International Job Search Strategies

 

When searching for work outside the US, you can use a lot of the same job search strategies you would use to find traditional placements. At the same time, there are some unique things to consider while doing a search for positions abroad.

Step 1: Define What You Mean by “International”

There are a number of different types of international jobs. Before beginning your job search, you must narrow down your idea of what it means to you to work in an international placement.

Types of International Jobs

  
International Placements:
  • American companies with locations in other countries
  • Government work with international placements
International Positions Based in the United States:
  • International companies (which may or may not involve working overseas) Examples: Guinness (Ireland), Vestas (Denmark), Nestle (Switzerland)
  • Work for an American organization in a position that requires overseas travel
  • Maintaining work relationships with other countries without necessarily travelling
  • Working with individuals from other countries Examples: immigration, social services, international education

     

  
Jobs Involving Constant Travel:
  •  Careers in the transportation, travel, or tourism field

 

Note: Many of the above are not entry level positions. More often than not, international companies require 2-4 years of experience before sending an employee abroad.

  

Step 2: Narrow Your Vision

Getting clear on your expectations and hopes regarding your experience will help you narrow down your search. Before beginning, ask yourself these questions:

  • What is my purpose for wanting to go abroad? To travel, experience new things, build a career, learn a specific skill or business?
  • What do I rate as most important? Job, location, pay?
  • What do I already know about the country I’d like to work in? What do I need to know?
  • What opportunities are there for employment in that country?
  • Do I have any connections there, or is there someone who has worked there that I can talk to?
  • How important is it that I know the language?
  • How difficult will it be for me to obtain a work permit?
  • Am I looking for short-term work or long-term work?

Generally, it is easier to find short-term work abroad than it is to find long-term work. Many students will begin with a short-term placement and work towards finding something more permanent once abroad. 

  

Step 3: Speak with People "In The Know"

What better way to learn about international job opportunities than to speak with people who have or still are working in your field abroad? Networking is a key tool in successfully finding work overseas. Locating people who have international jobs which interest you and interviewing them about their careers can provide invaluable information and assistance to your own job search. You can learn from their experiences and use them to find more resources for finding a job. Click here for more info on how to set up and conduct informational interviews.

How do I Find People?

  • Talk to everyone about your plans! The more people you share your international goals with, the better chance you'll have of finding someone who has information to share.
  • Contact the International Programs Office to obtain the contact info of current students and alumni who are currently or have worked abroad.
  • Speak with professors and other faculty members in your department. Chances are, you're not the first student who's tacked an international search.
  • Get logged on to online discussion/networking/blogging sites for people working overseas.

  

Step 4: Researching International Jobs

The key to any good job search is RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH! Find out as much as you can about

Different Kinds of Work Experiences Available
  • What kinds of programs are there to assist you? What do they cost, how are they rated? What kinds of assistance will they lend you with obtaining a work visa, living arrangements, etc.?
  • What are the benefits of doing short-term vs long-term work?
The Geographic Location You're Interested In
  • Learn requirements for working in your country of choice.
  • Learn about the employment opportunities specific to your region.
  • Explore the different cities available to you. Find out more about the culture and what to expect!
Potential Employers/Industries
  • Compile a list of companies to look into.
  • Find job descriptions and entry level positions to find where you fit.

  

Research Resources

Websites

Much of your research for jobs overseas is going to take place on the web.

  • Study/work abroad websites
  • Specific company names by category and region
  • Career Services websites of Universities in your area of interest

Click here for a list of online resources for an international job search.

Newspapers

Read foreign newspapers and periodicals. You can even subscribe to a newspaper which will keep you informed of the economic, social and political conditions in your country of choice and provide clues to job opportunities.
Read the classified ads as well as the news and business sections about your country of choice. Below is a list of some online versions of these papers:

American
Global