Applying for Work Abroad
For many people the thought of finding an ideal overseas
assignment and then relocating abroad for a few years is a dream.
For a few people that dream actually becomes a reality.
So what's the difference between those who dream about making it
happen and those who actually find work abroad and experience a
whole new exciting lifestyle away from home?
Application - that's what!
Application in the form of applying oneself to the task of
finding suitable work abroad, and application in the form of the
CV, resume and covering letter sent to suitable employers and
recruitment agencies...
Applying yourself: -
If you want something in life, experience should tell you that
you have to go out there and get it for yourself. Opportunity
seldom knocks on the door quick enough for any of us; therefore
if you dream of working abroad you need to start looking for
suitable vacancies in your overseas location of choice.
If you speak a foreign language you might be drawn to countries
where they speak that language because you will have an obvious
advantage over other overseas candidates. If on the other hand
speaking English is your only linguistic skill you should either
look at opportunities in English speaking countries or target
countries like Dubai in the United Arab Emirates where the
business language is English and where there are a plethora of
job vacancies.
Whichever country you settle on you can use the internet to
search for employment offers, recruitment agencies and
potentially suitable employers based in that country, and you
can then begin contacting them one by one.
Making an application: -
To get anywhere in life it is sometimes necessary to put
yourself forward - and if you're looking for work overseas
you're going to have to put yourself forward to be noticed in
the form of an online application or CV/resume and covering
letter.
Because your CV will be your initial contact with any recruiter
it has to represent you in the best possible light possible.
This means that your resume and covering letter have to be well
written; if you're applying in a language other than your mother
tongue you should consider paying for a professional translation
to be done because recruiters hate receiving poorly put together
job applications. In their view someone who cannot be bothered
to make the maximum effort with their personal CV probably
cannot be bothered to do a good job full stop and are therefore
hardly worth considering for employment. Therefore it is up to
you to put together the most well written, compelling and
interesting application for employment possible.
Don't fill out your CV or covering letter with lots of flowery
embellishment, be succinct and to the point. You should
illustrate why you think should be considered for employment
with examples of relevant experience you have and you should
ensure you supply details of qualifications you have, referees
who can supply personal and employment references and you should
include all your personal contact information.
Finally, having targeted employers and recruitment agencies and
having made the best application for employment possible, you
should follow up your application and remain proactive and
relentless in your search for that ideal overseas assignment.
After all, only those who live their dreams have a chance of
true fulfilment.