Conducting an International Job Search
- Employment Information
- Job Search Information
- Job Search Strategies
- Sources of Potential Employers
- Sources of Job Vacancies
- Additional Information
Conducting an international job search takes time and persistence because there are additional issues to consider when job searching internationally than when conducting a domestic search. An international job search will more than likely require you to utilize the Internet and resources that you may not be familiar with. Knowing specific sites to search and key words to utilize will help you streamline your search. The information in this handout outlines some important Internet resources and provides you with tips on conducting an international job search. In addition, there are many resources in print you may utilize; some of these resources are also provided in this handout.
An essential step in conducting an international job search is to investigate laws about working in the country of interest to you and follow guidelines for obtaining appropriate Visas and work permits. Key resources for obtaining this information include the following:
- Embassy World
- The Bureau of Consular Affairs: An embassy or consulate office may provide important information to expatriates such as information related to Visas, travel, medical assistance, emergencies, etc.
- US Citizenship and Immigration Services (previously the INS): This site provides information about working in the United States.
- Work Permits: This site provides information about working in a variety of countries including Canada, New Zealand, the United States and the UK.
- Internet search engine: Utilize a search engine like Google or Yahoo! to target a specific country. For example, by typing “UK and work permit” or “UK and Visas”, you will be directed to several sites which will provide you with country-specific information.
Basic elements of job searching (resumes/curriculum vitaes (CV), interviews, cover letters, etc.) vary by country. It is essential to know the requirements for the country or countries in which you are seeking employment. Resources for obtaining this information include the following:
- International Student Exchange and Study Abroad Resource Center: This site provides an overview of CV’s, interviewing tips, job applications and social nuances related to the job search for a variety of countries including the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia.
- Expertise in Labour Mobility: (click on individuals) This site contains information about resumes and CV’s, management culture, Visa requirements, interviewing and application process for over 30 countries.
- Internet search engine: Utilize a search engine like Google or Yahoo! to obtain information about a specific area. For example, by typing “UK and CV format” or “UK and interviewing”, you will be directed to several sites which will provide you with country-specific information.
- Going Global: This site provides information about resumes/CV’s, interviewing, employment trends, etc. for a variety of countries including Belgium, Norway, Korea and South Africa. There is a cost for some information but the majority of information on this site is free.
To be effective in your job search, you must utilize several strategies and not rely on one source to identify job search information, employers and job openings. Consider utilizing several or all of the following:
- Faculty, alumni and classmates
- College Career Services
- Employment agencies
- Networking (word-of-mouth)
- Informational interviews (this is a form of networking that requires you to be proactive and meet with potential employers or professionals in your chosen field to obtain additional information about different occupations or industries)
- Internet search
- Job fairs
- Libraries (you can often find employer directories and information about resumes/CV’s, interviewing, etc. in your local or university library)
- Local classified advertisements (in some countries, this is one of the best resources for obtaining job opening information)
- Professional organizations (conferences, newsletters and websites)
Sources of Potential Employers
In addition to the resources that have already been mentioned, employers may be identified by utilizing the following resources:
- World Wide Chamber of Commerce: Chambers of Commerce provide information about businesses in specific geographic areas. They often also can provide information about events; these events may provide good opportunities for networking.
- Directory of American Firms Operating in Foreign Countries (Uniworld Business Publications, Inc., 2003). This book is available at the reference desk of most libraries. It contains a country-by- country listing of American companies.
- Telephone Directory/Yellow Pages: Most areas have Telephone Directories/Yellow Pages which may be utilized in identifying employers. You may also utilize the World Yellow Pages online at http://www.worldyellowpages.com/.
- Internet search engine: Utilize a search engine like Google or Yahoo! to target a specific country. For example, by typing “UK and employers” you can obtain information about employers in a variety of industries. By typing “UK and banks”, you can obtain information about employers in a specific industry.
Job vacancies can be identified from many resources. Most employer websites have job openings listed on their site and have information about how to apply for the job. In addition, the following resources may also be utilized:
- Employment agencies
- Networking (word-of-mouth)
- Internet search (there are numerous job search sites including: http://www.jobpilot.com/, http://www.rileyguide.com/internat.html, http://www.state.gov/m/dghr/flo/rsrcs/pubs/4510.htm
- Local classified advertisements (in some countries, this is one of the best resources for obtaining job opening information)
- Professional organizations (conferences, newsletters and websites)
- City, local, regional governmental agencies
Be focused; know what opportunities you are interested in pursuing and be able to clearly articulate your skills, interests and goals.
Get experience in your field so that you will be more marketable. You may consider doing an internship or volunteering so that you obtain additional experience in your field.
Learn more than one language.
Be persistent and follow-up with individuals you have contacted about your job search.
Be flexible and adaptable (try not to limit yourself to one country).
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