Detect the countries that need your skills
What is your expertise and who needs it? When considering jobs abroad, you should keep in mind that the competition comes from everywhere — the local population and the rest of the world. Thus, you should be very clear about what specific skills you have to offer to the market (sales is just too broad) and where is your talent wanted. For example, at the moment, Germany is looking for about 5,000 doctors, and there are many vacancies for automotive and mechanical engineers.
Evaluate the country's work-life balance
Finding several countries which may welcome your qualifications is one thing, but readjusting your everyday life is a whole different story. Before you start sending applications left and right, get a grasp of the culture and living conditions of each country you consider. What is the cost of living? Is it a safe country? If you are planning to move with your family, what is the quality of the education and healthcare systems? The embassies of the countries you wish to work in are an excellent source of practical information, however expat forums and blogs are the best way to find out about the aspects of the daily life for an expat employee in the country.
Test the waters
If you find it difficult to locate work in the country of your preference, or you are having trouble understanding the country's labour market, you can book a short trip to the destination to get a better idea of the place. Of course, this results in additional expenses, which may have a massive impact on your budget. However, in the long term, an introductory visit to the country may prove to be very time and cost effective, and most importantly, it may save you from disappointments and misconceptions. An ideal situation is to have already some contacts in the country who are willing to host you for a few days or show you around. If this is not the case, try to connect with other expats in advance, and conclude with several companies you would like to work for, so you can visit their offices once in the country.
Understand the visa requirements
Meeting the residence requirements and obtaining a work visa can be, depending on the country, a straightforward process or an exhaustive list of bureaucratic rules. So, before submitting your job applications to a specific country, make sure that you qualify for a visa. Some reliable ways to obtain information about the formalities of a country are to look at online country guides, contact the embassy, and speak to other expats. Some popular expat destinations such as the United States, South Korea, Mauritius, and South Africa don't grant visas or work permits unless you have been hired already, and the employer has agreed to sponsor you at their expense.
Think local to go global
Corporations in your home country may have offices in other countries, and small companies in your area may act as the regional offices for international companies. If finding a placement abroad is taking more time than you were expecting, consider working in an organisation with global reach. Soon, you may be assigned an overseas assignment, or you might be able to discuss with your supervisor or manager transfer opportunities.
Establish a professional online presence
The first thing that your potential employers may do when they receive your application is to enter your full name into a search engine and go through the results. To prevent rejections based on some fun yet unprofessional moments you had in your life, remove anything that is even borderline unprofessional from your profiles, or adjust your social media settings to “private”. Also, it's strongly recommended to create a LinkedIn profile and a professional website or blog showcasing your work and expertise.
Adapt your resume to your target-country
Resumes differ from one country to another, and when preparing your resume, you should take into account the format that the country supports. For example, in the US, the UK, and Scandinavia, you shouldn't include a picture of yours or any other personal information such as age, gender, and marital status — emphasis must be given on professional experience and education. On the other hand, in Central Europe and Asia, personal information is expected in a resume, which is almost always accompanied by a photograph. Also, if applying for jobs in China, remember to state the reasons you left your previous jobs.
Prepare for live video interviews
In most cases, if you are considered for a position abroad, the first interaction with your potential employer will be via a telecommunications application which supports video chats and voice calls. You may often use Skype to keep in touch with your friends abroad, but going live for a video interview can be slightly different. Remember, the first impression is the most lasting, so dress as you would for a face-to-face interview (aka formally), sit up straight to help your voice come out strong and clear, and ensure good connectivity to avoid delays and misunderstandings in the communication.
Commit to a minimum length of stay
As with local jobs, there are possibilities for short-term work and permanent positions abroad. Even though things don't always turn out as planned, having a timeframe in your mind will help you establish the goals you want to achieve during your expatriation project, stay focused, and be honest with your employer about your long-term plans. Hiring an expat can be costly, and companies want to know in advance that the expenses, time, and paperwork are all worth it.
Demonstrate your expat-to-be attitude
When companies are about to hire an expat, they don't only look at the qualifications and skills, but they also take into account personality traits. Characteristics such as flexibility, curiosity, adaptability, and patience help expats accustom to their new environment and be productive at work. Also, showing to your employer that you are keen to learn a new language and join evening classes, will be highly appreciated.
Watch out for hiring scams
When searching online for jobs on the other side of the world, it's likely that you will come across hiring scams, which aren't always obvious. Avoid applying for any job that requires a downpayment for your application to be considered. Also, be careful with the information you provide on online applications, and never give your bank or credit card details.
