If your dream is to travel to different places, experience other cultures, or start life in a new place, a job abroad could be the right choice. While there is a wide variety of things you should know about applying for a job abroad, the process is not as difficult today as it was in the past. Technology makes it easy for you to find and apply for jobs in other countries. You need to do your research and make sure you meet all the requirements before applying for a particular job.
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Part 1 of 3: Looking for Opportunities
Step 1. Research the countries you are going to
You should know practical information such as the type of visa and immunizations you need. You should also understand the culture and living conditions of the country. Find out the cost of living to make sure you get a job that can support you properly. Understand information related to safety, health facilities, and travel warnings.
- Contact the embassy of the destination country or visit the website for information on the terms of employment.
- Look for job websites created by expats working in your destination country. Blogs can be a good source of information to know the daily life of expatriates working in a foreign country.
Step 2. Find out about different ways of applying for jobs
There are various ways to apply and work abroad. People in different situations may have certain preferences. Temporary and permanent job opportunities are available. When you've chosen a particular country or even if you haven't decided yet, you should spend some time researching the various ways to get a job abroad.
Step 3. Find a job as a government employee
One option for Indonesian citizens who are interested in working abroad is to work as a government employee. There are several departments in government-owned organizations operating overseas. One of the ministries that provide placements abroad is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Social service organizations such as the Peace Corps also provide lists of positions and job opportunities abroad. Positions in the Peace Corps are voluntary, but can provide great work experience.
- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs sometimes cooperates with the United Nations to open job vacancies for Indonesian citizens who are interested in working for the United Nations [1]
Step 4. Consider teaching English
One popular way to work abroad is to teach English if you are a native English speaker. There are many short and long term job opportunities in language schools and educational institutes around the world. They need native English speaking teachers. Requirements vary, but generally you will need a degree or qualification to teach English.
Step 5. Consider working for a local company that has offices overseas
Many multinational companies in Indonesia have their parent offices abroad or Indonesian companies that have branch offices abroad. Working for a company that has offices overseas gives you the opportunity to occupy a position overseas.
- Sometimes, taking a closer look at local job offers can open up opportunities to work abroad that you weren't aware of before.
- If you apply to a local company, the process will be simpler than applying for overseas jobs directly.
Step 6. Search for international job positions on job search sites
Don't just concentrate on job vacancies sites that provide overseas positions. Also use regular job vacancies sites and recruitment companies. Large organizations operating internationally may advertise overseas positions along with local positions. Look for job openings on several recruitment sites and check the job listings on them.
- Recruitment company sites often offer helpful tips for job seekers.
- Consider calling or visiting the local recruiting company's office if you think an employment advisor can offer good tips
Part 2 of 3: Getting Ready to Apply
Step 1. Apply for a visa or work permit
Most overseas companies will not consider your job application if you do not have a visa or work permit. Make sure you understand and are able to meet the visa or work permit requirements before applying for a job. The embassy of your destination country will provide information on how to get a visa.
- Make sure you have the right passport before asking about how to get a visa.
- You can also get information online about visa requirements and the application process in different countries.
- Specific information about certain countries can be found on the website of the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs [2].
Step 2. Create contacts and use your network
Finding work abroad is a difficult prospect to achieve. You must be able to demonstrate that you are suitable for the job. Also, you need to be able to offer something more than a local candidate even though it will obviously take less time to adapt. For this reason and because of the difficulties you will face in the new world of work, it is very important to use the contacts and networks you have.
- Use online networks and college alumni associations to make contact with people working in the same field as you abroad.
- Once you find people who have moved overseas successfully, seek their advice and guidance so you can do the same.
Step 3. Consider the language proficiency requirements
Language proficiency requirements vary depending on the type of job you are interested in. For example, if you work for the American government abroad, chances are that people in your office will use English and day-to-day work will be done in English. If you are applying for a job at a foreign company, chances are the office expects you to be fluent in the company's local language.
- Make sure you understand and can meet the company's expectations before you apply for a job.
- While you don't need to be proficient in the local language in order to be hired, the ability to master basic phrases will make your life abroad easier.
- Even if the company doesn't require you to be proficient in the local language, you should make it clear in your job application letter that you are willing to study and will be taking evening classes once you arrive.
Part 3 of 3: Applying for a Job
Step 1. Create a resume
When you are ready to apply for a job overseas, do the things you generally do when applying for a job at home, including creating a good, up-to-date resume. When applying for a job abroad, you should take into account the specific requirements that your destination country requires.
- This includes marital status and number of children. You should find out the requirements of your destination country.
- An international resume is likely to concentrate on cross-cultural skills and how your personality fits into the ideal profile of the employer.
- In Europe a resume is called a CV or curriculum vitae.
Step 2. Emphasize your skills and adapt to the local culture
Applying for a job abroad is almost the same as applying for a job anywhere. Employers will look at your skills to make sure they match the job requirements. If you don't have a destination country preference, but do have specific skills, do some research to find out which countries need people with specific skills like yours.
- When writing a resume, consider the culture of your destination country and adapt it to that culture.
- Work culture varies greatly. Demonstrating an understanding and appreciation of the work culture of your destination country is very important.
- If the job is advertised in a foreign language, you should write your application in that language.
Step 3. Prepare for your interview
If you are applying for a job overseas, chances are the initial interview will be by phone or Skype. In this case, you should prepare as if you were conducting a face-to-face interview. Wear appropriate clothing and consider standing up to make your voice strong.
Step 4. Make sure your behavior is appropriate during the interview
If you are going to be interviewing in the destination country, find out the customs of the country and the expectations of the company. For example, if you're going to be interviewing in Japan, you might want to bow a little low when you enter the room, but you don't have to do it in another country. In China, shaking hands is not common, so don't reach out to initiate a handshake. However, if the other person offers his or her hand, go with it.
- If you're in an international business environment, you're likely to meet people of different nationalities, so pay attention to how people interact.
- Contact the human resources department of the destination company if you are unsure about what to expect at the interview.
