Approximately 4% of expats living and working abroad are corporate transferees. This number is expected to grow with the rise of job employment in Middle East countries like Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.
However, living and settling in a foreign country can be challenging, let alone finding expat jobs. Not only will you have to change to a radically different language and culture, but you also need to find a suitable position to suit your skills and abilities.
In other words, you need to be prepared to spend a great deal of time and effort into your search. Here are a few tips on how you can find expat jobs in the most effective manner.
- Networking is Key
Networking is not at the top of everybody’s checklist. It’s downright awkward, demanding, draining, and incredibly time-consuming, but it can save you a great deal of work, especially if you’re looking for expat jobs.
Having a strong professional network can provide a roadmap to your career success. Effective networking does not only land you a job faster, but it will also provide you with a competitive advantage across every phase of your career.
Close to 85 percent of open opportunities abroad are filled through networking, so it’s crucial to find backdoor routes into new organizations. Take a step further and reach out to your colleagues or friends in your chosen country and ask about the job opportunities.
- Learn the Language
While English is the world’s most popular language, it does not mean that you’re going to beat local talent. Unless there is a severe shortage of workforce, hiring officers will almost always favor candidates who can easily integrate with existing teams.
If you want a job in Germany, for example, adding German onto your curriculum vitae will catch the attention of the hiring officer, and you may even receive an interview for it. Localizing your CV is also another way to ensure that your qualifications reflect the local market.
Research what local hiring managers look for that can help you stand out among other applicants. As a rule of thumb, ensure to limit your resume to two pages for desirable results.
- Check Your Documents
Migrating to a new country and finding a job often boil down to particular visa requirements. Middle East countries, for instance, require you to acquire an employer-sponsored work visa.
However, those who are joining family members have an advantage as they only need dependents to sponsor them. Your nationality could limit your prospects even if you’re the most qualified candidate available.
So, always check the nation’s rules before taking a plunge on a job-seeking trip. Highlighting specific Visa information in your CV and cover letter will make sense as well.
- Reach Out to Recruitment Agencies in Your Local Neighborhood
While this might seem counter-intuitive, reaching out to recruitment agencies will provide you with the necessary information to navigate foreign waters. Recruitment agencies are present to fill the talent gap, and they usually have sufficient knowledge of the international job market.
Check out recruitment agencies that have overseas employment firms like Expatriates. They are likely to have already built a strong relationship with big companies in your line of work. Getting a recommendation from them will carry more weight.
