Working worldwide: Tips for landing an overseas job

Dreaming of working abroad? Having a well-crafted plan can increase your chances of securing your ideal overseas job. Here, we share valuable tips to help you land the perfect role and make your move a success.

Moving abroad for work can open many doors: better work-life balance, improved living standards, a higher salary and promotion.

But relocating overseas requires careful thought and preparation. It’s not a decision to make on a whim.

Here, we share some steps to help you find the ultimate role and make your international job move a success.

Step 1: Do your research

Before applying for roles, take time to do some research. It’ll help you avoid unexpected challenges later on.

An obvious place to start is the job market in your chosen location. Find out about overseas job opportunities, salaries and potential employers.

• Culture: make sure you fully understand cultural and social norms and ask yourself whether you’d be able to integrate into society.
• Cost of living: this will help you budget effectively and give you an edge in salary negotiations.
• Legal requirements: find out if you'll need a visa or work permit to comply with local laws.
• Schools: if you have children, research education options and the quality of education on offer.

Government websites can be a reliable source for information about cultural norms in other countries. They provide insights into etiquette and social expectations as well as safety considerations and practical advice for foreigners.

Step 2: Start your job search

There are various ways to find overseas job opportunities.

A good starting point is company career pages. It’s common for organizations to advertise job openings on their own website. It means they can attract potential candidates, with an interest in working for them, directly.

Another option is global jobs boards. Employers post job openings on these websites and candidates use them to find suitable positions.

Try generalist sites such as Indeed which has more than 60 local sites, or boards exclusively for the finance industry such as eFinancialCareers. LinkedIn is another good platform for job seekers.

Industry associations, including the CFA Institute, also tend to advertise jobs on their website.

Another approach is to leverage existing professional connections and participate in networking events. There may even be international job fairs in your area.

Step 3: Tailor your application

Take the time to customize your resumé to meet local standards of the country you want to move to.

Consider the preferred format and structure. Are there any required details, such as references?

Highlight skills and experience that are highly valued by employers in the region. If you’re a member of a well-known association, for example, include this information.

That’s what Kate Freeman, CFA, Financial Advisor at UBS, did when she relocated to the US from Australia.

"When I moved to the United States, no one here knew my degrees or the universities I attended. So by getting the CFA designation, I was far more appealing to employers," she said.

If relevant, it may also be worth getting your resumé translated to show how serious you are about relocating.

If you’re not confident writing your own resumé, consider hiring a professional resumé writer in your target country. They can help you make sure your resumé is tailored, accurate, and presents you in the best possible light.

Step 4: Prepare for interviews

Job interviews can vary significantly across different countries. In the US, for example, interviews can be relatively informal, whereas in Europe they take a more formal approach.

Research common interview practices in your target country. Reach out to contacts in the region for advice. It’s worth knowing who typically conducts interviews (HR, the CEO?), how many interview rounds you should expect, and whether it’s standard practice to do presentations.

Don’t forget about language barriers. If relevant, you may need to prepare to answer questions in the local language.

And be prepared to discuss why you want to move abroad.

Remember, the interview is also your chance to find out more about the organization and living and working in the region or country. So, make sure you prepare your questions in advance.

Step 5: Connect with people in your new country

If your overseas job hunt is successful and you’re set to relocate, get in touch with people in your industry in your new country before you leave.

Start with social media. LinkedIn’s search feature is a great way to find professionals in your industry and location. Drop them a message explaining your move. They may have invaluable advice. You could also join industry-specific Facebook groups.

Finally, don’t forget professional associations. These are great places to form connections, offering online networking events - and eventually in-person meetups when you’ve relocated.

Looking for more career tips? Check out these articles

• Top tips for switching careers
• Don't let setbacks stop you
• How to turn exam failure into success