How to Apply for Jobs Abroad (2024)

Finding a job and relocating to another country isn't like any travel you're used to -- and that's a good thing! Living and working overseas is an exciting experience and can promote both personal and professional growth.

Ready to start working abroad? We’ll show you how to find and apply for jobs overseas in three simple steps.

International job boards are a major tool for finding work abroad!

Start by narrowing your search to the desired location you'd like to find work in. Some websites even have a filter to help you search for companies looking for US citizens or English speakers specifically.

Once you find a position of interest to you, check if they sponsor international workers. Certain jobs will say in their description that they're open to sponsorship.

You can also explore the Go Overseas Job Board and find open positions with companies around the globe!

Finding online groups with similar career interests is a fantastic place to start making contacts internationally and may even land you your first overseas job.

Start by joining groups on social media sites like LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter. You'll find communities of digital nomads and international job seekers, plus companies looking to hire.

Create a profile that stands out, and showcase your passions, experiences, and goals. But don't just sit back and watch - be proactive. Reach out to hiring managers at prospective companies abroad and connect with other international workers in the field.

You can also network in the location you're planning to travel to! If you're a digital nomad looking for more potential remote work, staying at a hostel or co-working space with other travelers may be a great way to expand your professional circle and even find new work!

If you graduated from university, you can also use your alumni association to create contacts. See what the rest of your fellow alums are doing, and reach out to those living in countries where you'd be interested in working. Alumni events can also be a valuable way to grow your list of professional contacts.

Rather than just applying straight through, say a UK company, in hopes of moving to London, apply for jobs with US companies that have offices around the globe. Companies like Wells Fargo, Carnival, Hilton, and Conde Nast, to name a few, have offices and roles worldwide. They're looking for people willing to travel and move abroad in an array of positions too.

This method is especially perfect for those who want to work in the hospitality field, such as hotels. American hotel companies like to hire English speakers who know the company and how it works. Plus, most major chains have locations all around the world!

Once you find a position that you know you're right for, start applying. Easy as that, right? Not exactly..

Even if you speak the same language as the country where you're applying for jobs, not everything runs that same way, so do some research to make sure your application aligns with what the company is looking for. Otherwise, your application will go straight to the bottom of the pile.

The following tips can help you as your prepare your application:

• Check your spelling: The UK, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and Canada for instance have different spelling rules (defense vs. defence and honor vs. honour).
• Add the country's popular contact methods: Sign up for Whatsapp, Zoom, and Skype, so you're prepared to do an interview online whenever that company contacts you.
• Research the company and tailor your resume for each job: Before applying, review the company's website (especially its mission statement and about us page) to better understand its core values. This will help you better connect with the hiring manager!
• Write a strong, personal cover letter: This is your time to let them know what makes you stand out, and what will you bring to that job. You can also talk about your love for the specific field or industry, their company, and why you want to join their staff. Nothing excites an employer like someone who understands their company and believes in it.

Visas and work permits can take quite a lot of time (and money) to process. You may be asked to submit medical exams, police records, and more. You'll have to have a passport, obviously, and you might have to visit the embassy for an interview. Consult your destination country's consulate website to find out exactly what you need. Websites like VisaGuide.World can also give you a good idea of the requirements.

It's good to know the visa process and which forms you'll need, before searching for jobs abroad. Once you find a job that is able to sponsor you, make sure you stay on top of the visa process and get everything done as soon as possible.

Read more:The American's Guide to Working Holiday Visas

The dream of working abroad may seem like a challenge, but it's possible! By breaking down the process into smaller steps like those mentioned in this article, it will be way less overwhelming and, trust us, so worth it!

Ready to find your dream job abroad? Sign up for email alerts to be the first to know when a new job is posted on our global job board!