You've made up your mind; you're moving abroad to build a career. Whether it's a long-cherished dream, a desire to reinvent yourself elsewhere or to challenge yourself—many reasons might make you want to move to a foreign country. However, beware of pitfalls. Here are our tips to maximize your chances of getting hired overseas.
Applying for jobs too quickly
It's a common mistake, even when searching for a job in one's own country. At first glance, it seems natural to start your job search by sending out applications. You find a company and send your resume and cover letter. However, this might prevent you from focusing on the primary goal of job searching: understanding the labor market. To apply effectively and avoid sending out thousands of CVs into the void, take the time to analyze the local job market. This is even more crucial when seeking employment in a foreign country. Before applying, learn about the country and its culture.
Ignoring the host country's culture
What is the targeted country's economy like? How does the state influence the economic and labor markets? What about respect for employee rights? What progress has been made on women's rights? Job hunting tends to be isolating: you focus on the search, forgetting that this job is part of a broader project. Even if work triggers your new life project, it is crucial to research the host country's culture. Is it similar or very different from yours? Are you looking for a total change of scenery or not? How does one apply? Ignoring the host country's culture can leave you unprepared to present yourself or apply for jobs.
Thinking all resumes are equal
Another common mistake is to believe all resumes are the same. Candidates tend to focus on the job title and send the same resume to dozens of companies without customization. The same goes for the cover letter—they barely change the company's name, wrongly assuming the company won't notice. Yet, a duplicated CV is quickly recognized, as its content is shallow. It shows not a desire to join a particular company but a general desire to work, regardless of the company. So, make sure to tailor each resume and cover letter based on the information you have about the company.
Forgetting basic courtesy
Recruiters are often shocked by some job applications. Courtesy seems to have vanished behind a few terse phrases. Every country has an etiquette that should be learned and properly used. Candidates argue that mastering courtesy in a foreign country isn't always easy. Complications start with a simple "hello": should it be written in the email introduction? Opinions vary. Recruiters in some countries expect a "hello," while others prefer a formal "Dear Sir/Madam." Some accept both: "Hello, Dear Sir/Madam..." When in doubt, opt for the most common approach in the host country. Your email and cover letter should demonstrate your politeness.
Not sending unsolicited applications
Too many candidates limit themselves to responding to job postings (especially from large corporations). However, published offers on the Internet and other channels represent only a portion of the available job opportunities. Waiting for a company to post a job limits your chances of getting hired abroad. Instead of waiting, be proactive. Combine responding to posted offers with unsolicited applications.
Applying only to international companies
It's a mistake to think that a foreigner can only work within an international company. Many foreign professionals are on local contracts, so thinking this way deprives you of many job opportunities. Focusing only on international companies will waste much energy for little results.
Job hunting only on international websites
Similarly, candidates who only search for jobs on general international sites (usually in English) deprive themselves of numerous job opportunities posted in the local language. Most opportunities are advertised in the local job market. Moreover, limiting yourself to international websites prevents access to other job offer channels, such as specialized print media and job search events, both online and in person.
Overestimating technical skills
Thinking you're the best and relying solely on your technical skills is a mistake. There are thousands of potential candidates like you and even more local talent. Strengths and weaknesses are apparent and do not need to be shouted out. So when job hunting abroad, you should not only rely on your technical skills but also consider what living abroad entails. More importantly, why would a foreign recruiter choose you?
Talking only about yourself or the salary
You found an exciting job offer that doesn't mention the salary, so you applied and, in your message, asked only about the pay. You take the opportunity to detail your qualities and successes in three paragraphs of thirty lines each. However, this will not boost your image in the foreign employer's eyes. Instead of reading your memoirs, the foreign recruiter should see your motivation and interest, not only for the position but also for what it involves: moving abroad and undertaking a new life project.
Being desperate, only talking about the visa
Many foreign recruiters encounter a plethora of somewhat desperate applications. Job seekers are ready to do almost anything to obtain the coveted work visa. They apply in sectors far from their field of expertise yet show relentless motivation. Be careful not to overdo it. Regardless of how urgent your situation is, you are unlikely to be hired based on emotion alone. Stay professional. Applying solely for the visa shows your disinterest in the company. But if you aren't interested in them, why should they be interested in you?
Holding an outdated view of foreign professionals
The "golden expat" era, which portrayed a lavish life and high salary, is over. Only directors might still hope for lucrative expatriation contracts. If you think you're about to lead a luxurious life abroad with a high salary, a company car, and other perks, it's time to get real. Most foreign professionals experience conditions similar to those of locals: there are expats with modest incomes and difficult month-ends and others with more comfortable salaries. Inform yourself about your host country to have an accurate view of living abroad.
Feeling superior to locals
Many prospective expats believe no local worker can perform their tasks. They tend to underestimate local workers, assuming nationals are only fit for menial tasks. These candidates might only see themselves in managerial roles. This misconception stems from a "colonial" view of immigration (recall that an expat leaves their country to immigrate to another). Being condescending to local workers shows a lack of understanding of reality and your own limits. Foreign talents are not superior to local ones. Moving abroad for work involves mutual learning. At first, and at several points in their experience, foreign workers often have much to learn from locals.
Not wanting to learn the host country's language
The importance of learning your host country's language cannot be overstated. This advice applies whether you're moving for a long stay or just a few months. Obviously, you might be less invested in the case of a very short stay abroad. In both scenarios, you don't need to arrive with a complete grasp of the host country's language; knowing as much as possible may help you adapt more easily. You can then learn the rest and consolidate your knowledge in the country. So don't neglect learning the language, thinking that you're seeking a position in an international company. You won't always be at work. When socializing, knowing the local language will help you understand people around you and be understood. Are you applying for jobs in several different countries, each with different languages? Why not take up the challenge and begin learning multiple languages?
Refusing to reflect and seek help
It's challenging to land the job of your dreams on the first try, and the odds may be even slimmer with your plans to move abroad. Try to get feedback after a rejection. Sometimes, your profile matches, but the foreign company cannot afford to hire you. Immigration reforms around the world also hinder companies. To increase your chances of being hired, don't hesitate to seek help. Get support from expat coaches and international recruitment agencies.
More tips for international job hunting
Why do you want to work abroad? First, take the time to think about your move. Everything is linked: you have a life project, and your future job is part of this project. Post-Covid expatriates have figured out that work is important, but it's not everything. They seek quality of life, well-being, and work-life balance. Therefore, planning your international job search over a long period of time is important. Take the time to discover the country, search for a job, research visa options, and take care of other administrative formalities.
