If you’re thinking of moving overseas to widen your career prospects, we’ve gathered the best advice from the experts
Start by teaching English
Joe Hallwood, co-founder of Tefl Org UK: “Get a job teaching English, then you are in the country and able to arrange meetings and visit companies. You will also get a good idea of the place and whether it’s right for you.”
Use social media
Ravi Soni, careers adviser at the National Careers Service: “Looking for jobs abroad can be similar to looking for jobs in the UK. The internet has lots of resources to help people find work abroad. A good place to look is the prospects website, which has country profiles with a wealth of information about working abroad. There are ways offline too – network with family, friends and work colleagues to find out if they know of anyone who works abroad.”
Rebecca Grigg, corporate recruitment manager for Hilton Worldwide: “Having an up-to-date LinkedIn profile is key. Many employers recruit directly via LinkedIn and there are also a number of industry specific groups that you can join – this will assist you greatly with networking.”
Network effectively
Ryan Kahn, founder of The Hired Group, star of Hired on MTV and author of Hired! The Guide for the Recent Grad: “Create a list of the top 20 companies you’re most interested in, and pursue them relentlessly. Then use social media and networking to acquire a contact at each. As a result, you’ll know 20 people at the 20 companies you are most interested in working for.”
Dasha Amrom, founder and managing director at Career Coaching Ventures: “Get to know as many people in your field in different countries as you can, arrange informal Skype chats to ask them questions about their work and company. Get to know them so that when a position opens up, they can recommend you within their organisation. Applying online will probably yield fewer results if you don’t adopt an effective networking strategy simultaneously.”
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Get relevant work experience
Matt Gould, HR director Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), and general counsel for Telstra: “Work experience always helps; it shows an employer that you understand what work is about. I think trying to get your first job in another country is doubly hard, and trying to get visas without experience can often be a challenge. If you are a good candidate with the right skills, then your application will be considered, despite not yet living in the country. Often companies in south-east Asia are very happy to look at those who may be willing to relocate.”
You don’t necessarily need a degree
Joe Hallwood: “You don’t need one, but it is easier to find work with a degree and you won’t have the same choice as a degree-holder. In some countries, a degree is needed for a visa, for example in China, but in Europe, a degree isn’t entirely necessary.”
Internships are a great way to get your foot in the door
Ryan Kahn: “Internships are popular and a great way to get your foot in the door. Since internships are often entry-level positions, if you’re a graduate, you may want to check with your careers service at your university to see if they have any alumni or contacts to help you make introductions for securing an internship.”
Age shouldn’t be a barrier
Matt Gould: “If you are willing and able to relocate, then age shouldn’t be an issue. It is about experience, passion and drive.”
Dasha Amrom: “Age could be a factor (although of course it shouldn’t be), so make sure you create a strong case as to why you are looking for this change now and what you can bring to a particular role.”
Attribution: Guardian Professional, Images (GoThinkBig)