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This post contributed by Vanessa Fardi at NEUVOO.com. Neuvoo.com provides job leads in over 60 countries, including the U.S., Canada, and the U.K.
Leaving your home, friends, and family behind to move to another country, where everything that surrounds you is completely different, is not an easy task. You must get used to different people, different cultures, different food and sometimes a different language. Despite the challenges, some people are still drawn to leaving their country of origin and traveling to settle down for a while on the other side of the planet.
In order to get established in a new country, there are some important items you will need to take on: finding a job, a house, room, or an apartment, learning the basics of the native language, and mastering cultural differences are just the beginning. But let’s focus on finding a job for now. Follow these simple recommendations and you will be well on your way to finding a job abroad.
- Do your research. Before applying for a job abroad, you need to be informed about how they manage resumes in the country you are moving to. Do you need a cover letter? Short or long resume? Do you need to attach your certifications? Or is your resume acceptable as is? In some cases, you will need to translate and notarize your degree and other certificates, so it is very important to do your research.
- Spread the news. Once you make a decision about the place you are going to be living next, tell every single person you know. This way, you will probably meet people who went through a similar experience or that are natives of the country you chose. Your aunt will always have a friend of a friend who spent their summer in a far away and exotic country, and that person may be helpful to you.
- Consider all your possibilities. Before quitting your job and booking the first ticket to Timbuktu, find out if the company you are currently working for offers exchange programs or if you might be eligible for transfer to another branch. Other options are searching online for a job abroad, searching your alumni networks and social network connections. Volunteering is also a great way to work abroad; and can be a very rewarding experience.
- Be smart. Always let the employer know, in your cover letter or during the interview, that you have done your research about the different aspects of living in their country and that you are willing and prepared to start working on a specific date. Furthermore, try to provide proof that you are flexible enough to adapt to a foreign environment.
- Don’t be scared; relax. You have done your research and you have talked to every person you know about working abroad. You have looked for jobs online, you know everything there is to know about your target country, and you have saved enough money to survive at least two months without a job. You are officially ready. Of course it is a bit scary to live somewhere completely new, but it will probably be the most exciting adventure of your life. Go for it!
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