Finding job as an expat
Useful tips to help you reach your target.
Finding job as an expat seems fairly easy these days. Speed, frequency and density of communication have been increased. Travelling abroad is also a lot easier. These developments changed the terms in the job market. Those benefited the most are professionals with some kind of high technological expertise. It is mostly in those areas that there is a lack of skilled workforce.
Nevertheless, almost everyone can find a job anywhere they want. Even those who are not skilled in a field like information technologies (IT), computer programming, network engineering or artificial intelligence (AI) among others. In this post you can read of some tips that will help you achieve your goal of finding job as an expat.
Preparing
The world is a big place. You may need to be more specific in your research. As a first step you have to decide where do you want to go. Where do you want to live? You have to take into account many factors. The culture, the job market and relevant opportunities, security, financial and political stability: all are important. Most of all, think about your future. How and where do you see yourself in some years?
A relative subject is that of language. English is the lingua franca in the job market. Fluency in English will suffice in countries that it is the official language. Such coutries are the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, New Zealand and more. Elsewhere though, it is not enough. In many countries employers prefer applicants that can use the native language in a sufficient level. It is much easier for a new employee to be adapted to the corporate culture but also, their new life in general. Start a language that fits you and your goals. It will also make your CV seem richer.
Not many people have higher degrees in a modern field of high demand. Many do not even have relevant qualifications. There are certain skills of high demand in the job market that do not require a degree. Seminars or online courses may be enough for you to succeed in some jobs. Digital and social media marketing, cybersecurity, photography, web design, are some of these fields. Do some research. Decide what is the best for you. Begin your quest in finding job as an expat having as much skills as you an.
Networking
Those who have always been open characters and maintain a wide network of contacts will not have problems in networking. Those who do not, should work a little harder in that. Having a wide network of contacts and acquittances is very important when it comes to professional accomplishment. Re-attach to fellows from your school or former colleagues. There may be someone you know in the country or the field you have chosen. You can also attach to your national community in any country. It could be very helpful, especially in the very beginning when you land a job there.
This way, you can also be informed in time of any work opportunities in this country. Not all job openings become public. An insider may be all you need! Maybe this way you can have access to some small tips about the work environment or in general, things you have you keep in mind. Furthermore, such acquittances could promote you to companies or suggest to you any other job opportunity.
Social media
A great way to promote your job search is through social media. Maintaining and promoting accounts in certain social media is of essence. Through those you can create and promote the image you want to present. You can also advertise your skills and knowledge and “sell” yourself.
Some social media, like LinkedIn, serve this exact purpose. Through this you can build the network you need in the relevant field you want to work. Furthermore, through other social media you should build a unique and credible image of yourself. An image of your private life that shows you are trustworthy and showcase the positive aspects of your character. A potential employer may do some research about those things. They will appreciate a good image.
Connect with people living in the country you want to live and work. Demonstrate though your profiles your capabilities in the native language if there are any. Create a network of people working in a relevant field. Built your network and you will be surprised with the reception and the responses you will find.
Taking action
Since you have made your decisions and you have started networking, you have to take action. Do some research about the companies that operate in your target field or country. Gather all the data you may need. Check which job descriptions are the most needed. Find out and learn everything important.
Now that you have reached at this point and you know to whom you are addressing to and why, try to communicate with them. Technology and social networks have made possible for everyone to reach anyone. Search your target company and send a cold email to the HR department or even to the manager. It does not matter if there is a job opening or not. It is essential (in moderation) to be bold and courageous.
You should also have your CV ready to send. Configure it accordingly to stand out from the other applicants and to be interesting. Include only the elements and work experience relevant to any specific opening. Unless of course, if you can include something very special and unique. Furthermore, configure your CV bearing in mind the country where you want to work to. It is of great importance and a sensitive subject.
Recruitment agencies
Another good way of promoting your job search is to contact a recruitment agency or an employment office. It is possible that it is the way that gives you the best chances to find a job. Especially if you do not have many skills. Of course, you should be very careful for not being scammed. In case of a job proposal, you should read very carefully the terms included in the contract before you sign anything. Do your research and read some reviews. It will help you choose the right agency.
There are two kinds of agencies depending on their range, international and local ones. Each of them introduces some advantages. International agencies have already established connections in many countries. In the occasion of a specialized job search it is the best option. There may be a particular international agency for your specialization. In addition, such agencies can help you process the required paperwork, which may be different for any other country.
Local employment offices are more familiarized in the job market of the country they operate. They have knowledge of the needs in work force and the skills needed in any instance. Furthermore they have insights of job openings that do not require any special skills, apart from some vocational training. You can find a temporary or seasonal job through these offices if that is what you need.
Finally, if you have already chosen your destination country, there is one more way of pursuing your goals. Supposing you have available the time and means necessary, take a trip there. Find someone you know and trust who lives there and make him/her aware of your visit, searching for a job. Ask to introduce you to people. Meet people on your own. Be confident! Maybe that is all it takes in finding job as an expat: the first step!
Ελληνικά 
English