches a cold.

Conducting a Canadian Job Search:

• Canada’s Immigration Rules
  For decades foreign educated immigrants to Canada have suffered from underemployment, being told – overtly and covertly – that they lack Canadian work experience, notwithstanding the fact their prior work experience played a major role in their selection. The Federal Government has long ago realized the problem and has now made significant changes to the way it selects new immigrants.
• Canada’s SIN Cards
  “What is your SIN?” This normal question could startle any job seeker and have them wondering what his or her “sins” have to do with getting a job. In Canada, this is a legitimate question.
• High-Demand Jobs for Canada’s Oil Patch Region
  Canadian Business recently reviewed 600 jobs tracked by Statistics Canada (StatCan), and selected the top 10 jobs in Canada that had the best combination of high wages and employment growth over the past five years. By the way, these oil-patch jobs have nothing to do with the Keystone Pipeline project, which is currently a topic of political discussion in this U.S. election year.

• Caution! Watch Out for the Differences in Canadian and American Spelling
  Although it might not be well known, there are subtle differences between Canadian and American spelling of many words, and when it comes to the job search, it could be the deciding factor in landing a job.
• Job Search in Quebec: The French Factor
  Although there’s a heavy French influence in New Brunswick and some other areas of Atlantic Canada, Quebec is regarded as the heart of French Canada. As such, a job seeker who is fluent in English and French has a clear advantage in the province.
• NAFTA and Job Search in Canada
  A researcher for a US television station was recently looking for an American who couldn’t find work in the U.S. and decided to look abroad – particularly Ontario, Canada.
• 10 Quick Tips to Keep You Ahead of the Layoff Curve
  Hewlett Packard recently announced it is laying off approximately 27,000 employees. On the Canadian side of the border, technology firm RIM is planning to lay off staff due to its loss of market share in the wireless industry. Add the high unemployment rate and accompanying jitters in the Eurozone and the global job market looks extremely gloomy.

Meet more of Job-Hunt’s Job Search and Career Experts.

About this author…

A Certified Career Management Coach, Daisy Wright is Author of “No Canadian Experience, Eh? A Career Success Guide for New Immigrants.”  She is also the founder of The Wright Career Solution, where she assists executives, managers, and other job-seeking professionals with their resumes, cover letters, social media profiles, and interview preparation. Daisy can be found blogging at Career Musings, hanging around in CareerTips2Go Cafe as the resident “Coach-on-Call,” or tweeting as @CareerTips2Go and @NoCdnExperience.

The post Daisy Wright, Job Search Expert for Canada appeared first on Job-Hunt.

Jests aside, both countries probably share more commonalities than differences. But differences do exist that can trip up job seekers who don’t know about them or aren’t paying attention.

• How many people know that Canada welcomes approximately 250,000 new immigrants every year?
• How many people are aware that there are differences in Canadian and American spellings?
• How many people know that the Canadian Constitution recognizes English and French as the official languages and therefore, all services are provided in both languages?

These and many other differences exist between Canada and the USA. So, this segment will bring awareness of these issues from the job search perspective, and should benefit resume writers, career coaches and other career professionals serving Canadian job seekers or professionals and others moving to Canada.

The segment will also include labour market information as it relates to the workforce, and particularly, newcomers. Each year, Canada welcomes approximately thousands of new immigrants – mainly from the professional and business classes, and this wave of migration comes with its own set of challenges.

Hopefully, this section of Job-Hunt will be a place with information that will benefit job seekers, career professionals and others interested in Canada’s job market and the best methods of job hunting in Canada.

The post International Job Search: Canada appeared first on Job-Hunt.

By the way, these oil-patch jobs have nothing to do with the Keystone Pipeline project, which is currently a topic of political discussion in this U.S. election year.

Among these are petroleum engineers, nursing supervisors, and electrical contractors. These three are highlighted below in order of demand:

1. Petroleum Engineer.

Yes, the oil sands area of Alberta is calling, and even during the recession 71% of oil patch employers were looking for petro engineers. Oil production in Canada is expected to grow at an alarming rate in the next seven years, and there won’t be enough people to fill the projected job openings. Salaries start at $60,000, median $90,000, but one can expect a salary of approximately $300,000 if one is a senior specialist.

Requirements must include an engineering degree (with petroleum specialty), as well as the Professional Engineer (P. Eng) license.

2. Nursing Supervisor.

If you are a registered nurse (RN) having attained a four-year nursing degree, with at least five years of clinical experience, and post graduate studies in health administration, the future looks bright for you in Canada.

It is being projected that there will be a 30% shortage of RNs and nursing supervisors by 2020. The Canadian health administration industry awaits any RN with an interest in leadership, and an ability to balance the need for quality care and managing a hospital. The median salary is $74,880, but these professionals can earn more than $90,000 per year, and this makes the profession more attractive.

3. Electrical Contractor.

For individuals who enjoy autonomy, want more control over income and time, and are skilled at reading blueprints, this career could be a good choice. Power-line and cable workers, as well as electrical installers and repair technicians, can easily earn $74,000 per year.

There’s a shortage of certified electricians, and job seekers are being encouraged to consider this field as a career alternative.

US Veterans Are Being Recruited

While all three of these professions are not necessarily connected to the oil industry, something interesting is happening in Western Canada that could benefit US Vets and Veterans of Foreign Wars. The Edmonton Economic Development Corporation, a city-run agency, has been proactively targeting US Vets through Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Vetjobs.com, to try to ease the shortage of skilled workers estimated to be 114,000 over the next decade.

The oil industry would definitely benefit from petroleum engineers and electrical contractors, and who knows, there could probably be opportunities for nursing supervisors. The point is that the labour shortage is being severely felt in the western provinces, and they are digging deep to find skilled professionals.

Although they are looking at Canadian workers first, since the talent pool is drying up, they are also looking south of the border.

For more information:

• The Globe and Mail: Alberta job agency turns to U.S. veterans to fill vacancies
• CNS News: Alberta, Canada Recruiting US Veterans
• The Globe and Mail: Want a job? The oil patch needs you

About this author…

A Certified Career Management Coach, Daisy Wright is Author of “No Canadian Experience, Eh? A Career Success Guide for New Immigrants.”  She is also the founder of The Wright Career Solution, where she assists executives, managers, and other job-seeking professionals with their resumes, cover letters, social media profiles, and interview preparation. Daisy can be found blogging at Career Musings, hanging around in CareerTips2Go Cafe as the resident “Coach-on-Call,” or tweeting as @CareerTips2Go and @NoCdnExperience.

The post High-Demand Jobs for Canada’s Oil Patch Region appeared first on Job-Hunt.

Experts say bilingualism is highly valued in the professional job market, and most employers prefer such candidates because it gives them (the employer) a competitive edge within the global market.

“Expect to be questioned about your level of French – spoken, understood, and written, and bilingualism (French and English) is really a major asset for most jobs, especially in the Montreal area,” said Career Management Counsellor, Claire Savoie.

This explains why Quebec tends to attract people from countries like Belgium, France, Haiti, and a number of French-speaking African countries.

Bilingual Speech Not Always Required

However, this mix of French comes with its own set of challenges. There are differences in accents, common vocabulary and expressions, and sometimes people from France tend to have difficulty understanding the French spoken in Quebec.

In terms of the job search, employment counsellor, Lita Pitruzzello, said, “Without French – immigrant or not – individuals seeking work in Quebec will encounter barriers and obstacles in finding work… more so than individuals who are fluent in French with little or no knowledge of English.”

Although that is the case, job seekers who do not speak French should not become pessimistic. Instead, they should target academic institutions, hospitals, and some industries such as aeronautics and pharmaceutical companies that conduct business mainly in English.

Resumes in 2 Languages Aren’t Necessarily Good

With respect to preparing job search documents, while an English resume is not a problem in the other provinces, in Quebec, the job seeker is at a disadvantage with such a resume.

It’s easy to think that the solution is to create a French resume, but “creating a French resume does nothing for an English-speaking individual with no French. This could mislead a potential employer into thinking that the applicant speaks French. And there is nothing more frustrating for a French employer to discover during a telephone conversation that the applicant struggles to converse in French,” Ms Pitruzzello continued.

Quebec Factors

Based on the foregoing, one might believe that it’s almost impossible for Anglophones or unilingual job seekers to find employment in Quebec, but that’s not necessarily true. The adage of aligning one’s background and experience with the employer’s needs, and highlighting one’s value proposition remains true, and if a job seeker can do that, they stand a good chance of being hired.

Here are some additional facts to know when conducting a job search campaign in Quebec:

• Hiring and promotion are generally based on skill, accomplishments, and individual performance, as well as one’s ability to integrate within a work team.
• The province offers good opportunities for self-employment.
• Employers value employees who are punctual and respect deadlines.
• Equal opportunity is highly valued, regardless of one’s socioeconomic background or the prestigious college or university that one attended in one’s country of origin.
• Knowledge of a third language such as Spanish, is an asset.
• While in English, everyone says “you,” one should avoid the informal use of “tu” during a first encounter with a French-speaking person. “Vous” is preferred, unless specified by that person.
• The cost of living is lower in Quebec, so expect lower wages than in Ontario and the western provinces.

Bottom Line

Although this article focuses on Quebec, it must be reiterated that English and French are Canada’s two official languages, so whether one is searching for jobs in Quebec, New Brunswick, or any other province in Canada, fluency in both languages is definitely an asset. There are also certain positions, particularly with the different levels of government, where English/French bilingualism is a must.

* Ms Lita Pitruzzello and Ms Claire Savoie, two career management professionals in Quebec, served as resource persons for this article.

About this author…

A Certified Career Management Coach, Daisy Wright is Author of “No Canadian Experience, Eh? A Career Success Guide for New Immigrants.”  She is also the founder of The Wright Career Solution, where she assists executives, managers, and other job-seeking professionals with their resumes, cover letters, social media profiles, and interview preparation. Daisy can be found blogging at Career Musings, hanging around in CareerTips2Go Cafe as the resident “Coach-on-Call,” or tweeting as @CareerTips2Go and @NoCdnExperience.

The post Job Search in Quebec: The French Factor appeared first on Job-Hunt.

Networking Helps in Understanding Marketplace Differences

Every country has a unique combination of economic, social and cultural influences that affect their employment climate. Often these influences can present unique challenges or opportunities not present in other countries or markets.

Understanding these factors can help you effectively position yourself and refine the goals and strategies of your international job search.

Often the only way to access much of this information is through the people operating in those countries and markets. They usually have the greatest insight into the variety of these forces at work and their impact on job opportunities.

Taking the time to build and nurture relationships and so you can get access to this intelligence is extremely important to international job search success.

The Hidden Job Market Size Varies

One of the reasons why networking is so critical to any job search is that up to 75% of jobs are not advertised. The primary way to find out about these jobs is through other people.

Hence the breadth, depth and strength of someone’s network will significantly impact the number of opportunities they’d potentially be aware of and/or for which they’d be considered.

The size of this hidden job market can vary from country to country. But in many cases the percentage of jobs never advertised is much higher than 75%. – particularly in emerging markets and more relationship based economies.

Access to Opportunites Differs

Since many people have spent much of their life in the country in which they were born, they’ve had the opportunity to build and nurture their network since childhood. This could happen through their family, friends, going to school and participating in any number of activities outside work.

Years in the workplace will have provided countless additional opportunities to expand their network and build advocates of which they may not even be aware – that is if they have the history of performance to warrant a recommendation or referral.

Of course it is very possible to build a strong network of relationships in support of one’s international job search in their target country via others or their own work, study or outreach overseas.

However it’s important to recognize the potentially dramatic differences between the world of opportunities available to you when starting a domestic job search versus when starting an international one.

This is because those differences mean a successful international job search can require significantly more time to build the right network – so schedule accordingly.

Building Relationships Takes Time

Building strong relationships does not happen overnight. They take time. And in a busy professional’s, consultant’s, or executive’s schedule, time can be somewhat scarce.

You simply cannot wait to start building your global network – particularly in your country of choice – until you are looking for a new job. You want to be sure when opportunities arise you have the network to support you in landing them.

Lack of In-Person Networking Opportunities

Building relationships and rapport with people is generally much more effective in person. In some cultures, it is an essential way to build relationships based in trust. The lack of opportunities for in-person networking due to the lack of being co-located makes prioritizing your networking efforts all the more important. That lack of in-person engagement can mean building connections and trust take even more time.

When possible, scheduling time to visit the country to do some networking “in country” is highly recommended.

Understanding the Culture and Cultural Barriers

Every country and culture has their own networking etiquette and way of doing business. Though there can be many similarities, no two countries are exactly alike in this regard. Even within a country there can be regional differences.

These differences in networking styles can create challenges to building a network in your target country. Even a small cultural faux pas can have a big impact on relationship building. And because you will rarely get direct feedback when you’ve made these faux pas, you often won’t know you are making them.

Hence learning about the networking style and relationship building etiquette in your target country is another essential element to international job search success.

[More: 10 Job Search Tips for International Job Seekers]

Bottom Line

For those considering, or actively involved in, an international job search, the importance of networking cannot be emphasized enough. It’s a critical tool for accessing important foreign market intelligence and opportunities in them as well as having the relationships you need to support your candidacy when opportunities arise.

As developing a strong network can take time, it is never too early to start building your network in your country of choice.

About this author…

Megan Fitzgerald is an expat career and personal branding coach, CEO of Career By Choice, and your guide to the world of international careers. With two decades of experience supporting professionals and entrepreneurs in 40+ countries across 6 continents, Megan uses a 360°approach to help expats and international job seekers become highly visible, sought after, and land work abroad. You can read about expat careers at CareerbyChoiceBlog, and also find her on Twitter as @ExpatCoachMegan, on Facebook, and, of course, on LinkedIn.

The post Why Networking Is Critical to International Job Search Success appeared first on Job-Hunt.

Things to Consider When Relocating Abroad Within Your Company

For some people, the first step towards making a move abroad is actually getting a job at an organization that has international operations to facilitate this possibility.

But there are many things to consider before making the decision to pursue an international assignment:

Your Long-Term Career Plan

Moving overseas with a company does not guarantee that your career at that company will be accelerated as a result of the assignment. It also does not guarantee that there will be a job waiting for you upon your return.

In some cases, quite the opposite result can occur if pre-emptive steps are not taken to avoid this. You can’t assume that your company is thinking about your career path when they send you overseas to address immediate or short-term business objectives.

First and foremost, I recommend that you start with your long-term career goals in mind and determine how an international assignment would actually support them.

Then, work with your company to insure there is a strategy in place for capitalizing on your international experience when the assignment is done.

Understanding the Value of International Experience

It’s important that you understand the value of gaining experience abroad so you can convey this to your organization and help them understand how they can benefit.

Surprising as it is, there are many companies who invest hundreds of thousands sending an employee overseas, but do not understand how they can best capitalize on that investment upon their return.

Due to this lack of understanding, they often place these employees in jobs that underutilize their skills once they have returned – especially those skills newly gained from their experience abroad. This is one of the reasons why up to 40% of international assignees leave their organization after their first year of being back.

The Impact on Family

Moving abroad is not just your decision – it affects the whole family. To set you up for success, be sure that making the move is a decision that everyone involved is on board with.

The move can affect all aspects of life and work/life balance issues can arise. This means that there is often more burden placed on family members to deal with the move – everything from setting up house, getting kids in schools, and/or getting access to the right doctors and service providers necessary for getting through daily life.

Reportedly, the number one reason for international assignment failure is spousal dissatisfaction. Having your spouse excited about a move abroad and informed about the realities of what it means for them is critical. A failed international assignment is not going to bode well for your career future at your current (or any other) company.

The Bottom Line

Doing the proper amount of reflection and communication with your family and employer will help you make the right decision about relocating abroad with your company, and set you up for long-term career success.

About this author…

Megan Fitzgerald is an expat career and personal branding coach, CEO of Career By Choice, and your guide to the world of international careers. With two decades of experience supporting professionals and entrepreneurs in 40+ countries across 6 continents, Megan uses a 360°approach to help expats and international job seekers become highly visible, sought after, and land work abroad. You can read about expat careers at CareerbyChoiceBlog, and also find her on Twitter as @ExpatCoachMegan, on Facebook, and, of course, on LinkedIn.

The post Is International Work a Good Option for You? appeared first on Job-Hunt.

When you consider that 80% of the population of Dubai and almost 30% of Singapore residents are expatriates, reports that there are over 210 million expatriates worldwide are not surprising.

Globalization, new technologies, and more cost effective options for travel are making this more possible for more people with every day.

With an increasing number of people leaving their countries to go abroad, one might think that there are fewer good job opportunities for the aspiring expatriate. But this is absolutely not the case.

The Number of International Assignments are Increasing

The desire to expand abroad is also an increasing trend with companies and organizations. With shrinking economic growth rates in certain regions of the world, companies know they have to expand into markets where growth and opportunities exist not just to thrive, but to survive.

As a result, international assignments are increasing. In a recent global relocation trends survey by Brookfield GRS, 43% of the respondents said that international assignees increased in 2010 – the first increase since 2006. It also reported that 61% of respondents expect the final numbers for 2011 to show an increase in assignees as well.

The primary driver for companies sending people abroad has historically been lack of skill sets and professional experience of local workforces in countries or markets in which they are operating. Although increasingly companies are sending their people abroad for developmental purposes, the lack of skills and experience needed to achieve business objectives is still the number one reason companies in 2012 are sending people to work overseas.

The Global War for Talent Means Greater Demand for Specific Skills

This increased demand for specific skills has led to a global war for talent. Companies can no longer be overly concerned about citizenship or location when recruiting for certain positions. This is very good news for those conducting an international job search.

Expanding into emerging economies where the number of skilled workers or experienced managers and executives are often quite low has always made finding skilled talent in these areas of the world a challenge. There are generally a wealth of options in many of these countries – Brazil, Russia, India, and China to name a few.

But the demand for skilled workers exists in both the developed and emerging markets. In fact, according to a recent OECD report, the countries with employers reporting some of the greatest skill shortages are Japan (80%), Australia (55%) and the United States (52%).

The Skills in Greatest Demand

These skills can vary from country to country and market to market. They can also change over time. But much of this information can be easily found online.

Countries in need of more skilled workforces often have skilled migrant or worker visa programs to attract those with skills that they lack. These visa programs give non-residents permission to do work they might not otherwise be able to get. Those programs generally have lists of the skills in the greatest demand.

For example, eligibility for Australia’s General Skilled Migration Visa requires having the skills to perform the occupations on their Department of Immigration and Citizenship’s Skilled Occupations List.

Developing the Skills in Demand

For those who feel they don’t have the skills in greatest demand, there are still options. With more universities developing professionally focused courses and an increasing number of distance learning and online training programs, there are many opportunities to further develop a skill set or learn a new one.

Do the research to find out which skill sets are in demand in your country of choice and then see what online learning options are available so you can develop the skills you need from wherever you are in the world.

Capitalizing on the Demand for Skills

You can increase your chances of international job search success by positioning yourself as an expert in skill sets most in demand in your target country – if you actually have them.

It’s important that you not misrepresent yourself by stating you have skills or strengths you don’t at any point during your job search. Claiming you can do things that you can’t will inevitably lead to poor performance and will negatively impact your career advancement and future opportunities.

However if your skills and strengths do align with those that are in demand, I recommend first clarifying your personal brand and then crafting your brand message with the greatest emphasis placed on those in demand skills. The next step would be developing career marketing tools and strategies to send that clear and consistent message of value to your target employers and recruiters on and offline.

[More: 10 Job Search Tips for International Job Seekers]

Bottom Line

By effectively communicating that you have the skills in greatest demand in your target countries through a strong brand message and the right brand communication strategies you can set yourself up for international job search success.

About this author…

Megan Fitzgerald is an expat career and personal branding coach, CEO of Career By Choice, and your guide to the world of international careers. With two decades of experience supporting professionals and entrepreneurs in 40+ countries across 6 continents, Megan uses a 360°approach to help expats and international job seekers become highly visible, sought after, and land work abroad. You can read about expat careers at CareerbyChoiceBlog, and also find her on Twitter as @ExpatCoachMegan, on Facebook, and, of course, on LinkedIn.

The post Key to International Job Search Success: Capitalize on the Demand for Specific Skills appeared first on Job-Hunt.

But many of these job seekers are not aware of the differences between a job search at home and abroad and the challenges these differences can create. Not addressing these challenges can have a significant affect on your job search success.

Here are just some of the key differences between a domestic and international job search you should be aware of if you choose to pursue work abroad:

Work Permits

Part of securing a job abroad involves securing a work visa or permit to work in another country. Most of the time a job offer is required to get this visa or permit. And it usually involves the employer having to pay fees and complete paperwork to get these government authorizations.

The challenge this presents to the international job seeker is two fold. First, it makes them ineligible for many jobs as many employers are not willing to invest the time and money to secure work permissions for a non-citizen. And secondly, because most employers are naturally predisposed to avoid this additional effort and expense, local, qualified candidates will have a significant competitive edge over someone just as qualified but lacking the proper work authorization.

To overcome this challenge, it’s critical that you have a compelling, differentiated message of value that is reflected in all of your career communications and career marketing materials. It must be very clear how you can offer much more than local, qualified candidates and why you are worth the additional investment of time and money required to hire you.

That said, in some areas of the world this is not such a problem. For example, if you are a citizen of a country in the European Union (EU), you have permission to work in other EU countries.

Having Credentials That Are Jurisdictional

Another challenge one can encounter when conducting an international job search is that of jurisdictional credentials. You may have particular degrees or credentials that are recognized at home but not in your target country.

Hence, you may be qualified to do a job you enjoy in your home country that you’d like to do overseas but can’t because you don’t have the right credentials.

To address this challenge, it would be important to first be aware of which countries do accept your credentials before you start your job search. Then consider which of those countries would offer the job opportunities and lifestyle for which you are looking. There may also be cases where some additional training could remedy the situation.

However, when you are able to convey your qualifications and value effectively, you can sometimes position yourself for roles comparable to the ones for which your credentials are not accepted and find similarly satisfying work.

Language Skills

Another challenge of pursuing work in another country is that a lack of the right language skills can render the international job seeker ineligible for many jobs.

Given English is the language of business globally, those who speak English may not be at such a disadvantage as those who do not.

The best way to overcome this challenge is to target countries whose languages you already speak. For example, English is an official language or predominantly spoken in over 50 countries. French is an official language in 39 countries and dependent entities, and Spanish is predominately spoken in over 20 countries and territories.

Cultural Differences

Culture can affect every single part of the job search – how you access information, networking, job application process and materials, interviewing, salary negotiation, and more.

To overcome the multitude of challenges these cultural differences can present, it is critical that a person seeking a job abroad do their research to make sure that they are clear on what those differences are and respect them at every step in the process.

Dual Career Couples

If you are single, the job search overseas can be a challenge. But if you have a spouse who also wants to work, both of you must overcome these differences in the international job search together.

[More: 10 Job Search Tips for International Job Seekers]

Bottom Line

Although there are many differences between the job search at home and abroad, all of these challenges can be overcome with the right tools and strategies. However not taking these differences into account when defining your approach to an international job search can sabotage your chances of landing satisfying work abroad.

About this author…

Megan Fitzgerald is an expat career and personal branding coach, CEO of Career By Choice, and your guide to the world of international careers. With two decades of experience supporting professionals and entrepreneurs in 40+ countries across 6 continents, Megan uses a 360°approach to help expats and international job seekers become highly visible, sought after, and land work abroad. You can read about expat careers at CareerbyChoiceBlog, and also find her on Twitter as @ExpatCoachMegan, on Facebook, and, of course, on LinkedIn.

The post How International Job Search Is Different from Job Search at Home appeared first on Job-Hunt.

Why work abroad?

Megan Fitzgerald, Job-Hunt’s International Job Search Expert, says of her personal experience,

“Having been abroad for over a decade and worked in 40+ countries, I can tell you after experiencing the benefits of living and working abroad, you may find it won’t be a choice for the short term. Working abroad can easily become a lifestyle choice filled with innumerable opportunities for learning, growth, travel, and adventure.“

Working abroad offers many important benefits:

• Advancing your career

  Given the global demand for talent and the need for strong management skills, working abroad can mean taking on a more senior position than you would normally be considered qualified for at home. This experience can better position you for more senior positions and quicker advancement in the future.

• Differentiating yourself

  Getting international experience and having a more global profile is a great way to stand out from people who have only domestic experience, particularly as international business becomes an increasingly important aspect of business survival and growth. The more recent and relevant the international experience, the better.

• Being considered for senior and C suite positions at global companies

  International experience is no longer just valued – it is becoming expected. 75% of Fortune 100 CEO’s have spent at least 2 years in a senior position overseas. If you are looking for a senior or CxO position in a top multinational corporation, international experience is an essential credential.

• Increasing your job opportunities

  Many countries around the world are still recovering from the recession, and job opportunities are at an all time low. However, in some emerging markets like India, China, and Brazil there is not enough talent to support their rapid growth. There is high demand for professionals and executives with particular skills sets, and there are many job opportunities across numerous industries. For example, it is reported that in some cities in China there are 9 job openings for every job seeker!

• Developing valuable skill sets

  One study conducted by INSEAD, a top international business school, and the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University reported people who live abroad are not only more creative, but are better negotiators and can more readily “think out of the box.”

• Learning a new language or improving your language skills

  Being able to speak another language is an important skill if you are interested in pursuing an international career. There is no better way to learn or improve your language skills than to be immersed in an environment where you must speak the language every day.

• Developing a “global mind set”

  Having a global mind set and the ability to work well in different cultures is critical if you are pursuing an international career. But in an increasingly globalized marketplace, more and more jobs and businesses will be engaging across cultures as a matter of course. Hence having cross-cultural skills and the right mind set are becoming valuable both at home and abroad.

• Making a difference in the world

  There are numerous opportunities with international assistance and development organizations as well as NGO’s and non-profits to help you make a difference in developing and transitional countries. Whether it be in global health, policy, education, or economic development, there are many ways that you can contribute to improving the quality of people’s lives worldwide.

• Having an adventure or experiencing a different lifestyle

  Not only will you have opportunities to travel and see how different people live, think, and work, but in many cases you can have a much better quality of life. Most certainly you’ll have experiences that will help you grow both personally and professionally.

An international job search is different from a USA-only job search in many ways, and Megan Fitzgerald, Job-Hunt’s International Job Search Expert will help you understand how to succesfully navigate these waters.

About this author…

Megan Fitzgerald is an expat career and personal branding coach, CEO of Career By Choice, and your guide to the world of international careers. With two decades of experience supporting professionals and entrepreneurs in 40+ countries across 6 continents, Megan uses a 360°approach to help expats and international job seekers become highly visible, sought after, and land work abroad. You can read about expat careers at CareerbyChoiceBlog, and also find her on Twitter as @ExpatCoachMegan, on Facebook, and, of course, on LinkedIn.

The post International Job Search Guide appeared first on Job-Hunt.