7 Basic Tips to Find Work Overseas And Expand Your Opportunities

Interested in starting a career overseas? Working abroad can be an exciting way to broaden your experience and advance your career growth. It's an attractive prospect for Malaysian jobseekers. However, you must know that this significant career takes a lot of work. So, where do you start? How do you land a job overseas? In this article, we tell you everything you need to know.

Benefits of Working Overseas

Employers are always searching for top talent in today's competitive job market. As a jobseeker, you should not let your geographical location limit your opportunities. Working overseas can be seen as a valuable asset to your career. Prospective employers could be intrigued by your overseas experience; this could also motivate them to get to know you more.

The possibilities are endless if you're willing to explore foreign lands. Working overseas can expand your skills to greater heights. You'll be exposed to new concepts and ways to approach your craft, putting you at a more competitive level. Not to mention, the network you can build will open even more doors for you and take your career to the next level.

How to Find Work Overseas

Finding an overseas job can be a daunting task. It is different from any travel you're used to. When figuring out how to work overseas, branching out and exploring various options simultaneously will increase your chances of finding the perfect position.

However, you must figure out whether working abroad is right for you. Here are a few things to consider when getting a job in another country.

1. Figure out why you want to work overseas.

Finding a job abroad, processing visa requirements, and settling your responsibilities won't be a walk in the park. But while the whole process may be challenging, it is achievable once you've set your mind. Like in any stage of job hunting, the key to success here is smart planning. Figure out the job you want to pursue and make sure you are willing enough to change careers.

Pro tip: Try out an alternative career path.

Consider career alternatives by researching other career options overseas. According to JobStreet Decoding Digital Talent report, most Malaysian jobseekers in the field of Media & Information, Law, and IT are willing to explore overseas work opportunities in Singapore, Australia, and the United Kingdom. These industries rely heavily on digital tools that jobseekers can easily navigate in a career change.

2. Decide where you want to work.

Take into consideration the culture you are exposing yourself to. Draw up a shortlist and research the employment prospects in each country. Assess the working environment and how it will fit with your interests.

Find out about the culture and customs of the country you chose to relocate to. Immersing into a new culture is exciting, but unfamiliar cultural expectations can be challenging when working abroad. Make sure you factor in the logistics and cost of living that can affect your finances.

Pro tip: Partner with an agency or program provider.

Partnering with an agency to help you find a job in another country is a way to make your life easier. You can find a wealth of resources online. Whether you’re still looking for jobs abroad, researching work placement requirements, or actually applying for work, several platforms can help you match with a potential employer and complete your career transition smoothly by dealing with the paperwork needed.

3. Develop your job search strategy.

One mistake jobseekers often need to correct when trying to get a job overseas is not narrowing their search pool. Sit down and determine the methods you'll use to track job leads. Utilise job portals like JobStreet, where you can use filters to help with your job search. You can also sign up for networking fairs or webinars where you can connect with potential employers remotely.

Pro tip: Consider applying for advanced studies overseas.

You can go the academic route if the job search gets too overwhelming. A postgraduate degree opens up many opportunities to find a job abroad. Not only would you be developing your skills (further enhancing your marketability to employers), but the time you spend at a foreign university will also provide you with many networking opportunities.

4. Reassess your skills and localise your resume.

Finding a job abroad offers an extra challenge for candidates used to search for local jobs. Ask yourself where your current skills and background will most attract potential employers. Some countries have in-demand jobs and encourage global talent to apply to boost their workforce. You must stay ahead of the curve and reassess your skills to compete with other international candidates.

For one, your cover letter and resume/CV must be strong enough to get noticed by international hirers. There's much more competition at stake, so your resume must convey why you're the right person for the job. For example, employers in Australia and New Zealand require jobseekers to submit a CV or a more detailed work history. Forming your resume or CV to match local expectations can make all the difference to a prospective employer.

Pro tip: Do an internship.

If you have yet to decide on what career to pursue overseas, you can test the waters by doing internships. Internships can provide you with valuable opportunities and practical skills for the workplace. Not only will you further hone your skills and experience the culture, but there's also the possibility that you'll gain additional skills to your resume.

5. Take a quick trip to your desired destination.

If you have the financial means, travel to your target destination. Knowing how the locals go about their day can relieve some nerves. This way, you can scope out the culture and logistics. You can also use this time to research the cost of living and how it will affect your finances.

Pro tip: Get a working holiday visa.

As a foreigner, getting long-term, stable jobs will be challenging. Different countries may have other policies when it comes to accommodating foreign workers. The reality is that work visas or permits will eventually expire, and you are expected to renew your documents. Working holiday visas allow you to visit a country for up to 12 months. It is also called seasonal work. This way, you can work as you go, managing your finances while spending time overseas.

6. Look for internal overseas opportunities within your company.

For employees working at multinational companies (MNCs), this is one of the best ways to help you score an overseas job. Many MNCs offer foreign transfer programmes that give their employees a chance to experience and be trained at any of their international offices. The process for these work assignments is often streamlined as the MNCs take care of their chosen employee’s visa processing, logistics, and transfer requirements, even shouldering their housing and transportation needs.

Pro tip: Get involved in volunteer work.

You can also try overseas volunteer work if your current employer doesn't have overseas work opportunities. As an overseas volunteer, you'll do more than travel to another country and explore a different culture. It's helping communities, sharing knowledge, and becoming part of a global network. It could also open doors to a permanent work opportunity or influence your career trajectory.

7. Contemplate your desire to move.

Moving overseas is a big leap for your career. Although it poses many bright opportunities, the future must be discovered. It can have a considerable impact not only on your professional life but also on your personal life. By leaving your home, you'll risk not having a ready support system to lean on.

Some people find that living overseas is different from what they expected. Make sure you have the right mindset and enough research to support your decision. Talk to experienced individuals and weigh on your situation. If you research and find that you're still just as enthusiastic, it could be a sign it's meant to be.

Pro tip: Live the life of a digital nomad.

You can still experience working overseas from the comforts of your own home. In the digital age, everything is possible. You can try freelance work overseas as a digital nomad. These jobs let you work from anywhere. You can enjoy your dream destination's work culture and benefits with your laptop and internet connection.

Choosing to work overseas is no small matter. In fact, it may be one of the most difficult choices a person might make in life. Although the process can seem annoying and never-ending, there will always be light at the end of the tunnel. Make sure you have a clear plan for what you want to do.

Ready to go? #SEEKBetter opportunites by exploring overseas work. Update your JobStreet profile and start your job search. 

For more expert career advice, visit the Career Resources Hub.