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Working abroad is a brilliant way to travel more, broaden your horizons and develop new skills, but it’s not always easy to find jobs and navigate laws and regulations overseas. If you’re thinking about swapping to an office in a different location, embracing the digital nomad lifestyle or exploring vacancies in a far-flung destination, here are some practical steps to take the stress out of working abroad.
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Research entry requirements
The first thing to do when you’re looking for a job overseas is to research entry requirements. In some cases, there are strict rules, which govern who can and cannot visit and how long they can stay. It’s important to make sure that you can gain entry to your chosen location before you start browsing vacancies or researching places to live. If you don’t have access even as a tourist, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
Find out more about work-related laws and guidelines
The next step is to find out more about work-related laws and guidelines. In some countries, you can work for a set period without having a long-term visa, but this is not always the case. Immigration laws can be complex and you may be limited in terms of what you can do and how long you can work for in your chosen location. If you’re having trouble with a visa application, or you want to stay longer, it’s worth speaking to an experienced immigration attorney. If you’ve had an application rejected, or you don’t know whether you’re eligible to work in a specific state or country, lawyers can guide you through legal processes, answer your questions and boost your chances of getting a successful outcome.
Many people decide they want to stay longer when visiting exotic locations on vacation or taking a short-term job. If you find yourself in this situation, you’ll need to check the visa requirements. You may be able to extend your stay or apply for citizenship after a specific period. It’s important to make sure that you comply with immigration laws. If you don’t abide by the rules, there are usually penalties, which can be tough.
Outline your preferences and priorities
Once you understand the legalities of moving abroad and getting a job, and you’ve found suitable locations, outline your preferences and priorities. What kind of job are you looking for and what do you hope to achieve while working overseas? Some people move to further their careers and take advantage of amazing work opportunities while others relocate to travel, see the world and enjoy different cultures. If you’re working purely to fund your travels, you may be more flexible in terms of the type of job you’re looking for and the salary.
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Find a suitable job
When you have a good idea of the priorities for your trip, start searching for vacancies. Use the Internet, network, make use of your contacts and get in touch with local recruitment agencies and businesses. Tailor your search to suit your preferences. You can filter search results based on location, salary, the level of experience you have, job title and the industry. Sign up for email alerts and don’t be afraid to reach out to employers directly if you know what you want to do and where you want to work.
It’s beneficial to get organized before you travel, but if you’re looking for casual jobs and you don’t need an income immediately, you can be more flexible. Depending on your location, it’s usually relatively easy to find positions such as bar jobs, seasonal roles and flexible jobs like delivery driving. If you’ll need money as soon as you land, apply for jobs in advance and look for ways to save money when you arrive. Examples include flat shares instead of booking hotel rooms and using public transport to get around instead of hiring cabs.
Update your resume
Before you apply for any job, it’s wise to review your resume. Update essential information and adapt your application to each role. Tailor your resume to suit the job description and make sure you highlight your strengths and achievements. If you’ve been asked to provide a cover letter, use it to tell the employer why you’re an excellent fit for the job and the company and demonstrate your personality and passion.
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Get to know people
The Internet is an incredible resource for people who love to travel and those looking for opportunities to work overseas. Traveling is amazing, but it can evoke feelings of homesickness. It can be tough to adapt to new surroundings, especially if you miss friends and family and you don’t know anyone. To help you settle in quickly, use social media to join community and work groups and get to know people. Forging relationships before you go can make moving a more exciting and less daunting proposition.
Focus on reputable employers
We all want to work for genuine, legitimate, kind employers who have our best interests at heart. Unfortunately, there are too many horror stories about employers who don’t treat workers fairly. Looking for jobs online is an excellent way to find work, but it does come with risks. When you’re searching for vacancies, always use reputable, secure websites and recruitment portals and agencies, and research employers. Visit company websites, learn more about the business and read reviews and testimonials from clients and employees. Focus on reputable businesses that have a proven track record. It’s best to avoid any offers that seem too good to be true.
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Working abroad offers an array of advantages, especially for those who love to explore. Getting a job overseas opens doors for travel and discovering new places and cultures, but there are risks. It can be hard to find suitable jobs, and navigating immigration laws and regulations governing work abroad can be stressful. To minimize stress, seek expert advice, research destinations carefully and look for reputable recruitment agencies and employers. Get to know people before you move and figure out your preferences and priorities before you start your job search. Update your resume and tailor your application to each role.
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